Penang South Island 2050 Local Plan launched

The Penang South Island project, also known as the Silicon Island initiative, is set to transform 2,300 acres of reclaimed land into a hub of smart, sustainable development.

The Penang government, through its Town and Country Planning Department (JPBD), launched the Preliminary Publicity Programme for the Penang South Island 2050 Local Plan (RTPSI 2050).

The local plan will gather public input and ensure the project aligns with community needs and environmental goals.

Public participation encouraged

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the importance of public involvement in the RTPSI 2050.

“I urge the public to participate and provide their views and ideas in this programme.

Continuous dissemination to all parties is essential so that no one is excluded from giving their insightful views and suggestions,” said Chow during the launch at Amari SPICE Penang in Bayan Lepas.

The programme, running until July 29, invites the public to visit three locations to scan QR codes and participate: JPBD at level 57 in Komtar, the hallway at level 3 in Komtar, and the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) in Permatang Damar Laut.

Penang South Island: Vision for a green city

The Penang South Island project aims to create a ‘Green City of the Future,’ integrating smart urban design with principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

“Silicon Island has been designed by incorporating the best urban design practices concerning ESG principles. We aim for a 70:30 transportation mode shift, incorporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reduce carbon emissions by 45%,” Chow added.

The development aligns with the Penang Structure Plan 2030 and the advice from the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN). The initiative is not just a local endeavour but part of a broader vision outlined in the Penang2030 plan.

After the week-long Preliminary Publicity Programme, JPBD will draft the PSI 2050 Local Plan.

This draft will then undergo a Publicity and Public Participation Programme to gather comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders, ensuring the final document reflects the community’s aspirations and concerns.

Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, chairman of the state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee, highlighted the importance of this process.

“The Local Plan serves as a primary reference document for planning and development control. It is a third-tier development plan within the national framework and the second at the state level after the Structure Plan,” H’ng explained.

Responding to a query about the establishment of a new local council or district on Silicon Island, Chow noted that the reclaimed land’s size might be insufficient for such an initiative.

However, the project developer, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SID Sdn Bhd), which is 70% owned by SRS PD Sdn Bhd, has commenced Phase 1 reclamation works through turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda.

Source: Buletin Mutiara