WHILE most people in Penang appear satisfied with the performance of the Pakatan Harapan government, environmental issues and fears of overdevelopment appear to be the main sullying points in an otherwise high score card.

Since the DAP-led government took over in 2008, locals said the state is now visibly cleaner, more liveable and vibrant.

Wong Soon Teik, 30, said the changes in Penang contributed to his decision to return to his home state after completing a master’s in Taiwan last year.

“There are more pedestrian walkways, zebra crossings, cycling tracks, mini parks, free buses, car-pooling, public swimming pools.

“These public amenities were rare before 2008,” Wong told The Malaysian Insight.

Wong also recalls that many people, including his parents, were angry when the state government banned the use of plastic bags and polystyrene in 2008.

“Now my parents don’t use plastic bags any more, and have started recycling. People have adapted.”

He added that his parents and relatives once discouraged him from staying in Penang more than a decade ago, but now they are encouraging him to work and live in Penang.

However, he said traffic congestion in the state appeared to be worsening, as more tourists flock to the city.

“It would be good if they could improve the public transport.”

A 30-year-old freelance photographer, Oh Chin Eng, said Penang is more vibrant now, with plenty of sports, cultural and arts activities on weekends.

“It’s good for business. There are more bed-and-breakfast, cafes, bars run by young people in Penang,” he said.

Prior to 2008, there would be rubbish beneath signs warning people not to litter but such ironic scenes in Penang are rare now, said Oh.

“When I was in secondary school, my parents and relatives told me to leave Penang and have a life elsewhere, but now everyone is encouraging the young people to stay.” 

Overdevelopment concerns

But while most are generous with their praise for the changes in Penang, some voiced concerns over overdevelopment.

Political observer Cheah See Kian said while Pakatan Harapan has claimed credit for cleaning up the state, improving public amenities and allocating funds to schools and religious bodies, the state government still had many issues it needs to deal with if it is to be voted into power again.

He said topping the list would be the persistent problems of traffic congestion and overdevelopment.

A senior photographer who only want to be known as Lye said as a photographer, he is keenly aware of the increasing light pollution as he is unable to shoot the clear sky the way he could a decade ago.

Echoing the concerns of environmentalists in Penang, Lye said there are fewer places in the state where he can capture the beauty of nature, such as the hills, forests, padi fields and the sea, due to aggressive hillslope development and land reclamation. 

“They keep reclaiming the sea, will there still be beaches left for the public?”

Penang has been embroiled in several environmental controversies, including illegal land clearing at Bukit Relau, land reclamation at Gurney Drive, the Tanjung Bungah landslide that claimed the lives of 10 migrant workers and a Malaysian last year, and the worst flooding in the state’s history occurred last November.

Heritage conservationist Tan Yeow Wooi said there is a lack of planning in Penang’s development, with too many high-rise buildings surrounding George Town.

From 2008 to 2015, Penang approved more than 115 projects for buildings more than 20-storeys high, with the highest at 52 stories. 

“It’s as if they don’t have proper planning. For instance, in residential neighbourhoods with mainly double-storey terrace homes, there would be a high-rise,” said Tan.

“It’s unsightly and would cause overpopulation and traffic congestion.” – March 9, 2018.