The Penang government is currently embroiled in a heated controversy over a proposed 70-acre reclamation project at the Jelutong landfill involving the China Railway Engineering Corporation Malaysia (CRECM).
The RM1.01 billion project aims to clean up the old landfill and transform it into a new development area, but the public's reaction is far from positive.
Not only has it sparked outrage, but it has also received heavy criticism from various quarters.
PLB Engineering Bhd (PLB), which holds the rights to the land, has entered into a partnership with CRECM.
According to an agreement with the state government, PLB will receive 75% of the original land and 70% of the new reclaimed land.
In this partnership, PLB and CRECM will join forces to finance and carry out the landfill cleanup work.
In return, CRECM will acquire 90% of the land owned by PLB once the work is completed.
However, this action is seen by many as a mortgage of national sovereignty, with some arguing that this opportunity is more of a trap to gain influence and profit from this crisis-ridden situation.
NGO ProtectKarpal, which represents residents around Karpal Singh Drive, described the project as a major threat to Malaysia's dignity, with the risk of noise disturbance, traffic congestion, and damage to small businesses in the area.
It also stressed the need for the Prime Minister to immediately intervene to cancel this project.
To avoid escalating tensions, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer promised to raise the issue with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, while Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim is also planning a meeting with residents and authorities to find a solution.
Is this a development project that should continue, or is Penang risking national security and sovereignty for profit?
