Tanjong Bunga's SORE THUMB, revisited

From my window, I can monitor “ progress” on the Sore Thumb. While there were bulldozers at work three months ago, there has not been any discernible activity for at least the last month.  One wonders why? Out of concern for public objection? Certainly not.  Out of fear of reprisal from the State government? Impossible. Has a STOP WORK order finally been issued? Unlikely.

To backtrack a little.  The area dubbed the Sore Thumb is located on the beach in Tanjong Bunga. It started a long time ago, as of 2002 when hundreds of truckloads of rocks, soil and discarded building materials were dumped into the sea, creating a humpbacked jetty. In fact it was an ILLEGAL reclamation of the sea in front of the Copthorne Hotel and just next to Penang Swimming Club. By law, all reclamations belong to the government.

TBRA led a public outcry, when it appeared that this jetty might be privatized. The then Tanjong Country Club had submitted plans for a marina. TBRA objected to these plans and asked the government to make the Thumb into a public park.  The population of Tanjong Bunga has been increasing and space for recreation has been decreasing. Much of the access to the beach along Tanjong Bunga road has become inaccessible to the public. For a good walk or jog, residents have to drive to the Botanical Gardens which does not help the traffic congestion.

When the Cove was built, the 4 huge towers became known as Tanjong Bunga’s Four Sore Fingers and with the Sore Thumb that made a hand saying: STOP!

Coastal Public Park Proclaimed In 2010, TBRA organized a very well attended “tea-party” where over a hundred residents claimed the Thumb as a public park. The huge gate that illegally blocked access to State land was opened and the residents proudly marched to the Thumb. Our Tanjong Bunga ADUN led the march. TBRA chairman proclaimed the Coastal Park.

Temple Construction at Chee Seng Gardens, Tg. Bunga, Penang

Preamble

Chee Seng Gardens was established since the mid-1960s. There were approximately 80 semi-detached houses. There was open access to the surrounding areas made up of low hills. This entire surrounding area has been subsequently built over with numerous high rise apartments. The open space(s) have thus been replaced with concrete and steel. Since grown with the addition of 2 and 3 storey houses.

To the best of our knowledge there is only one (1) open public area of land measuring approximately 8,000sf.

The Present Scenario

There was an unwelcome surprise recently to see an approved development for a Temple a on a portion to the small open space. Needless to say, the space will spill over beyond the temple boundary. The site is right at the entrance into the Chee Seng Garden area.This is located at the road junction of Jalan Chan SiewTeong and Jalan Chee Seng 10.

We raised the following issues:-

1. Why was there no prior notice of the intended construction given to residents in and around the said area as per City Council guidelines?

1. FYI there was an enquiry by the residents dated 26 February 2014 when there appeared to be some construction works to come. ( Appendix 1 ) The response from

MPPP dated 3 March 2014 (Aduan 02783/02/14) that the matter was being

investigated. (Appendix 2 )