PENANG will start preparatory works for the Penang Silicon Island project today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

“With the approval of the agencies involved, the preparatory works for the Silicon Island will begin from today and continue until the related works are completed,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times today.

“On behalf of the state government, we express our highest appreciation to the state DOE (Environment Department) for the careful assessment that has been given in evaluating and approving the EMP (environmental management plan).

“The decision is the result of cooperation and joint efforts to ensure that the development of the Silicon Island project complies with the environmental and safety standards of the local community.”

The DOE approved the EMP for the project on July 21.

The environmental impact assessment report for the Penang South Island project was approved with 71 conditions onApril 11, said the report.

The state government has scrapped two of three islands planned under the south Penang reclamation project.

The remaining island, named Silicon Island, is about 920ha large. – September 1, 2023.