THE Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project has gotten the green light from the National Physical Planning Council.

The project was presented to the council, chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, today.

“The council has agreed to PSR’s implementation, with 18 recommendations,” said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in a statement, without detailing the said recommendations.

“Penang will comply with the council’s recommendations and take into account comments by the relevant technical departments… the project will be implemented in accordance with Section 2A(2)(b) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.”

PSR is the funding model of the ambition multibillion-ringgit Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which aims to alleviate the state’s traffic woes through new highways and a bolstered public transport system.

The project involves the reclamation of three islands, measuring a total of 1,821ha, off the southern coast of Penang island. The land will be auctioned off to generate funds to finance PTMP components.

The reclaimed islands will also provide the state with additional land for future developments, like housing and industrial, as well as Penang International Airport’s expansion.

Under the law, all government departments and agencies must seek the council’s advice on proposed developments relating to coastal reclamation and the construction of major infrastructure, like airports, seaports, rail links, highways, dams and toxic waste disposal sites, among others. – April 18, 2019.