DO NOT PROCEED WITH DEVELOPMENT ON PULAU JEREJAK

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) calls on the Penang State Government and the Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) not to proceed with the plans for a mixed development project on Pulau Jerejak, but to preserve the island as a State Park.

CAP deeply regrets to learn from news reports that the planning permission for a hotel, clubhouse and condominium has been granted by MBPP to the developer, Tropical Island Resort Sdn. Bhd without getting any feedback from the public.

There have been calls previously by several NGOs and the public to preserve the island as a State Park, given its rich natural and cultural history, with untouched forests containing valuable flora and fauna.

It is most disappointing that the MBPP has proceeded to allow the island to be developed for a resort for commercial interest instead of preserving the island for public interest.

News reports claim that conditions have been imposed on the developer by the MBPP. However, we call on the MBPP to make the conditions public and not allow the development to proceed without public feedback and consultations.

No justification has been provided for why such developments on Pulau Jerejak are needed, when there are many resorts and hotels on Penang Island already.

Penang is in dire need for more green lungs and spaces, and the natural environment on Pulau Jerejak must be preserved for our future generations.

We therefore appeal to the Penang State Government not to allow the project to proceed and to seek public feedback urgently.

Press Release, 25 May 2018