Tanjong Bunga Residents' Association

Gong Xi Fa Cai ! Past and Upcoming Events

2012-01-26T02:52:00.006+08:00

TBRA wishes all its members and friends Gong Xi Fa Cai !

TBRA Car Sticker

Many events have taken place over the past few months, particularly in December. Before we brief you, PLEASE note 2 important dates !

You are invited to the Official Launch of the 'Pearl Hill View Point Park' on Tuesday 31st January from 5.30pm to 6.30pm (top of the hill)

Come and learn how to assess a Local Plan on Saturday, 11 Febr. 4-6pm (Straits Regency meeting room, Chee Seng Gardens)

Now chronologically, here is a summary of what your Association did in December:

On 3 December, Lemba Permai residents took to the street in protest against two 32 storey blocks planned for their quiet low-rise residential neighbourhood. (see TBRA blogsite for pictures and story)

Several TBRA Committee members attended the full day Penang Forum on 18 December.

On that same Sunday another “gotong royong” took place on Pearl Hill.

Earlier in the month, the Dalat School students (and parents) contributed to the improvement and development of the Park with clearing, making paths, carrying & laying bricks for more permanent concrete paths, planting trees, etc. TBRA is grateful to them.

We have printed a TBRA car sticker – If you promise to stick it in your car, pick one up at the Esso station, from Andrew at Straits Mini Market or from any Committee member you know. (See picture above)

“Pearl Hill View Point Park”

On 27 December 2011 there was a Dialogue with MPPP on this park. TBRA and ADUN YB Teh have long been advocating for this state land to be gazetted as public. The State government agrees now that the 20 acre hilltop is a Public Park. This was confirmed on 16 Jan. 2012 when a Committee was appointed to see to the park’s development and maintenance. The Morning Walkers, JKKK, the Tua Pek Kong Temple, Dalat School and TBRA are on the Committee. MPPP- Pengarah Akbar (Jabatan Rekreasi, Pelancongan & Perhubungan Antarabangsa) is advisor and counterpart. Two councillors (YB Yee Cheu Teh and YB Liew Chin Tong) are also advisors. The Committee is set up in accordance with the LA21 (Local Agenda 21)

Official Launch of the PHVPP. A Greener, Cleaner, Safer Park

Tuesday, 31st January 2012 from 5-30pm-6-30pm at the landing area at the base of the Pearl Hill View Point Park, near the Temple. There will be banners, food and drinks. Please come so MPPP can see Tanjong Bunga really needs and welcomes this Park. All are invited.

Training on how to read and understand a Local Plan

Remember the Structure Plan, the Primary and Secondary Corridor issues?

If we want to have a say in what our town will look like 10 years from now, we need to be ready to comment on the Local Plan as soon as it becomes available for viewing. Most likely the time for giving comments will be limited so we had better start preparing now. (For instance right now the draft Special Area Plan (SAP) for the Penang Botanic Gardens - with 3 more concrete structures…- is only available for less than a month.)

A well-known architect and town planner (with a soft spot for Tg Bunga) is willing to donate his time to teach TBRA how to read a sample Local Plan and we are jumping on the occasion.

Date: 11 February, Saturday afternoon, TBRA invites its members to be trained, 4 to 6 pm.
Venue: Straits Regency Condo meeting room (1st floor) top of Chee Seng Gardens.

Hope to see many of you then.

TBRA Secretary

Lemba Permai Residents took to the street on 3 December

2011-12-23T11:48:00.023+08:00

Lorong Lembah Permai Empat 'Street Dialogue' of 03.12.2011

They were angry about new plans by Sri Setia developer (Boon Siew) who now proposes building two apartment blocks 32 stories high & one apartment block 9 stories high at ‘Permai Village’, in Tanjong Bunga (directly behind Lorong Lembah Permai 4) and adjacent to Nineteen, Permai Village and 2Permai new houses. Total additional apartment units would be over 500.
The new plans have not yet been approved and quite a number of residents went to express their opposition to the plans at a Council meeting.

They have the following concerns:

The developers proposed additional units are way too excessive in number.

The proposed apartment blocks are far too high for an area that was originally zoned for single storey houses.

The addition of thousands of vehicles will add to local traffic jams & density – already at bursting point.

The infrastructure cannot support these additional numbers. Parking will definitely spill over into neighboring streets.

A dead-end road in a residential area of LLP4 has been opened-up to traffic in readiness to accommodate anticipated high volumes of construction & apartment traffic.

The flow of Sungai Kelian on the proposed site has been altered; sections of the river have been filled-in, creating stagnant pools, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Despite requests to MPPP President for a dialogue regarding the objections, no response has been received sofar.

This proposed change of plans by Boon Siew will affect residents every day; it will also affect those who bought houses in Permai Village under original plans (false promises). So, find out more about this development, share our concerns & join our protest. With support from TBRA and our local ADUN there was an excellent turn-out on 3 December 2011.

Rubbish has been used as back-fill at the site

Proposed change of plan by Sri Setia

Sungai Kelian back-fill & water seepage

Danger of landslides in Tanjong Bunga

2011-08-30T01:41:00.039+08:00

On Saturday, 27 Aug., YB Teh Yee Cheu gave a press conference at Solok Tan Jit Seng, Tanjung Bunga. As always and despite the rain, many reporters had gathered to hear him. Contrary to other State officials, Assemblyman Teh is known to speak his mind and stand up for our environment and object to the over-development in Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.

This time he chose a place with dangerous erosion to tell the press about new studies that show how Penang is one of 3 States considered to be at high risk for landslides. He emphasized that MPPP does not have the geo-technical knowledge to judge the hazards of construction on steep hill slopes; that therefore MPPP should be accountable for any future disaster that might strike in locations where it had approved projects.

Another speaker, Professor Dr Jimmy Lim, a well-known KL architect, pointed at the concrete pillars designed to protect the dug-out hillside below and said that modern technology would never choose concrete pilings in a place like this where solid granite bedrock can be used. The Pearl Hill Townhouses just 100 meters directly above the excavated cliff looked dangerously exposed.

TBRA has protested against the Solok Tan Jit Seng development (23 three-storey linkhouses) long before it was approved. After protracted debate, the Penang Planning Appeals Board judged a geo-tech study sufficient and a new developer was allowed to begin construction. So, since this project has been approved, one can only hope for the best. Meanwhile, MPPP as the endorser, must take full responsibility for possible mishaps.

Professor Lim also commented on the incredible ‘development’ allowed on the North Coast. While TBRA and the Batu Ferringhi Residents’ Association (BFRA) have long protested and are fully aware of the many hazards associated with the dozen or more projects along the road to Batu Ferringhi, it was interesting to hear the views of an outsider. Professor Lim said the coastal road had been built by the British for minimal traffic at the time; it was never meant to accommodate the thousands of cars and busses plying that road now.

“Basically”, he said, “it is a cul de sac, a dead-end road, meaning all who go down, use the same road to come back. (Yes, technically, they can return via Balik Pulau, but who would come back that way after a dinner in Batu Ferringhi? No-one, right ? ) So, as a cul de sac, one has to apply the simple density rules that apply in such cases. By adding on 100 townhouses here and five high-rise buildings there, the colonial-built road now is way over capacity. It is irresponsible and beyond belief that still more construction is allowed.”

George Aeria, the TBRA chairman, applauded YB Teh’s initiative to highlight the new studies showing the dangers of landslides in Penang and two other States. He reminded the reporters of TBRA’s calls to the State government to put an immediate stop to all projects on Class III and IV hill slope gradients and end any further approvals of development projects on steep slopes. He also recalled how TBRA had pleaded with successive authorities to disapprove the Tan Jit Seng construction and how residents had held a peaceful but massive protest on the very place of this press conference (see coffee party video part 1 and part 2). Despite all this, it had been approved and construction is underway– MPPP now must ensure intensive slope maintenance and monitoring and take full responsibility for any disaster that might strike.

Elky for TBRA blogsite

The Penang public just wants its hills preserved, guarded and cared for; we look to our state government to ensure that self-serving, profit-driven entrepreneurs take their ill-conceived plans elsewhere. Our future and the future of our children cannot be left in the hands of developers.

Penang Forum Steering Committee
27 August 2011

Also see NST article "Nod based on flawed methods," 29-8-2011 with picture

Higher densities despite the Penang Structure Plan 2020

2011-08-21T19:16:00.004+08:00

Higher densities despite the Penang Structure Plan 2020

By Aliran, on 8 June 2011

Digg Digg

The Steering Committee of the Penang Forum is deeply disappointed and concerned that the Penang State Government has recently obtained an order from the High Court to strike out a court application made by the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA) for legal clarification on whether Tanjung Bungah falls within the secondary or primary corridor in the Penang Structure Plan.

We are of the view that the State Government should have done the honourable thing to allow the Court to decide on the substantive issue of the case.

The State Government is fully aware of the fears and grievances of the residents of Tanjung Bungah over the controversial modification of the sketch map in the Structure Plan as it had relocated Tanjung Bungah from the secondary development corridor (with a density limit of 15 units per acre) to the primary corridor (which allows a much higher density limit of 30 units per acre).

The amendment was only made to the sketch map and it was not re-publicised and re-exhibited before it was gazetted in 2007. The public did not have the opportunity to object to the amended sketch map. The amendment and inconsistencies with the written texts and the rationale in the Structure Plan was only discovered by TBRA in 2009.

After a protracted debate between the State and TBRA over the questionable amendment, TBRA was eventually told by the State to take the matter to court for a judicial decision.

We are therefore extremely disappointed that the State Government had thereafter applied to strike out the application by TBRA for a court declaration on a purely technical point.

We urge the State Government to act in good faith, by reviewing the Penang Structure Plan 2020 immediately, and to rectify the discrepancy in the sketch map in accordance with the entire text of the Structure Plan.

We also urge the State Government to stop allowing higher densities in development projects as they contradict those in the existing Structure Plan.

We have been informed that a more detailed draft Local Plan for Penang Island has been completed since 2008 and we call upon the State to publish and circulate the draft Local Plan for public feedback as soon as possible.

We fully support the State Government’s efforts to legislate the Freedom of Information Act and laud its recent exhibition of the Special Area Plan for George Town to obtain public feedback.

We hope that the State Government would give the residents of Penang an opportunity to engage with the State and to offer their views and opinions on planning and development proposals which would no doubt affect every resident living in Penang.

Ms Lim Kah Cheng & Dr Francis Loh
(on behalf of the Penang Forum Steering Committee)

For a Greener Tanjong Bunga

2011-04-04T02:35:00.013+08:00

On 2 April, 50 Tacoma trees were planted by YB Yee Cheu Teh, ADUN for Tg Bunga, NGO Pantai (Permatang Pasir Pulau Pinang) and TBRA.

It was a symbolic gesture to return some more greenery to our township which has lost so many trees due to savage cutting on hillsides and to make space for highrises. It was also a move to safeguard public access to the beaches.

The first 20 trees were plated in front of Coastal Towers with residents and their children chipping in and TBRA talking to the press about the hundreds of trees chopped by Surin Bolton for their two tower buildings rising nextdoor. A sudden burst of rain ensured that the trees got their first welcome on the site.

The rain did not deter the planters from moving on to the next site: the river bank next to Infinity. There is a long public path leading to the sea between the river and the towering Infinity complex. Just today, workers had started building steps down to the beach. The trees were planted along the path. People recalled how the river bank was quite gentle and pleasant with at least 4 huge raintrees. All were cut down and Infinity raised the bank to a level path with a very steep drop on the river edge. The steepness now is the excuse for a 5 foot fence with three ugly strands of barbed wire on top; the excuse is "safety". Interesting, isn't it, when they first created the danger.

The last 10 Tacoma trees were planted across the river, close to the sea in front of Cara Vista and Leisure Cove. There is still a wide open public area there where YB Teh hopes to install a sports field. To preserve the sandy area for the sports and dissuade would-be squatters, hundreds of coconut trees were planted as well."

Update for TBRA Aug 2010

2010-08-20T12:40:00.013+08:00

Dear Members and Friends of TBRA, Aug.2010

Here is an update on what your Association has been doing since the AGM.

Sea crying Orange alert

Remember 22 June? It was the day that the sea along the North Coast became orange! It had rained very heavily the days before and the island was soaked. Along the road to Batu Ferringhi, lots of the mud washed down the cut slopes left unprotected from the many ‘developments’ there. One heavy rain and the road risks becoming impassable because of mudslides. And it’s the only road we have.

Alerted by a member, TBRA immediately sent SMS and email messages to MPPP asking them to clear and monitor and to the CM & co reminding them that this would not be happening if approvals for construction had been denied. Denuded steep hillsides will suffer erosion, landslides may result, roads get flooded, and the sea has to swallow all that mud and debris. No wonder it protested: orange alert.

Our Adun YB Teh responded promptly saying… “The best solution is to totally ban development on all hill slopes along the Tanjong Tokong-Tanjong Bunga-Batu Ferringhi-Teluk Bahang " eco-sensitive tourism area and also make sure Tanjong Bunga be returned its substantive status as ‘Tanjong Bunga-Teluk Bahang Secondary Corridor’ in the Penang Structure Plan which was gazetted in June 2007 and state it very clearly in the Local Plan (Bahagian Pulau).”

Ongoing struggle re Structure Plan.

As you will recall, TBRA has been arguing to get our township back into the Secondary Corridor for years now. We have held umpteen meetings with both the previous and the present governments, written dozens of letters, even painted a colorful mural: Welcome to Tanjong Bunga ! to indicate the border line of TB town. The State Government claims Tanjong Bunga starts at Mar Vista Resort !

TBRA is pursuing its efforts to establish if Tanjong Bunga is in the Primary Corridor (allowing for high density high rises) or in the Secondary Corridor where there are limits. Mind you, judging by what is allowed to take place in Batu Ferringhi, the Secondary Corridor designation does not provide much protection…

We shall keep you informed. But it is a two-way street. Do also keep us posted. Do tell us if you hear of any new planning or concept ‘development’ that is going for approval. Keep an eye on empty lots near your place. Are they sold? Are they boarded up? Once the construction signboards are up, it is too late.

Other news in brief:

Chee Seng Gardens was flooded again but what really annoyed the residents there was the blasting of rocks and the way Bolton carries on with construction on the very steep hillside.

Another Stop-work order

Complaints about hazardous blasting with rocks flying across the road resulted in a stop-work order on Surin Bolton for all its work. The complaints were backed up by video footage on the blasting incidents given to the police along with reports. The clips were also presented to the press by TBRA chairman George Aeria on 7 June and resulted in considerable press coverage. The stop-work order has since been lifted and Bolton seems to be making up for lost time with works until late into the evening, resulting in more complaints about noise overload and absence of police supervision when blasting takes place. Residents are taking turns in showering MPPP with angry emails.

Launch of the Coastal Public Park

Strangely enough only the Chinese press covered the launch of Tanjong Bunga’s Coastal Park at the “Sore Thumb”, next to the Penang Swimming Club. The launch which took place on Saturday, 5 June, attracted over 100 residents who listened to speeches by TBRA chair and by Tanjong Bunga Adun YB Teh. The crowd then moved to the entrance to State land which has been hoarded up by the owner of the Tanjung Club.

YB Teh cut the ribbon, the banner came down, the gate was opened giving access to a path leading to the “Sore Thumb”. Although it was very hot, all supporters walked down to have a look at the future seaside park where they will be able to exercise and play games. Meanwhile, passing traffic honked three times to show their support. Upon their return, residents were treated to cold drinks and snacks graciously provided by the Copthorne Hotel.

Hilltop Park

It seems like the conversion of the top of Pearl Hill into a Public Hilltop Park is nearing completion. YB Phee Boon Poh declared on 9 June to an audience of 80 at the Hydro Hotel that he would be signing the gazetted allocation of the public park the following week. If any of you have seen confirmation of that (any newspaper clippings?), please do let us know. Otherwise it will be time for more reminders. It is so easy to make promises…

Your membership fees - we need your support…

At the AGM, last May, it was decided to start a membership drive. Some volunteers have diligently worked away at an updated computer file which slots when our members became members and when they last paid their fees. As you can imagine, there is work to do. We need to collect your fees, your donations, your ideas as well. Some of you have been mindful to pay up, others forgot. As soon as we complete the computerized list, TBRA will be in touch with you.

Become a life member !

The fee collection process has also been slowed somewhat because we are still waiting for the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to approve the option of life-membership. Once this is OK, you will most likely opt to solve the cumbersome process of paying RM12 renewal fee per year and, instead, just pay RM100 to be a life member. That way, you will support your Association and it never needs to bother you again. ROS has now promised to confirm its approval by the end of this month.

Too long to wait so we are sending you this news NOW.

Best wishes from TBRA

Launch of Tanjong Bunga Coastal Park

2010-06-01T17:07:00.011+08:00

Press Release

May 31 2010

For immediate release

Launch of Tanjong Bunga Coastal Park

.....“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot”.....

‘Big Yellow Taxi’ by Joni Mitchell ...singer/songwriter

This seems the unfortunate state of affairs Tanjong Bunga Residents find themselves in again and again! The people have requested on multiple occasions for the preservation of a coastal park/safe area as a nature preserve, for recreational purposes, for musical weekends of jazz and other multi-use purpose for the residents of Tanjong Bunga and the larger Penang community.....instead of more unoccupied high rises added to our everyday landscape!

It seems our local government is sensitive to the issues raised by her people and we will get a coastal park in Tanjong Bunga! Therefore, it is with great pleasure and sincere appreciation that Tanjong Bunga Residents Association invites the Press and other interested social media to observe Tanjong Bunga residents with YB Teh, initiate the soft launch of Tanjong Bunga Coastal Park, near the Cove Condominium on Saturday, 5 June 2010 at 10 am.

All Press and Social Media are invited. Please come and commemorate our delight for ‘Local Residents in Partnership with our Local Government’ putting our wishes first and our dreams for a Coastal Park as a priority over illegal and unwanted development.

Purpose: Launch of Tanjong Bunga Coastal Park

Date: Saturday, 5 June 2010

Time: 10.00 am

Place: Between Cove Condominium entrance and old ‘Country Club’ site on Jalan Tanjong Bunga (opposite Tanjong Bunga Hawker Center)

Refreshments: courtesy Copthorne Orchid Hotel, Penang

Forum Report: Overdevelopment along the north coast of Penang.

2010-04-29T14:30:00.010+08:00

Forum Report: Overdevelopment along the north coast of Penang.

Date: 17 April 2010 at Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel, Tanjung Bunga.

Organised by Tanjung Bunga RA (TBRA) and Batu Ferringhi RA (BFRA)

It was full house in the meeting room of the Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel on a Saturday night (despite a thunderstorm and bad traffic) where close to 150 people attended this public forum organized by the TBRA and the BFRA. About 40 of the attendees were MM2H residents.

The Forum was opened by Dr YK Leong (TBRA member) giving an overview of the Penang north coast district. This narrow strip of land consists of 4 small townships Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bunga, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. There is relatively little flat land and only one access road from Tg Bunga to Teluk Bahang.

George Aeria (TBRA President) presented the major issues affecting the Tanjung Bunga residents.

· Do you know that Tanjung Bunga has been secretly reclassified from a Secondary Development Corridor to a Primary Development Corridor thereby increasing its housing units per acre to 15 from 75?

· Do you know that Tanjung Bunga has disappeared from the Penang Structure Plan Map and that Tanjung Tokong’s boundary has been extended up to Mar Vista?

Tanjung Bunga was gazetted as a Secondary Development Corridor in the Penang Structure Plan (2005-2020) in June 2007. A Secondary Corridor has a maximum permissible density of 15 housing units per acre. In Feb 2007, the State Govt (under the direction of someone in high office from the previous state government) changed the Penang Structure map for Tg Bunga from a Secondary Development Corridor to a Primary Development Corridor without following legal procedures. A Primary Corridor has a maximum density of 75 housing units per acre. This was done without public consultation and review contrary to the Town and Country Planning Act 1976. Further, Tg. Bunga has disappeared from the Penang Structure Plan map and Tg Tokong’s boundary has been extended up to Mar Vista.

The TBRA has made several attempts with the present state government to reclassify back Tg Bunga to a Secondary Development Corridor. It has met with silence and limited response.

· Do you know that the only remaining state land (Plot B) in Tg Bunga (beside the Penang Swimming Club and The Cove where Tanjung Club used to be) has been converted to TOL (Temporary Occupation License) land. This is the only remaining state land in Tg. Bunga where the public has free access to the beach.

· Do you know that a private developer has proposed a marina and a 41-storey condo to be build on Plot B?

The TBRA has urged the state to preserve Plot B for public use and to make it into a coastal park but there is no commitment from the state.

Picture: Plot B in 2001, before the reclamation reached today's height and became known as the "Sore Thumb," and before the arrival of the 4-block, 42-storey, The Cove condos. (image credit)

Mr Low Swee Heong (a member of Penang Traffic Council) said JPJ data showed that there are more vehicles than people in Penang (1.75mil vehicles for 1.58 mil population) in 2009. The average vehicle registration growth for Penang is 9.5% per year making it the highest in the country. Swee Heong presented concerns of traffic congestion and pollution with the overdevelopment of the north coast district. There are grave concerns on emergency response services as the only accessible road to Batu Ferringhi is badly congested and jammed during holidays and weekends.

Mr Phil Langham from BFRA presented pictures and an overview of new developments in Batu Ferringhi. This area is zoned as a Secondary Corridor where the limit is only 15 units per acre but yet some projects have been approved beyond this density limit. There are currently 6 ongoing and approved projects with total in excess of 1000 housing units. Phil showed some very disturbing pictures of hill cutting and slope/cliff piling taken at some of the project sites. These hill desecration could not be seen from the road.

Project	Developer	Types
Bayu Feringghi	Plenitude	44 Semi-D’s, 1 block 32-storey condo
Moonlight Bay	Ivory	70 villas, 2 blocks 5-storey condos.
Hilltop Villas	AsiaGreen	23 units 3-4 storey bungalows
Island Resort	Ivory	270 units of 28-storey condos, bungalows, semi-D’s, service apts. and townhouses
Island Bay Resort	AP Land	172 units bungalows, villas, apartments
Shamrock Bay	OJY Sdn Bhd	62 units 3-storey link house

Ms Annelies Allain, a MM2H resident here for more than 20 years shared her thoughts about living in Malaysia. She said that there are currently 14895 MM2H residents in Malaysia. This is a small number compared to Singapore which has 130,000. Govt figures showed that out of the 15,000 MM2H residents, Chinese make up the most in numbers (about 30%), followed by Bangladeshis and UK. She said that there seems to be a big push by the Govt. and developers to build for the “wealthy” foreigners. Brochures tend to oversell with beautiful images of the sun, beaches, hills, nature and tranquility of the island where in actual fact many foreigners are disappointed when they come over. The Govt and developers overestimate the number of MM2H residents coming and this caused an oversupply and inflation of the price of properties. This gave developers an excuse to overbuild in Batu Ferringhi.

Ms Lim Kah Cheng (MPPP councilor representing NGOs) explained the workings of the MPPP. She advised the audience to go to the right department and right councilor in charge to address their grievances. The One-Stop-Centre (OSC) has authority of planning approvals for development. Details of councilors and officers in charge of various departments can be obtained from the MPPP website. She then explained the importance of the Penang Structure Plan (2005-2010) and the Local Plan. The Structure Plan is a very broadbase vision of the state’s policies in housing and public amenities, infrastructure, utilities, environment and others. The Local Plan however outlines the land use and density for every single plot of land on the island. Hence it will determine the kind of development in your neighbourhood. The Local Plan is currently in the final stages of drafting and will be out for public review and feedback soon. Kah Cheng urged the public and residents’ associations to actively participate in the Local Plan review when it is open for public feedback.

The forum ended with all the participants adopting a declaration expressing concern over excessive development in the north coast of Penang Island.

(Report by Tan Seng Hai)

Our Declaration from April 17 Forum on Overdevelopment

2010-04-23T01:20:00.001+08:00

FORUM DECLARATION

BY TANJONG BUNGA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (TBRA), BATU FERRINGHI RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (BFRA)
& FORUM PARTICIPANTS

We, the Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA), the Batu Ferringhi Resident’s Association (BFRA) & all participants of the Forum entitled “Overdevelopment on the North Coast” held on 17^th April 2010 at the Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel in Tanjong Bunga, do hereby declare that:

the border of Tanjong Bunga starts from Jalan Gajah and ends just before the Desa Mar Vista Resort;
Tanjong Bunga is in the Secondary Corridor and the diagram shown in the published State Structure Plan was wrongfully amended by the previous State Government to show Tanjong Bunga within the Primary Corridor; the diagram is to be considered null & void since it was changed secretly by the previous State Government via the then CM without following legal procedures;
the text in the State Structure Plan and the legend of the diagram clearly state that Tanjong Bunga is in the Secondary Corridor and take precedence over the changed diagram;
the present State Government has the legal authority and the moral obligation to rectify this glaring anomaly and to take all necessary measures to ensure that Tanjong Bunga remains in the Secondary Corridor;
the soon to be released State Local Plan must incorporate and clearly show Tanjong Bunga to be within the Secondary Corridor zone, which sets strict limits & requirements on all development projects;
all approved projects which have not commenced yet, are to be reviewed, esp. in terms of density, to be in line with Secondary Corridor requirements;
all future development projects in Tanjong Bunga & Batu Ferringhi must comply and not exceed the density guidelines of the Secondary Corridor;
all current and future proposed development projects in Tanjong Bunga & Batu Ferringhi must take into account the serious infrastructure limitations currently faced in these two areas;
that NO FURTHER approvals be granted henceforth for all dangerous hill slope development projects on Class III & Class IV hill slopes in Tanjong Bunga & Batu Ferringhi;
that all future development projects MUST NOT cause any environmental degradation such as soil erosion that leads to sea & beach pollution, thus severely affecting our local recreational use of beach & open space, the tourism industry & the MM2H programme;
that there be no land reclamation along the North Coast until and unless a comprehensive Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) is undertaken and approved by ad-hoc panel of experts (not only by the State Government or MPPP);
that at least two Public Recreational Parks be created for easy access by all: one on the top of Pearl Hill and the other on the rock pile, the so-called Sore Thumb, next to the Penang Swimming Club; plans for both these Public Parks have been submitted for gazetting.

We make the above Declaration as concerned citizens and residents of Penang and call upon our State Government to take all measures necessary to implement the above points in the public interest.

TBRA, BFRA & FORUM PARTICIPANTS

Tanjong Bunga, 17 April 2010

TBRA's 4th Annual General Meeting 2010

2010-04-22T19:14:00.002+08:00

4th Annual General Meeting 2010
NOTICE & INVITATION

The Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) is pleased to invite you to the AGM

Date: Saturday, 24 April 2010
Time: 3 pm Place: Meeting Room, Tanjong Bunga Community Hall (above the wet market).

Agenda

Address by George Aeria, chairperson TBRA
Approve Minutes of 3rd AGM, 18 April 2009*
Adopt Annual Report 2009 *
Adopt Audited Statement of Accounts, Treasurer TBRA*
Take note of the 2009 resolution being forwarded to ROS*
Consider any other business
Discuss matters of general interest
Closing address & refreshments

Your attendance will be much appreciated. As you know, every AGM needs to have a quorum of at least 20 members. Please make sure we reach that quorum by coming to support your Association.

Secr. TBRA

PRESS STATEMENT Overdevelopment along the entire North Coast of Penang

2010-04-15T03:00:00.003+08:00

PRESS STATEMENT

Overdevelopment along the entire North Coast of Penang

There will be a Public Forum on Saturday, 17 April 2010 from 8.30pm to 11.00pm at the Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel to highlight Over Development and apparent Unplanned Development along Penang’s North Coast from Tg Tkong to Teluk Bahang.

The Press is invited to attend and hear what residents and NGO’s have to say about the mushrooming of high rise buildings, the savage hill cutting and spoiling of the beaches in Tanjong Bunga and Batu Ferringhi. It is obvious that the traffic situation is going from bad to worse and jointly we need to reflect and raise awareness about what can be done to preserve our environment and maintain a liveable community along the coast. State Government officials will be invited, not to give speeches but listen to the people. One exception, the ADUN for Tanjong Bunga, Y.B. Teh, will give the opening address.

Uncontrolled development has become a major concern initially to Tanjong Bunga and Tanjong Tokong residents but now even more to those living in Batu Ferringhi. They have recently created their own RA, the Batu Ferringhi Resident’s Association (BFRA) and have an active blogsite. In fact, all Penang residents who used to enjoy a ‘day out on the beach’ will be affected. Moreover, the trend toward Over & Uncontrolled development is likely to happen in the same manner in other districts of the State.

The main issues that will be highlighted and discussed at the Saturday night Forum are:

Zoning issues: Tanjong Bunga must be in the Secondary Development Corridor and deliberate but secret and illegal changes must be set right.
Traffic and other Infrastructure cannot cope, despite vague promises.
Beach encroachment, illegal reclamations – who benefits?
Dangerous Hill development on Class III & IV slopes – disasters in waiting
The Importance of the Local Plan in the proper development of Penang.

The Forum will point out the many inconsistencies of the past and current State governments relating to limits on density, construction projects on very steep hills and other uncontrolled developments. The eventual effects of such overdevelopment if not quickly resolved will be serious and far-reaching.

***

Organised by Tanjong Bunga & Batu Ferringhi Residents’ Associations

Blogs: http://tanjongbunga.blogspot.com or http://bfrapenang.blogspot.com

Join our forum April 17: North Coast Over Development

2010-04-04T03:45:00.009+08:00

Worried by over-development in Tanjong Bunga, Batu Ferringhi, and more? Come to our North Coast forum. Entrance is for free, but come with an opinion.

Date: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Time: 8:30-11pm
Place: Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel, Tajung Bungah

Flower mural to fight unlawful planning

2010-03-31T04:10:00.002+08:00

Welcome to the Flower Cape !

By now everybody will have seen the huge mural painted on the wall across from the Tanjong Bunga Hotel. It was not just done because someone thought the wall was ugly and a Welcome would be nice. It is a message with flowers (bunga) to remind the State government that this is where Tanjong Bunga starts, not at Mar Vista !

Together with our State Assembly man, YB Teh Yee Cheu, TBRA thought it had to remind the government and the MPPP that the official boundaries of Tanjong Bunga town start from Jalan Gajah (near the mural) and finish at the Mar Vista Resort whose official address is 1 Jalan Batu Ferringhi. Why would they not know? Why would they want to forget? Here is the story in brief.

When deciding on zoning the State, the previous government, by right, considered Tanjong Bunga to be a tourist zone and a residential area and placed it in the Secondary Development Corridor. So the wording of the 2005 Structure Plan put Tanjong Bunga into a green zone.

When the Structure Plan was printed, the wording was still there but the diagrams illustrating the zones had been changed from green to orange. That meant Primary Development Corridor. That meant that by one stroke of a colouring pencil, the permissible density of our town had changed, allowing for all kinds of high rises and commercial buildings. Believe it or not, by the colouring, Tanjong Bunga starts at Mar Vista. And since Mar Vista is in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjong Bunga has been wiped off the map. It ceased to exist.

TBRA has protested against this for years, first nicely, then by way of lawyers’ letters and via top level meetings. Nothing doing. The State government, the MPPP, all refused to listen. So this flower mural was yet one other attempt to get our point across. In the last meeting with the head of Planning, TBRA asked if any of the staff remembered how the colouring happened. After some hesitation, they said that it was the former CM, Koh Tsu Koon himself, who personally instructed the staff to change the colour of Tanjong Bunga. Some twenty people in the room heard this, noted this and wrote it into the Minutes of that meeting.

The Minutes were sent out to all concerned starting with the very top, i.e. the current CM Lim Guan Eng, and adding that since this was an illegal act, there should be a moratorium on all further plans handed in for approval. Not until the Structure Plan diagram is corrected, should any permit be given to start constructing one more condo. The answer to date? Silence. Silence is golden, they say, but there are times when silence pays rich dividends.

Welcome to Tanjong Bunga !

A statement by Tanjong Bunga Residents' Association. March 31, 2010

How about a TBRA song? _ I gotta feeling...

2010-03-19T17:55:00.001+08:00

[Dipdive] Black Eyed Peas Video+Audio » How To Do the I Gotta Feeling Flash Mob Dance from Oprah's 24th Season Kickoff Party

Pictorials of what's to come in BF and TB

2010-03-16T03:59:00.003+08:00

Fancy a whole city on the hill in Batu Ferringhi that will bring more traffic? These pictures are what Ong Eu Soon's blog below is referring to.

One of the high-rise projects in Batu Feringgi (1 Island Resort)

Want to know what's coming up in Tg Bunga and Batu Ferringi?

2010-03-15T16:21:00.004+08:00

Blogger Ong Eu Soon has put together a worrying list of developments that includes the Batu Feringgi Island Resort developments.

He started by highlighting the Penang state government's stealthy increase of density of units per acre. Perhaps not all the projects he listed qualify as receiving "final approval" under the LGE administration, but it is enough to cover our hills with concrete.

See http://eusoon.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-trend-of-change-for-penang.html

Example of his list
http://www.apartment-penang.com/2008/08/1-island-resort.html
http://www.apartment-penang.com/2008/02/island-resort.html

2009-11-14T09:22:00.000+08:00

2009-07-09T11:37:00.000+08:00

What's happening to the "sore thumb"?

2009-06-30T16:26:00.002+08:00

Find out here:

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2009/06/29/3.html

Join a TBRA working group !

2009-05-11T11:53:00.000+08:00

What are YOUR main concerns about our town?

Maybe trees ? Maybe traffic ? Worried about Hillslides ? or Highrise congestion?
Chances are you will find likeminded people in a TBRA working group and enjoy exploring what can be done.

After the 3rd AGM, the new TBRA Committee decided on opening up 4 different groups who could focus on particular problems. Tell us which one you will join:

a. Hillslopes. Help to get a ban on construction on dangerous slopes. (leader: George)

b. Zoning. Is Tanjong Bunga in “Corridor 1 or 2” It can make all the difference in terms of density and height of buildings. Will there be 4 MORE Sore fingers next to the Cove? Or can we stop them?

c.1. Pearl Hilltop Park It has been launched, now we must start thinking of how we want it to look. (leader Lee Laine)
c.2. At night the rats at our food stalls come out ! Catch them on video to show MPPP and help campaign to clean up Astaka. (leader: Lee Laine)

d. Trees. Very few huge trees remain, let’s save those and plant more. (leader: Dato’ Leong)

Tell us, which group appeals most to you and we shall put you in touch with the group’s leader. Write to tanjongbunga@yahoo.com or leave a note on this blogspot.

TBRA moves into second gear

2009-04-24T23:59:00.006+08:00

The new committee should now be moving into second gear. We reproduce here the outgoing chairperson's speech:

TBRA’S HISTORY

Three years ago, five people got together when they found out they shared similar concerns on what was happening in their neighbourhood. They discussed about the unsightly dumping of earth and rocks in the sea off Tanjong Bunga Bay which involved questionable approvals from the authorities, the cutting of hill slopes and clearing of forests near water catchment areas for high density housing developments, mushrooming of over 40 storey high buildings on the sea front, the poor public transport facilities and the lack of transparency in governance.

They decided that they needed a platform and a channel to voice their concerns to the government and to form a pressure group. TBRA was thus born with a vision ”to make Tanjong Bunga a green and restful town with well designed amenities and facilities.”

When we applied to the Registrar of Societies to register TBRA, we found out that residents’ associations in general were formed usually in condominium and apartments, taking upon the role of management committees. Such RAs are limited to looking after the welfare of the condominium and apartment residents and promoting neighbourliness, i.e. be good and responsible residents.

The circumstances in which TBRA was founded demanded a different sort of mission from other RAs. Furthermore the membership of TBRA was open to all property owners and residents in the town of Tanjong Bunga with the postcode 11200. This in a way is quite ‘ground-breaking’ for Penang although similar RAs can be found in Petaling jaya and Subang Jaya in Selangor.

Although one can say that the population in Tanjong Bunga is relatively middle-class, there are also pockets of lower-income groups. All have equal access to the public facilities and services which TBRA wants to be upgraded, irrespective of race, religion or socio-economic status. At the same time while we respect the need for a balance of public space, private space and shared space, we must share a common vision and mission. TBRA’s activities in the past three years have been guided by its stated mission.

Back to the group who led the founding of the Association, we only had a handful of members in the pro-tem committee. Happily there were enough interest and support from friends and neighbours at the start to get the Association officially registered and making its presence and agenda known to the government authorities and the Municipal Council. All were committed to our mission and volunteered their time and their homes for meetings.
A highly successful public forum held in July 2006 started a series of engagements with the State and Municipal authorities and continues till today.

TBRA THE PAST YEAR

The past year has been especially challenging for TBRA as it had to deal with a totally new government and in particular with a new Chief Minister who had no clue what TBRA’s concerns were even though many in Tanjong Bunga had voted and supported his party! This was evident in our meeting with him last May (2008).

However I am pleased to report that our newly elected State Legislative Assembly representative for Tanjong Bunga, YB Teh Yee Cheu, has been most responsive to our concerns and has supported our causes. YB Teh has attended a number of our committee meetings and was responsible for initiating a Sustainable Development Workshop held at Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel last April, soon after the March General Elections. To his credit, I would say that no other Assemblyman in this country had worked as swiftly as he has done in working with his constituents.

Among the main recommendations that TBRA has submitted to the State Government is the need for setting up a planning commission with representations from NGOs and to hold consultations with residents’ associations in the drafting of local plans. TBRA has noted that the State Planning Committee had not responded or accepted any of its recommendations in the memorandum on the State Structure Plan and the MPPP continues to allow environmental degradation, hill-cutting and high-rise buildings on beachfronts.

TBRA has also pointed out to the Chief Minister, State Exco members and the State Legal Advisor, the ambiguity in the State Structure Plan which omitted the gazetted boundary of Tanjong Bunga from the designated ‘Secondary Development Corridor’. This has major implications on the development density that is permitted within Tanjong Bunga as the interpretation by the State government means that Tanjong Bunga will have the same high densities as George Town with no control on hill-side development.

Incidentally, TBRA has not received any official reply to our lawyer’ s letter to the State Town and Country Planning Department to clarify this serious omission in the State Structure Plan. Of course we can always count on the standard reply that the problem was created by the previous government but I am afraid that we are now being faced with Conspiracy, Ambiguity and Tidakapathy!

TBRA supported the NGO’s nominations for the appointment of Municipal Councillors, in particular the nomination by Women’s Action Council, Ms. Lim Kah Cheng and Aliran’s Prof. Francis Loh, who were subsequently appointed as MPPP’s Councillors. TBRA has also submitted its proposals for Tanjong Bunga to be included in the Local Plan through YB Teh and through Municipal Councillor Ms. Lim.

In the past year TBRA has represented affected residents and resident committees in Diamond Villa, Chee Seng Gardens and Solok Tan Jit Seng in meeting with elected representatives and government departments like JKR, MPPP and holding press conferences to protest against hill-cutting. In particular I would like to thank our Vice-Chairperson and committee members involved for their efforts in The ‘Tea Party’ and ‘Coffee Party’ organised by these resident committees as well as the petition against hill-slope development campaign. As a strategy in raising public awareness in these issues, these demonstrations have been successful as they were widely reported in the press and the new media.

As Chairman, I have also represented TBRA in lending support to other causes like the PGCC forum and the Transport Planning Committee. Two particular projects that I think TBRA should be proud of is the Hill Top Park on Pearl Hill that was launched in April, and the setting up of a signboard to demarcate the official boundary of the Town of Tanjong Bunga. These two projects were initiated with the support of YB Teh, and I hope the future committee will see to its successful completion.

For the information of members, I think a brief background to these two projects are necessary. The summit of Pearl Hill has been designated a public open space when the subdivision of the entire Pearl Hill was approved by the State more than twenty years ago. However no action was taken by the MPPP to actually develop the open space as a park and in fact there are now squatters on this public land which was intended for the use of Tanjong Bunga residents. TBRA brought this up at a meeting with YB Teh and has submitted a concept paper for its development as a hill-top park with a proposed budget.

The signboard project which is proposed in front of the junction of Tanjong Bunga Road and Tanjong Park, next to Tanjong Bunga Hotel is aimed at establishing the official boundary of the Town of Tanjong Bunga, which the State Structure Plan has ambiguously and erroneously stated as from Mar Vista resort.

WORD OF THANKS

In conclusion, I wish to thank all the Committee members who have sacrificed their family and working time and for their commitment to the mission that we have set for TBRA and most of all for putting community interests above self. I should also mention that considering the annual membership fees that we collect are really minimal, TBRA has been prudent enough not to spend much, if not any, money from its funds. This is possible only through the generosity of members who had contributed in cash and kind for specific events.

It is with the energy and support of members and the Committee, that TBRA has been able to achieve what I consider as remarkable and ground-breaking results. As chairperson, I humbly accept responsibility for all shortcomings, and in particular for my occasional long absences from Penang due to work. However I have been able to touch base through emails. I foresee more challenges ahead for TBRA as development pressure takes its toll on the quality of life in Tanjong Bunga. Only if you speak up will you be heard. Only if you are prepared to act will you see results.

I wish you all the best. Thank you.

Authorities not monitoring rock-blasting

2009-04-12T22:53:00.005+08:00

A resident in Tanjong Bunga near the Surin condominium project took these photos of continued hill-cutting and rockblasting. It is evident that on-going works have not been monitored by MPPP and other relevant departments to ensure that they comply with their conditions. From the photos you can see that earthcutting right up to the boundary of the neighbouring property. Wouldn't you be worried if you are a resident here?

According to the report, YB Phee Boon Poh was at the site to see for himself and agreed that there were contraventions. Will there be a stop-work order from MPPP?

Annual General Meeting 2009

2009-04-08T14:15:00.001+08:00

Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association Annual General Meeting 2009

INVITATION

The Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) is pleased to urge you to attend the AGM on Saturday, 18 April 2009 at 3 pm in the Meeting Room upstairs (above the Tanjong Bunga market).

Agenda

Address by Chairperson TBRA
Approve Minutes of AGM 2008*
Adopt Annual Report by Secretary TBRA*
Adopt Audited Statement of Accounts, Treasurer TBRA*
Consider any resolution (will be submitted in writing by 11 April 2009)
Discuss matters of general interest
Any other business
Closing address

* copies forthcoming soon
Please note that this year there are elections; we need to elect a new chair, vice-chair and treasurer. PLEASE start thinking of nominations.
There will also be proposed changes to the statutes so as to allow for life membership – keep a watch for the resolution to approve at the AGM.

As you know, every AGM needs to have a quorum of at least 20 members. Please make sure we reach that quorum by turning up. Come to hear about the latest activities. It will not take that much of your time. Support your local Association !

Saturday, 18th 3 pm - See you there !

Another Party This Saturday

2009-03-20T15:22:00.001+08:00

A call from TBRA (and active residents from Chee Seng Gardens, Straits Regency, Coastal Towers, Leader Garden, Solok Tan Jit Seng, Pearl Hill Town Houses & Diamond Villa) :

Come and join us ! Get some fresh air and new ideas.

COFFEE PARTY

on 21 March 2009 (this Saturday)
from 4.00 to 5.00 pm - just an hour of your time !

Let’s SUPPORT the call to STOP all dangerous Hill Slope Development in Penang

Dear Residents of Tanjong Bunga,
· Are you living in fear of your home collapsing in the future due to a nearby dangerously steep hill slope development project?
· Are you fearful of the hill collapsing or a land slide?
· Are you fearful of nearby rock blasting that threatens the lives your family?
· Are you sick and tired of the constant lorries carting rocks and earth and covering roads with mud and dust?
· Do you want a more beautiful and green Penang?

If any of the answers above are yes, then come and support your neighbours speak up against irresponsible steep and dangerous hill slope development on:

1. Date – 21st March 2009 (Saturday)
2. Time – 4.00 to 5.00 pm
3. Venue – Solok Tan Jit Seng – behind Tanjong Bunga Secondary School- below the Mt Erskine reservoir (Lemba Permai side)

Our intention is to have a VERY peaceful yet meaningful gathering to highlight all the above. So, come to the Party, with a metal coffee pot or a pan so that we can share our coffee with others and do bring a wooden spoon too. We'll make some noise around the coffee.
Coffee and other refreshments will be provided.

Cherry Blossom time in Penang

2009-03-13T21:56:00.000+08:00

Don't you wish Tanjong Bunga looks like this instead of concrete high-rises?

CHANGE OR SAME?

2009-03-13T20:47:00.002+08:00

Tanjong Bunga residents are encouraged to attend this forum organised by SUARAM:
Cat's Ruling, Change or The Same!? (English)
Date: 14/3/09 (Saturday)
Time: 8pm
Venue: Penang Chinese Town Hall
Speakers: Lim Kah Cheng (MPPP)
Choo Chon Kai (SUARAM)
Chow Kon Yeow (Exco of Penang State Government)
Teh Leong Meng (Gerakan)
contact person: Lau Shu Shi 012-8756179, suarampg@gmail. com

“一年貓政府，民聯功與過” (Chinese)
日期：15/3/09
時間：晚間八點
地點：檳華堂
主講人：
非政府組織成員劉素希
槟城中文报记者摄影记者协会主席陈云清
檳州行政議員曹觀友，
民政黨涂仲儀醫生
聯絡人：劉素希 012-8756179， suarampg@gmail. com

THE LAUNCH OF PEARL HILL RECREATIONAL PARK

2009-03-08T12:14:00.001+08:00

When: 8 March 2009, 8 am
Launch by: YB Teh Yee Cheu, ADUN Tg Bungah and TBRA
Venue: entrance to “Tua Pek Kong” Chinese Temple (top of the hill)

Sponsored by:
Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association • Malaysian Nature Society • MPPP • Lions Club

Please come and join us to celebrate the launch of a new park in Tanjong Bunga this coming Sunday. The very top of Pearl Hill is State land and will gradually be converted into a recreational park, adding beautiful views and exercise grounds for the many joggers, walkers and climbers in the Tanjong Bunga area.

On this historic day, TBRA is happy to announce the launch of this park by our Assemblyman, YB Teh Yee Cheu, with co-sponsorship by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), the Lions Club and MPPP. MNS will be able to advise on environmental aspects, the Lions Club will encourage recreational activities and MPPP will oversee the topographical management. YB Liew Chin Tong, member of Parliament, has also promised to be present.

The many high density and high rise developments which have been built in Tanjong Bunga have led to a serious lack of public recreational space or consideration for the natural settings. This is very evident when comparing the new condos with other earlier developments in Hillside and surrounding areas. The earlier housing projects had many small neighborhood parks that serve as play ground for children and areas for relaxation for the adults.

The new park, located at the summit of Pearl Hill, is currently zoned as public open space. It is accessible by road via Puncak Bukit Mutiara. A detailed proposal is being considered by the State Government.

TBRA (Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association)
For more info contact: Lee Laine at 012-5811123

Why Tanjong Bunga Residents are protesting

2009-02-17T10:52:00.007+08:00

This afternoon, in Tanjung Bunga, residents used this form of protest to loud effect during a Valentine’s Day ‘tea party’ to protest at property development projects on steep hill-slopes. Some one hundred and eighty residents turned up in Chee Seng Garden in front of the Bolton Surin project, calling on the Chief Minister and the state government to stop the project for good.
They are also calling for an end to all Class 3 and 4 hill-slope projects, saying they do not want to see a repeat of the Highland Tower and Bukit Antarabangsa tragedies. Led by long-time Chee Seng Garden resident Andrew Aeria, the crowd observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the tragedies.

Andrew, using a loud hailer, said that residents were wondering whose interest the state government has at heart: the developers’ or the people’s. “We voted for change because we wanted the state government to make a difference,” he said. “If we don’t see any change, we know what we have to do.”

Not only was there a greater risk of landslides, water catchment areas too are affected.

write up by Anilnetto.com at : http://anilnetto.com/accountability/tg-bunga-residents-bang-pots-and-pans-in-protest/#more-8204

NO CHANGE BUT WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS!

2009-02-16T17:15:00.003+08:00

It seems like residents who live near hill-slopes will face an uphill battle (pardon the pun) to get the government to stop developments on high-risk slopes. Whilst residents in Tanjong Bungah were staging a protest, the Minister of Works while opening a seminar on hill-slope developments was saying that the country is so short of land that we have no choice but to build on hill-slopes. That is of course the developer's mantra and does not bear scrutiny if you consider the fact that foreshore land is being reclaimed in Penang Island like there is no tomorrow. In Penang and in other states there are many parts that are as yet either undeveloped or not properly developed. The Minister is either being misreported or missed the point that protests are aimed at development of high-risk slopes on Class III and Class IV slopes and no one is objecting to development per se. The issues of safety of residents and property are not being addressed. Kudos to the Bukit Antarabangsa resident who demanded for the report on the latest landslide... and did not resort to shoe-throwing.

The period of CHANGE - Make a date on February 14

2009-02-08T22:29:00.003+08:00

Dear TBRA members,
We hope you all enjoyed the Chinese New Year festivities with your family, friends and neighbours. This is indeed a period of change, and one of the changes is "CLIMATE CHANGE".
How does climate change affect us? In many ways.... one of the most obvious for us is that more landslides and flooding will occur due to heavier and longer periods of rainfall. While there is little we can do now to reverse this climate change due to more carbon emissions, we should at least avoid disturbing hill-slopes and hill-cutting.

Even before the horrific landslide in Taman Antarabangsa, the residents of Chee Seng Gardens in Tanjong Bunga confronted the developers of a hillside construction project about an "accident waiting to happen". A stop-work order was slapped on the construction site by MPPP demanding that more retention ponds be built to avoid the floods that had frightened residents.

After 2 weeks, such stop-work orders are lifted once the developers have complied. But the steep hillside (over 35 degrees) still has plenty of dangers: huge boulders need to be blasted, erosion is on-going and the walls between the neighbouring condos are far too thin to provide any real protection against landslides. More letters and meetings with local authorities took place.

But the blasting and digging goes on. After several joint meetings of the condo residents associations, and the Chee Seng residents, supported by TBRA, the groups have now decided to launch a massive but peaceful no-confidence protest.

We call it a Tea Party and it will take place on:

14 Febr 2009 (YES, on Valentine’s Day)
from 4 to 5 pm
at the top of Jalan Chan Siew Teong
in Chee Seng Gardens *

We need you to be there in solidarity.
Only if hundreds of residents turn up, will the authorities pay attention.

This is no longer a local issue, it is an opportunity to tell the new Penang government that the residents are fed up with dangerous hill slope development, that Tanjong Bunga has had enough high rises, enough deforestation, enough erosion. We don't want any new construction on Class III (25-35 degrees) and Class IV (above 35 degrees) slopes.

A meeting was held with the Chief Minister on 21 December and he seemed to agree with the demands of the protesters but was hiding behind the decisions of the Old government and the fear to be sued. Unless we show him that we mean business, matters can comfortably slip back into the State and the MPPP closing their eyes and allowing developers to carry on.

We want commitments in writing, we want a clear ban on Class III & IV hill slopes, we want existing developments to stop unless they are proven safe (by independent engineers) and there is real assurance that safety of exposed slopes is monitored by a competent hill slope committee also after the projects are finished.

So come join us at this Tea Party with banners and posters, with tea kettles (or old pots and pans) and bring wooden spoons…. (Why? You’ll see !)

Sign the petition ! and let the few remaining unspoilt hills be your Valentines for an hour on that day.

* Enter Chee Seng from Tanjong Bunga village and drive uphill or take the road leading up opposite the floating Mosque. All the way up. Come in jogging gear. There is plenty of parking space.

May the Year of the OX bring you Prosperity and Good Health

2009-01-24T10:56:00.003+08:00

HAPPY AND SAFE 2009

2009-01-03T16:19:00.001+08:00

PEACE AND GOODWILL TO ALL FROM TBRA

2008-12-25T12:42:00.001+08:00

Christmas at the Venetian, Macau

Christmas in Macau

Christmas at the Pavillion, KL

Tale of Two Islands

2008-12-14T13:08:00.015+08:00

Penang Island's Waterfront

Hong Kong Island's Central Business District: Hong Kong's public expenditure is 10 times that of Penang.

Pedestrian linkages in Hong Kong enable people to move about safely.

This is Hong Kong Island.

AS expected, too much is at stake for the Penang State Government to ban hill-slope projects in the State. (see previous post). The case of Hong Kong should be taken within its proper context. Much public funds would be needed for the State and Municipal authorities to monitor and maintain built slopes. I believe Hong Kong's per capita GDP is at least three times that of Penang's, and its annual budget expenditure is 10 times that of Penang and MPPP's combined. Its population is about 7 times the size of Penang's. It's wishful thinking to expect the Federal Government to pay, as the PM said, for some people to enjoy the good view. We just do not have the resources, period.

Hong Kong's public services is super-efficient. It is business-friendly in the true sense of the word. For example, the huge investment in public infrastructure such as its public transportation system and its famous pedestrian linkages between and within buildings that are all geared towards making it easy for people to move around and providing an efficient business environment.

These are the priorities that Penang should consider and not be distracted by projects that are bound to create environmental problems, degrade the landscape and spoil the natural beauty of the island.

The Penang State Structure Plan has reported that there is sufficient developable land in the State and the present housing supply including those coming onstream is sufficient to last until the year 2020 and beyond. So there is really no justification for the government to allow our hills to be cut and degrade the natural environment.

If it is really that important for the economy and the people of Penang, then the State Government should impose a levy on developers and purchasers of hill-slope developments to pay for the monitoring and maintenance of built slopes.

The Street, Drainage and Building Act and the Local Government Act should be amended to remove the 'protection' clause for those in authority. Let Councillors be answerable and subject to legal action.

No blanket ban on hillside projects in Penang
This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my/)URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/14/nation/2805042&sec=nation
__________________________________________________________________________
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government will not introduce a blanket state-wide ban on hillside projects, state Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said.
He said good practices and guidelines was the key to avoiding disasters.
“We are concerned about landslides but we do not intend to take a drastic stand and ban hillside development altogether.
“With good guidelines and engineering practices, development can go on,” Chow said before launching a courtesy campaign at a shopping centre here yesterday.
Citing Hong Kong as an example, Chow said hillside development could be carried out smoothly with the right guidelines.
However, he said, the state government would not hesitate to slap a stop work order on any project which flouted the guidelines.
“We have issued many stop work orders since we took office (in March). The important thing is to ensure that development on hillsides are done safely and under close supervision,” Chow said.
He said the state executive council had, on Friday, decided to form two supporting committees to the recently formulated independent panel of engineering advisers that was given the task of evaluating hillslope projects in the state.
“A supervisory committee will help in overseeing hillside development projects with the state Town and Country Planning Committee acting as the secretariat. The enforcement committee, on the other hand, will work under the Penang Municipal Council to ensure all rules are complied with,” Chow said.

Read between the lines: Hillslope developments to continue

2008-12-11T10:10:00.011+08:00

Hill cutting in Batu Ferringi (photo by CKS)

Former Minister's lament in 2006, The Star

Hill Cutting in Tanjong Bunga, Lembah Permai (photo by: CKS)

Compared to the Selangor Government's bold policy on hillslope developments, the Penang State Government still has a long way to go. Some time ago the previous government sent a State delegation to Hong Kong (it seems our present CM has taken the same route). Of course what they found out was the simple fact that our State government cannot do what the Hong Kong government is doing in slope maintenance and management.. we just simply do not have the resources. One would then conclude that as the government is unable to maintain and monitor slope conditions, then the obvious solution is not to allow hillslope development until we reach the level of economic development and the resources of the Hong Kong government.

One has to read between the lines of the following report to conclude that hillslopes development in Penang will continue even afer landslides in Paya Terubong and Batu Ferringi have occurred.

Penang forms panel to check hillside developments
By: by Bernard Cheah (Dec 09, 2008)

GEORGE TOWN (Dec 9, 2008): The Penang government has formed an independent panel of engineering advisers to monitor and evaluate the conditions of all hillslopes that are being developed.Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said yesterday the panel, headed by Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) chairman Prof Dr Eric Goh, will review weekly geotechnical reports submitted by the developers for their projects.He said the move is necessary to ensure stringent steps are taken to avoid any landslides or disasters.“We would like to give confidence to residents living on the hills as well as those residing along the foothills.”There are eight development projects on hillslopes on the island and one in Seberang Perai.Among the developers on the island is Ivory Continental Sdn Bhd, whose project on the Batu Ferringhi hillslopes includes three condominium blocks of 28 storeys each, 15 units of four-storey country houses, six units of three-storey semi-detached houses and a three-storey clubhouse.The others include GLM Property Development Sdn Bhd (two blocks of 28-storey condominiums with carparks in Bandar Tanjung Bungah), DMV Sdn Bhd (37 units of three-storey bungalows on Jalan Batu Ferringhi), OJY Sdn Bhd (62 units of three-storey link houses on Jalan Batu Ferringhi), Ivory Meadows Sdn Bhd (a seven-storey block of luxury condominiums on Jalan Batu Ferringhi), Plenitude Heights Sdn Bhd (a 32-storey condominium block, 44 units of three-storey semi-detached homes and a seven-storey clubhouse in Bandar Batu Ferringhi) and Taman Ratu Development Sdn Bhd (45 units of three-storey terrace houses in Tanjung Bungah).“The state government has issued nine stop-work orders since coming to power in March,” Lim said.He said the Penang Island Municipal Council has been instructed to ensure seven key conditions are adhered to by the developers in their weekly reports.Goh said the panel would also make regular site inspections. --- end ---

--- Article Information ---
This article was emailed from Sun2Surf.
Article's URL: http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=28318

Selangor Government Leads in capping Hillslope Development

2008-12-11T08:55:00.000+08:00

Bitter vindication
by Elizabeth Wong
ONE of the earliest policy decisions by the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor government was to throw out any housing and building applications for Class 3 and Class 4 hillslopes to preserve environmentally sensitive areas and prevent landslides. This was decided at an executive council meeting on April 2.
Selangor became the first state in the federation to have complied with the Federal Town and Country Planning Department’s Total Planning Guidelines 1997 (2nd edition, 2001) which states that no housing development should be allowed on slopes with 25° and above gradients.
Developers thought it was a late April Fool’s joke. Since our ban, they have used all means – the media, blogs, lobbying by state reps and MPs etc to change our minds. We were vilified as “anti-business” and “anti-development”. I have even had some of our Pakatan MPs asking us to make exceptions for Class 3 slopes.
I was told they particularly disliked me and called me “lan-si” (arrogant) just because during a public meeting of developers, NGOs, residents and the exco, one of the key developers questioned how the state government could stop hillslope development, and I answered, “Because we can…” And none were too happy when I had to repeatedly wave the Total Planning Guidelines book at them.
And every couple of months, we have had to repeat our policy decision. Even as recent as last month, developers were insisting that they had the right to develop hill slopes and some had told a couple of exco members that they were planning to sue us. One of them said we would have to compensate them RM330 million (25% of our state budget) for possible loss of profits. Imagine the pressure of a lobby group whose combined income and assets dwarfs the state government!
Saturday’s tragedy proves the correctness of the decision of the state government. But vindication which comes after the loss of four lives and more homes is unspeakably bitter. There are some 5,000 residents living in the vicinity of the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide who face uncertainty and may have to vacate their homes.
We ask that developers stop pursuing and pressuring us to review our policy, and instead thoroughly go through every single technicality of their existing hillslope projects.
While Ikram and the Public Works Department are responsible for pinpointing the cause of the tragedy, the state government will immediately review all approved hillslope projects by the previous administration, whether standing or partially built.
Those where there is no construction yet but approved before March 8 should not be allowed to proceed, especially along the same range of Bukit Antarabangsa and Hulu Kelang – which should include Taman Hijau and Bukit Melawati.
We had come too late. Many of the hillslope projects have been standing for a number of years, some were half completed when we came into power. Without proper maintenance of slopes and drainage on these private lands, tragedy will strike after many years, always after the period of indemnity is over. Those areas shown to be prone to landslides such as in Hulu Kelang, where the Public Works Department had flashed its red card in 2005, more stringent conditions will be imposed on existing projects.
All developers and private land owners have to protect and reinforce their own hillslopes if they want to continue to prosper, own property and do business in Selangor. We recently received complaints from Ampang, Kajang, Cheras and Pandan where private landowners and developers have neglected to protect hillslopes and there are already signs of wear and tear. Some have used plastic sheets and some said they were bankrupt and don’t have the funds to repair their slopes. Whatever. If they do not do the necessary, we will blacklist them.
We ask that “people” be put ahead of “profits”.
We are heartened that finally, after eight months of battling the housing industry, the federal government has come to our side to give Selangor, both the moral and policy support it needs, with both the prime minister and deputy prime minister calling for all hillslope development permits to be cancelled.
We can only hope the federal government doesn’t forget Dec 6, 2008 - like what had happened to Highland Towers (1993); Taman Hillview (2002) and Kg Pasir (2006) - which was less than a kilometre from Saturday’s landslide. Lest the lives lost would be in vain.
The writer is assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan and state executive councillor in charge of the environment. Comment: letters@thesundaily.com

(Thanks to Andrew Aeria for the headsup)

Tanjong Bunga's Hill top park

2008-09-25T22:17:00.003+08:00

A look-out tower for panoramic views of Pulau Tikus bay, George Town and the mainland!

Steps and railings for easy access to the hill top.
(photos taken in Bunbury, Western Australia)

Let's make it a real: Tanjong Bunga's Hill-top park on Mt Erskine (Pearl Hill)

2008-09-25T10:31:00.004+08:00

William Daniell's aquatint, 1821 of 'View of Mount Erskine and Pulo Ticoose'

Mount Erskine and Pulo Ticoose Bay, 1818 by Captain Robert Smith, Penang Museum.

John James Erskine, Assistant Superintendent of Marine in Penang, owned the hill of his namesake where was located the signalling station that guided vessels entering the North Channel. Today, the hill is known as Pearl Hill in Tanjong Bungah.

The topography of the mainland is clearly visible including the Prai River and the profile of Bukit Mertajam.

FREAK FLOODS AT JALAN CHAN SIEW TEONG

2008-09-11T10:36:00.004+08:00

IT seems hill-cutting continue to be permitted by the local planning authority despite many cases of land-slides, soil erosion, floods, etc.
Recently, there was flooding of houses and this on a hill-slope in Chee Seng Gardens..!
This is what one of the residents have to say:
"I think a STOP WORK order has to be issued by MPPP in Chee Seng on both developers to put all the developers on notice that we shall not continue living with their nonsense. And the State Govt and MPPP can do this. I cannot accept the current view that this State Govt's hands are tied and that we cannot do anything. That is just a defeatist cop-out excuse to allow developers to run rough-shod over all of us."
The President of MPPP has replied by email to one of our resident's complaints saying that a STOP WORK order will be issued if necessary.
Is this the case of shutting the door after the horse has bolted?

More reports and comments by Anil Netto:

http://anilnetto.com/accountability/are-you-concerned-about-tg-bunga-hill-slope-projects/
http://anilnetto.com/accountability/heres-why-penang-should-ban-hill-slope-development/
http://anilnetto.com/accountability/amazing-ever-seen-a-flooded-hill-slope/#more-2190
http://anilnetto.com/2008/05/26/penang-govt-should-establish-its-green-credentials-fast/
http://anilnetto.com/development-issues/will-penang-follow-selangor-in-banning-hill-slope-development/

Time for a Town Plan for Tanjong Bunga

2008-07-15T07:44:00.002+08:00

Tanjong Bunga is designated as a third -level town in the hierarchy of urban centres identified in the State Structure Plan. It's time we have a town plan based on rational town planning principles and vision of the residents.

There should be a proper town centre where the present market and community centre is located. BSG's upcoming development should be integrated with the site of the present RapidPenang station. Nearby there is the post office, health centre and police station. All these facilities should be within walking distance of each other and accessible by public transport.

There is also the need for sports and recreational facilities. The Town Park should be where the state land has been reclaimed off the previous Tanjung Club. Perhaps a public swimming pool could be built there too!

Telok Bahang - Tanjong Bunga Development Corridor

2008-06-25T15:39:00.002+08:00

The State Draft Structure Plan shows clearly in this map extracted from the report that Tanjong Bungah is located within the secondary development corridor. The Structure Plan (pg. 4-8) states that:
"Tanjong Bungah - Telok Bahang Corridor represents existing tourism corridor that is undergoing rapid development with 5-star hotels. Infill development of low to medium density will be allowed in the zones identified for general housing (15 units per acre), low density housing (6 units per acre), general/restricted tourism and commercial (plot ratio 1:1). Its natural beauty such as beach resorts, hills and forest will contiune to be preserved as primary assets for the development of this corridor. .."
Apparently the State Town And Country Planning Department which is responsible for the drafting of the Structure Plan is now saying that this policy does not apply to the area within which Tanjong Bungah is located as shown below!

THE STATE STRUCTURE PLAN GUIDES PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

2008-06-07T10:49:00.004+08:00

How many of us have heard about the Structure Plan? Not many I would bet. Considering the huge importance this document has over our lives, it is amazing that not many people pay attention to it.
The State Structure plan or "Rancangan Struktur Negeri" in Bahasa is a broad policy plan according to the Town And Country Planning Act, "a written statement- among other things-
(a) formulating the policy and general proposals of the State Authority in respect of the development and use of land, in that State, including measures for the improvement of the physical living environment, the improvement of communications, the management of traffic, the improvement of socio-economic well-being and the promotion of economic growth, and for facilitating sustainable development;

The Act also states that the policy and general proposals in the Structure Plan must be justified by the results of survey that has been carried out by the State Director of Town and Country Planning.

In May 2005, TBRA (then protem-committee) and a number of NGOs participated in the publicity of the Report of Survey exhibited by the State Director Of Town And Country Planning. TBRA then highlighted the fact that there was insufficient publicity given to the Report of Survey. Other than the required notification in two newspapers, there were no public posters put in community centres and other public places informing the public of their rights to give their comments.

Nevertheless, TBRA submitted a three-page memorandum and attended a hearing chaired by the then State Economic Planning Unit Director.

TBRA points out several inconsistencies in the Report of Survey and the Structure Plan.

1. the assumptions that were used in making population projections were not stated. The North East district in which Tanjong Bunga is situated has the highest density. The area for committed developments reported was 1856 hectares, not including the reclaimation areas in Tanjong Tokong which will add another 500 hectares. Added to this, the high development densities allowed in the North East district will further add to the population imbalance in the State highlighted by the survey.

2. There was no explicit distribution of population growth by districts.

3. Environmentally sensitive areas: we proposed that developments on hill slopes should be limited only to detached houses with plinth area not exceeding 30% of the lot.

4. Although Tanjong Bunga has been designated within the beach tourism zone, there is no plan to improve public access, beach activities and natural environment. Instead more and more high-rise high density developments have been allowed. The construction of high-rise apartments on the beach is in conflict with the beach tourism strategy.

5. The survey projected that 20,000 rooms are needed by the year 2020. If the beach tourism zones, like those in Tanjong Bunga continue to be allowed to build high-rise apartments, there will be no suitable land left to build hotels, tourist resorts and other tourism facilities.

6. There is an excess housing stock in North East District by 46, 348 units up to year 2020. Therefore housing densities should be maintained as in existing terrace housing developments of 12 units per acre.

7. There is a shortage of community facilities and public recreational open space in Tanjong Bunga. Although the survey includes private facilities like the Penang Swimming Club and Chinese Swimming Club, these are private clubs and cater to populations outside of the Tanjong Tokong - Tanjong Bunga - Batu Ferringi and Telok Bahang areas.

TBRA has already pointed out the discrepancy in the Structure Plan's illustration map which does not show that Tanjong Bunga is in the secondary development corridor.

TBRA calls upon the Chief Minister who is the Chairman of the State Planning Committee to address these issues. TBRA as an organisation that looks after the public interest of Tanjong Bunga residents in particular should be consulted in the drafting of the local plan as is required by law.

SO WHERE IS TANJONG BUNGA?

2008-05-29T22:27:00.002+08:00

If the State Exco has its way, Tanjong Bunga will be wiped off the map, literally! The Penang Structure Plan has clearly designated Tanjong Bunga - Telok Bahang as the Secondary development corridor (Spatial Development Policy No.5 - DSU5 L1) while the George Town - Tanjung Tokong Corridor is designated as the Primary Development Corridor. This is fine and it is just what Tanjong Bunga residents are asking for. But wait! In the illustration map in the Structure Plan (Fig. 4.2 Penang State Development Corridors) the name Tanjong Bunga does not appear in the area coloured green which denotes Secondary Development Corridor. The State Town and Country Planning Department (JPBD) has this interpretation that the Secondary Development Corridor starts from Mar Vista Resort. However according to the Town limit gazette notification P.U. No. 50 of 30-6-66, the boundary of Tanjong Bunga starts from where Tanjong Bunga Hotel is located.
It is indeed curious that in such an important diagram, a nondescript development named Mar Vista Resort is prominently labelled instead of Tanjong Bunga. Even more curious is that Tanjong Tokong is labelled in the location where Tanjong Bunga should be.

Well, it appears that the State Exco has swallowed this interpetation of JPBD hook, line and sinker! God help us what have we done on March 8?

North Coast residents want balanced development

2008-05-15T13:34:00.009+08:00

A scenic bridge in Croatia, an emerging holiday destination in the Adriatic Sea for Europeans. Here the beautiful and pristine sea and natural environment is retained.

First of all, we express out full support to the government in practising the principles of competency, accountability and transparency.

We are well aware of the many issues that the new government has to deal with since its formation but we would like to focus on the physical or spatial planning aspects as they impact most on every one in Penang.

We fully acknowledge the need for the government to create a ‘business-friendly’ environment in order to spur economic development in Penang. However this must be clearly translated into practical actions of improving the delivery system, reducing the cost of doing business, clean and efficient public service, eliminating red-tape, ‘no-wrong door’ policy, quick and accurate access to information, and so on.

Creating such conducive environments for existing and potential investors should not be confused as a ‘pro-business-at-the-expense-of’ mentality. We have seen how demands by certain segments of the business sector have influenced the ‘pro-business’ government in the past at the expense of everybody else and Penang’s unique environment.
Put in another way, we urge the State government to adopt a sustainable development approach that considers the need to balance development with the conservation of our natural resources, which precious little has been diminishing at an alarming pace, and to improve the quality of life in Penang.

There are many important employment generating economic sectors like tourism, education, health, services, R&D which have not been given the required attention in the State’s Structure Plan, but instead there has been an over-emphasis on real estate development which like a beaver, is gnawing away Penang’s precious hill slopes, forests beaches and valuable agriculture land.

We are therefore submitting that an expeditious review of the State Structure Plan policies is urgently needed as everything else (investment promotions, local plans) will emanate from it.

In the mean time, we are not suggesting that planning applications or development should be stopped but rather to sieve those that have more serious environmental, traffic and social impact so that they can be evaluated against a local plan that has been drafted with public consultation respecting the spirit of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Participants submit recommendations to Penang State Government

2008-05-12T16:28:00.004+08:00

The recent workshop on Sustainable Development of Penang's North Coast was attended by over 70 concerned individuals representing at least 6 local organisations, including the Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association. The workshop was initiated by YB Teh Yee Cheu, ADUN for Tanjung Bungah. The participants drafted a number of recommendations which being applicable to other geographical areas in the state was submitted to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Friday, 9th May 2008 at his office.
The workshop was sponsored by Paradise Sandy Beach Resort and a private company based in Tanjong Bunga.

Malaysian Developer OJY Blasts Rock w/ Kids In Nearby Pool

2008-04-10T00:06:00.002+08:00

Courtesy of Daren Jenner

Have your say in Tanjong Bunga's Development Plan

2008-04-09T16:21:00.004+08:00

PRESS STATEMENT

WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PENANG ISLAND’S NORTH COAST, Paradise Sandy Beach Resort, TANJONG BUNGA, PENANG, APRIL 26, 2008

TBRA Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association is pleased to announce a one-day Workshop on Sustainable Development of Penang Island’s North Coast to be held on April 26, 2008 at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort, Tanjong Bunga, Penang.

The workshop is initiated by ADUN for Tanjong Bunga, YB Teh Yee Cheu, and hosted by Paradise Sandy Beach Resort.

The objective of the workshop is to chart the direction for the sustainable development of Penang Island’s north coast by bringing together the local community and other stakeholders to establish a common vision for the future.

The workshop is designed as an inclusive and participatory way to plan for the development of this environmentally sensitive area.

People living in the island’s north coast including relevant MPPP and government departments are invited to participate in group discussions on a wide array of topics concerning the livelihoods of fishermen, the future of local communities, tourism products and hotel development, quality of sea water, hill-cutting and soil erosion, infrastructure, housing, traffic and other related developments.

Proposals resulting from the workshop will be submitted to the Chief Minister who chairs the State Planning Committee for consideration and incorporation into the draft Local Plan that is now being drafted by KL-based consultants which the MPPP has appointed for several years.

TBRA and its partner Residents’ Associations have complained about the ad-hoc and unsustainable development that MPPP and the previous State government have been allowing without the guidance of a democratically approved Local Plan. It is hoped that this workshop will create a new direction for town planning that is transparent, people-centred and can be emulated by other local groups and residents associations.

The workshop will start at 9.30am and end at 4.30pm. Please send email to tanjongbunga@yahoo.com or contact YB Teh’s service centre at No.3, Jalan Chee Swee Ee, off Vale of Tempe, Tanjong Bunga, to register if you wish to participate in this workshop. Places are limited and priority will be given to those who represent organisations.

Dailogue with YB Liew Chin Tong

2008-04-09T16:03:00.004+08:00

About 30 people gathered at Diamond Villa for a meeting with the Opposition MP, YB Liew Chin Tong who represented the Chief Minister yesterday (April 8). TBRA initiated the meeting and invited members from other RA's in Tanjong Bunga and Batu Ferringi which included Diamond Villa, Pearl View, Horizon Towers, Mt. Evergreen and Regency.

Chairman of TBRA, Mr. Lim Hooi Siang, who welcomed members present reiterated the numerous complaints that TBRA had submitted to the former State Government and listed the issues raised in the letter to the present Chief Minister. YB Liew responded to a number of the issues which he said are being looked into by the relevant auhtorities or expecting imminent action. The members present wanted more pro-active measures in particular the control of hill-cutting and development of hill-slopes and controling building heights which have been shooting above 40 storeys.

It is the first dialogue and we hope to have more regular ones to monitor developments.

Danger on Jalan Tanjong Bunga if new access road is allowed

2008-04-09T00:27:00.003+08:00

MPPP's Engineering Department has replied to our letter dated 22 December 2007 regarding the above matter which is the subject of the planning application on Lot 418, Jalan Tanjung Bunga (opposite the Penang Swimming Club). It says: "This letter's intention is to confirm that the government is studying the developer's proposal and examining the safety aspects that are raised in your letter. As the road proposed for the stated development will connect to federal road (Jalan Tanjung Bunga), approval of the JKR Headquarters will be required. At this juncture, approval has not been given for a road connecting the proposed development to Jalan Tanjung Bunga."

According to the practice of JKR, a service road alongside the main Jalan Tanjung Bunga is normally required for any development abutting an arterial road. Thus you can see that Penang Swimming Club has provided a service road even though it has only a narrow strip of land, as in developments like Copthorne Hotel, the Cove, etc. Likewise Lot 418 would also be required to provide a service road if it is to be accessed from Jalan Tanjung Bunga, but would be impossible due to the site's topography.

FORUM TOWARDS A BETTER PENANG

2008-04-04T16:25:00.001+08:00

This is a notice from Aliran:
PENANG FORUM

Date: 13 April 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 8.15am to 4.30pm
Place: Disted College (Jalan Macalister/Jalan Cantonment)
Fee: RM5/participant to cover lunch and refreshments (payable on the day)
Registration: Phone 04-658 5251 (from Tuesday to Saturday during office hours) or email aliran@streamyx.com

Programme: See below
Organised by: the two dozen-odd NGOs who organised last year's Pesta Rakyat Merdeka.
Who should participate: Anyone and everyone interested in helping to chart a better future for Penang.
How to prepare: Think about concrete plans of action in areas which concern you, which can be presented to the new state government or
other state agencies.

Join us at the Penang Forum to debate and propose plans of action on how NGOs and other groups can work with the new Penang Government to implement people-centred development and to promote more democratic, participatory and transparent governance.

We will be looking at issues including environment, transport and urban issues, governance, women, workers, disabled, youth and
students, and arts,culture and heritage.

The purpose of the 13 April forum is to start a process that would enable us to we establish our own agendas and plans of action for consideration by the state government and its agencies; we would be looking to develop follow-up action (for example: the formation of specialised working groups to further develop proposals on particular topics) and to establish a regular official scheduled forum of exchange with the state government so that our plans and proposals can be systematically fed in and discussed.

Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested.

Forward to a better Penang! Together we can make a difference!

TBRA to meet new YBs

2008-04-03T16:15:00.002+08:00

TBRA will be meeting the new ADUN for Tanjong Bunga YB Teh Yee Cheu and the MP for Bukit Bendera YB Liew Chin Tong in the coming weeks to discuss development planning and environmental issues. We hope that like the new Selangor government, the new Penang State Government would also put a cap on hillslope developments.and review all the environmental degradation that has been allowed in the past years in the Telok Bahang-Batu Ferringhi-Tanjong Bunga corridor.

SPEAK UP TANJONG BUNGA

2008-03-01T14:57:00.002+08:00

Residents and voters in Tanjong Bunga should now speak up and make their voices heard or as they say, "forever hold your peace". The question "How do we make Tanjong Bunga a better place for everyone?" should be the mantra for the residents as well as our elected representative. It is home to the young and old, rich and poor, Malaysians and second-homers.

Has any one come up with any suggestion? Or do you wait until you see a monster development at your door step or the crime rate rise?
TBRA has been actively raising environmental issues and need the support and collective voice of all its residents. Tell others about this blogsite and post your comments.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CANDIDATES

2008-02-29T23:52:00.000+08:00

for BUKIT BENDERA AND TANJONG BUNGA CONSTITUENCIES OF 12TH GE

Saudara,

We are a registered Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association. According to our constitution, our members are from Tanjong Bunga with postcode 11200. Our association was formed to provide a platform for our members to voice their concerns, grievances and provide constructive suggestions to the authorities so that Tanjong Bunga will become a better place for its residents.

These are modest aspirations, no twin towers, no free trade zones, no Manhattan islands. We just want to live, and for some work, in a properly planned township with facilities for young and old, schools and playgrounds within walking distance, beaches accessible to the public and green hills to freshen the air. Are these too much to expect? Are we depriving others of development?

The members of TBRA have voiced their concerns through a public forum, the press and meetings with their ADUN and Municipal Council (MPPP) on several occasions with regard to the issues of haphazard mushrooming of high-rise buildings in Tanjong Bunga, hill-cutting, illegal land reclamation and without due regard to any increase in the capacity of infrastructure (drainage, traffic, public facilities) and to the preservation of the hills and the natural environment.

TBRA WOULD LIKE YOU to look into the following concerns:

1. That you would support our stand that the government and MPPP should consult with and consider the views of TBRA, representing the interests of residents, before formulating the LOCAL PLAN for Tanjong Bunga area.

2. That the Tanjong Bunga – Telok Bahang corridor identified in the State Structure Plan includes the gazetted boundaries of Tanjong Bunga ( and also recognized by its post code).

3. That the State and MPPP should, before approving development projects, consider all aspects related to town planning and the environment in a transparent manner. In this respect there should be a moratorium on approval of high-rises especially on hill slopes, beach-front sites and in established housing areas.

4. That the State do not allow any land reclamation off Tanjong Bunga – Teluk Bahang Corridor without carrying out a proper Environmental Impact Assessment and take action on removing the “sore thumb” land reclamation off Tanjung Club or alternatively convert it into a public park.

5. That there is adequate provision for public open spaces and playgrounds according to planning standards.

6. That there is good governance and transparency in development planning with full commitment to sustainable development and to citizens’ participation ( Local Agenda 21) in order to improve the quality of life for Tanjong Bunga residents and for the people of Penang in general.

We are confident that our members will vote for an ADUN that looks after the interests of this constituency.

TBRA COMMITTEE

Bye-bye Koh Tsu Koon

2008-02-21T15:43:00.003+08:00

I guess we all know by now that Tanjung Bungah's ADUN, Koh Tsu Koon of Parti Gerakan, is leaving his constituency for the past 17 years . Unfortunately, Tanjung Bungah is not a better place it was 17 years ago. Do you agree? Give us your view on this.

Here is an email which has been circulating on the issue of making informed choices:

Dear All
Listening to both sides is important, so here's another side,
Let us make informed choices ...our future our tomorrows will depend on what CHOICES WE MAKE TODAY!

What we want is to
• be truly represented by our elected MPs Aduns- to have our concerns heard, have a voice in the progress and development of the Nation
• have an accountable and transparent government who work for the good of the NATION
• LIVE without fear in a safe harmonious and clean environment,
• leave a legacy that our next generation can be proud of, can enjoy
• become a Nation where JUSTICE AND PEACE reign supreme
Blessings

"When you listen God speaks, When you obey God Acts"

Happy Year of the Rat!

2008-01-29T20:59:00.000+08:00

Dear TBRA members and supporters,
Happy New Year to you all. Both for the year that started on 1 January and for the one that will start on 7 February: Gong Xi Fa Cai !

In some way this is a summary report of the second half of 2007 – we do hope that 2008 will be a better year. TBRA has made a difference, not enough… but with your help we will build up more steam and use the experience gained to do more this year and do it better.

First the good news, then one piece of bad news and finally a report on TBRA’s Forum.

1. PSC throws out fishy deal. The Penang Swimming Club, on 13 January, said NO to a Committee proposal that the Club exchange a piece of land on the hillside for a promised reclamation of 1.5 acres on the seafront. It was a resounding NO, with some 95% of the members present outvoting the Committee. The Excel Crescent company (the same people responsible for Tanjong Bunga’s “Sore Thumb” reclamation) had offered PSC to reclaim a large piece of land from the sea and transfer it with a freehold title in exchange for PSC’s Lot 417 across the street between Diamond Villa and the Pearl View condos. Excel Crescent wants to build a 28-storey towerblock on Lot 418 and needs 417 to gain access to the main road. TBRA is glad that PSC members had enough sense to refuse that dubious proposal.

2. Objections to development on Lot 418. This condo project on the steep hillside across from PSC was hotly debated on 6 December when residents (many TBRA members) handed over a memorandum to the Chief Ministers’ office. Even though the actual MPPP hearing was postponed, the press happily reported on the objections by Malaysia Second Home owners in the neighbouring condos. They protested against the haphazard way City Council has been approving highrises in Tanjong Bunga, making the beautiful coastline into a wall of ugly concrete blocks. Also, adding another access road from Lot 417 is considered a huge traffic hazard.

3. Council says NO to Jalan Oldham development by BSG. Another high rise development in an all low-rise residential neighbourhood (BSG’s planned First Avenue condo between Sungai Kelian and Jalan Tanjong Bunga) was refused permission to raise its tower block from 25 to 41 storeys. Approval for 25 storeys was given in 2002, but last year BSG proposed a massive increase in height. Residents objected in two separate hearings and are relieved that the council seems to have taken notice. Thank you MPPP !. Should there be an appeal, TBRA hopes you remain steadfast.

4. PGCC developer is asked to scale down. The outrageous mega project at the turf club has suffered its first setback thanks to massive public protest. Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon, said his office received 2,500 postcards, letters and e-mails protesting the project and has now asked the developer to revise the plans (see attached article). Many believe this to be an election gimmick and the PGCC Campaign group will keep up the pressure, asking for a local plan to be adopted before approving anything. Ideally, the area should remain a green lung for recreational activities: a public park. (Many thanks to all who have sent in postcards and join those who are sporting car stickers “NO to PGCC”. The stickers are available @ RM1 from PHT, CAP and TBRA and other NGO’s.)

One piece of bad news: The Solok Tan Jit Sing project (on a steep hillside, directly below the Pearl Hill townhouses on stilts) has apparently been approved.

Transparency in Local Governance

The Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) spearheaded a Public Forum on Transparency in Local Governance on 2 Dec 2007. Together with other NGOs in Penang , it invited other residents’ associations to campaign for greater accountability and more effective citizens’ participation.

Keynote speaker, lawyer Derek Fernandez said “Too much damage has been done in Penang , but we can still save it if there is a concerted effort to stop the rot”. Lim Hooi Siang, chairman of TBRA said in his welcome address that “If all residents’ associations speak with one voice, that voice will be louder and may be more effective than all the letters to the Chief Minister and the MPPP we have written. This Forum could be the beginning of a change to reinstate local democracy. If the rakyat can elect their local representatives freely and fairly, the local authorities will have to become more accountable and responsive.”

Derek Fernandez shared a video about the human impact of the 12/11 Highland Towers disaster. It was completely avoidable, he said. It should never have happened. We must learn from it and prevent another hillside collapse elsewhere. He illustrated his speech with slides on accountability. “There is a dire and immediate need for residents to organize themselves in an effective manner with Resident Associations of different areas finding common ground and co-operating so as to protect their common values in relation to their quality of life and the use of the environment because ultimately the failure to do so will cause everyone to suffer. Residents must be vigilant and vigorously protect their rights and demand a transparency and accountability in the development process. They are entitled to demand that those in public office who break the law, circumvent the law and abuse their power be removed from office and face the consequences as provided for by the law.”

He showed examples of economic and ecological damage done because local councils were not vigilant or were listening to developers rather than to their conscience. For example, privatisation of loss-making businesses makes sense but privatising essential services that are doing well is a scandal. Penang is lucky, he said, it has the best water in the country at the cheapest rates. But its waterfront is going to the dogs; it is fast becoming a concrete jungle.

Syed Jaafar of the Residents Association of Bayan Baru agreed: “When I go to Tanjong Bunga, I want to see the beach. Most countries have a beach-road-hotel sequence but no more in Penang , buildings are now hiding the beaches.” He began his association 25 years ago when there was severe flooding and no action. We threatened to sue the government, he said, and that seemed to work. “Don’t act in isolation, get together, galvanise the experience and advice from within the community, there is more expertise than you think”.

Edward Lee of the very active Petaling Jaya RA, gave some practical advice: go from house to house, get organised, know your facts, be professional, get the lawyers, the engineers, the accountants and the housewives from your town together and work for the common goal. It takes time and effort but it can be done. Lee Laine, vice-chair of TBRA, joined in and related how she joined the association because she was angry about the haphazard development in her area. Seeing the Cove’s “four sore fingers” going up at 41 storeys each, right by the beach, made me angry again, she said. “There is no local plan, developers are having a field day, residents deserve to know what is allowed and where the lines must be drawn.” Ahmad Chik of the Penang Hill association and moderator of the panel, joined in by reminding the public that the massive projects for Penang Hill had been defeated by joint action and that it could be done again.

Questions from the floor concerned the same lack of planning. How could one shopping mall after another be approved in an indiscriminate manner? Each one had its brief heyday and then collapsed because a new and bigger one competed. Edward Lee said that there is a Town Planning Act but it is not put in practice: the highest bidder gets the green light. Derek Fernandez responded by stating that market driven ad-hoc planning is the worst form of planning – flavour of the month approach. In PJ, a stop has been put to that, there are zones now; zoning looks at how developments will affect surrounding properties, at what impact buildings will have on traffic, on infrastructure and residents know what to expect.

Another complaint came from a condo owner whose view became blocked by another high rise building in front. When she purchased the condo, she was told that only six storeys were allowed on the land below and now there is a 39-storey monster! The fines for exceeding the height are too small. Derek replied that zoning and enforcement of the zoning plan would help but that the “buyer beware” principle also applies. Buyers should not believe all the beautiful plans and talks of the developer but do a serious check into the ownership of the surrounding lots. “Many developers and buyers are selfish, they don’t care about the people behind their development”.

“Local government is powerful - it can make decisions for the interest of the community. And if they don’t, they should be booted out. Tanjong Bunga is lucky, your Assembly man is elected. Get his votes counted and tell him what you think of his performance…” Persuade people not to buy offending condo’s; even foreigners can be scared into not investing. If the press is censored, use the Internet, use blogsites, ask for legal hearings, warn against hill slides, traffic jams, infrastructure problems.

The seven Residents’ Associations present agreed to adopt the “Penang Charter”* as a working document in a new endeavour to work together toward greater transparency and accountability.

SCRUTINISE YOUR DRAFT LOCAL PLAN

2008-01-16T22:48:00.000+08:00

This article is reproduced with kind permission from Derek John Fernandez, a legal expert on town planning law in Malaysia.

Monday, 07 January 2008 07:04am
Residents lament loss of open space

ON Nov 28, notices appeared in several newspapers informing the public that
draft local plans for parts of Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya were available
for comment and objection. The plans cover almost all of Subang Jaya; and
Sections 13; SS2-SS9, SS11, SS20-SS26; Section 18, PJS1, PJS6, PJS9, PJS 10
& SS10 and PJU6-PJU9 (Kota Damansara, Bandar Utama, Mutiara Damansara, etc).
These small advertisements have serious implications on the quality of life
of residents in the affected areas and it is worth taking time and effort to
understand their message to exercise your rights.

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council and the Petaling Jaya City Council have
extended the original Dec 28 deadline for public objections and comments to
Jan 28 after requests by various residents associations (RAs).
The public notice of these draft plans is in accordance with the Town &
Country Planning Act 1976 (TCPA), and represents the government's commitment
to public participation in the planning process and partnership with the
people for sustainable development as contained in Local Agenda 21 and the
Rio Summit on sustainable development.

These draft plans are long overdue and unsustainable development flourished
as a result of a lack of a local plan. Thus, this is the best and biggest
opportunity for the public to prevent unsustainable development and a
deterioration of their quality of life and value of property.

The older areas of Petaling Jaya (Sections 1-14) had enjoyed a relatively
good level of planning by virtue of Rancangan Tempatan Petaling Jaya 1 (RTPJ
1) which came into force on March 13, 2003. During the objection period,
more than 10,000 residents represented by associations and their legal
advisers made substantial representations and objections to the original
draft which was accepted by the authorities. The result is the RTPJ 1 has
strict density control and promotion of sustainable development.
In contrast, Kuala Lumpur does not have a local plan (although one is in the
pipeline) and this has resulted in increasing conflicts between residents
and City Hall. Without a local plan, ad hoc development and the corruption
associated with it thrives.

A local plan is a detailed map and written statement which contains the
proposal for the use and development of land in an area. It covers issues
such as open spaces, densities, intensity of development; environment,
infrastructure and many other matters vital to sustainable development at a
macro level in a way that will directly affect land owners.
These plans are actually prepared to implement macro planning policies set
out in the National Physical Plan, the State Structure Plan and the Regional
Plan (called development plans) all of which have been prepared under the
Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA).

Consider these laws:
» Section 18 of the TCPA prohibits any land use or erection of a building
which is inconsistent with the local plans. Thus, even if land use under the
National Land Code allows a piece of land to be used for commercial purposes
but where the Local Plan zones it as a playground, it can be used for only a
playground. If it was privately-owned, the TCPA provides for land
acquisition to implement the Local Plan.
» Section 19 of the Act prohibits any development without planning approval,
which can be given only if consistent with the Local Plan. In the event of
inconsistency, the Local Plan overrides any building bylaws.
In voicing views and objections, the following points should be considered:
» Purchase the plan (RM100) and read it carefully.
» Pool resources with your RAs and get experts to explain how the plan
affects you and to incorporate your proposals. » Get access to the Selangor
Structure Plan; the National Physical Plan and the Structure Plan for
Petaling Jaya and Parts of Klang.
» Comments and objections must be in writing and request for a hearing to
elaborate on them further.
» Send objections collectively as it carries more weight. Ideally a master
objection document can be drawn up and submitted on behalf of many.
» 'The Devil is in the detail'. Check that the plan is sufficiently detailed
to address your issues with little ambiguity.
» Challenge population assumptions, statistics and projections if they are
unreasonable. If the figures and statistics are wrong, the whole planning
will be wrong.
» Ensure the plan specifies the maximum density for an area, height and
aesthetic control of buildings, plot ratios, setbacks,
road widths and parking spaces, and open spaces (not less than 2ha for 1,000
people).
There must be suitable buffers and open spaces between commercial and
residential areas.
» Ensure air and water quality standards and all federal guidelines on
environment and hillslope development are clearly stated and adopted in the
plan.

Remember, once passed and gazetted the Local Plan becomes law. It will be a
great loss if residents do not use this golden opportunity to determine what
they want in their neighbourhood.

The cover of the Petaling Jaya Draft Local Plan sums this up: "Petaling Jaya
Bandaraya Bestari Milik Semua".

WHITHER OUR DRAFT LOCAL PLAN?

2008-01-14T15:13:00.001+08:00

For the past over 20 years or so, Penang has been developing without a local plan (except for Penang Hill which has a local plan gazetted in 1995, after the Save Penang Hill Campaign).

This regretable situation of "development without planning" has resulted in much deterioration of our environment, despite the stated goals for sustainable development that the State Government has proclaimed in the Penang Strategic Development Plan and the State Structure Plan 2007.

In discussions with the Penang State Chief Minister and the President of MPPP, last year, TBRA has called upon the authorities to consult the RA's in the drafting of local plans. In fact this is a requirement under the Town And Country Planning Act which the local authority, MPPP is obliged to do.

TBRA ended 2007 with a Public Forum calling for more transparency and accountability in Local Government…

2008-01-12T00:17:00.000+08:00

The Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) spearheaded a Public Forum on Transparency in Local Governance on 2 Dec 2007. Together with other NGOs in Penang, it invited other residents’ associations to campaign for greater accountability and more effective citizens’ participation.

Keynote speaker, lawyer Derek Fernandez said “Too much damage has been done in Penang, but we can still save it if there is a concerted effort to stop the rot”. Lim Hooi Siang, chairman of TBRA said in his welcome address that “If all residents’ associations speak with one voice, that voice will be louder and may be more effective than all the letters to the Chief Minister and the MPPP we have written. This Forum could be the beginning of a change to reinstate local democracy. If the rakyat can elect their local representatives freely and fairly, the local authorities will have to become more accountable and responsive.”

Derek Fernandez shared a video about the human impact of the 12/11 Highland Towers disaster. It was completely avoidable, he said. It should never have happened. We must learn from it and prevent another hillside collapse elsewhere. He illustrated his speech with slides on accountability. “There is a dire and immediate need for residents to organize themselves in an effective manner with Resident Associations of different areas finding common ground and co-operating so as to protect their common values in relation to their quality of life and the use of the environment because ultimately the failure to do so will cause everyone to suffer. Residents must be vigilant and vigorously protect their rights and demand a transparency and accountability in the development process. They are entitled to demand that those in public office who break the law, circumvent the law and abuse their power be removed from office and face the consequences as provided for by the law.”

He showed examples of economic and ecological damage done because local councils were not vigilant or were listening to developers rather than to their conscience. For example, privatisation of loss-making businesses makes sense but privatising essential services that are doing well is a scandal. Penang is lucky, he said, it has the best water in the country at the cheapest rates. But its waterfront is going to the dogs; it is fast becoming a concrete jungle.

Syed Jaafar of the Residents Association of Bayan Baru agreed: “When I go to Tanjong Bunga, I want to see the beach. Most countries have a beach-road-hotel sequence but no more in Penang, buildings are now hiding the beaches.” He began his association 25 years ago when there was severe flooding and no action. We threatened to sue the government, he said, and that seemed to work. “Don’t act in isolation, get together, galvanise the experience and advice from within the community, there is more expertise than you think”.

Edward Lee of the very active Petaling Jaya RA, gave some practical advice: go from house to house, get organised, know your facts, be professional, get the lawyers, the engineers, the accountants and the housewives from your town together and work for the common goal. It takes time and effort but it can be done. Lee Laine, vice-chair of TBRA, joined in and related how she joined the association because she was angry about the haphazard development in her area. Seeing the Cove’s “four sore fingers” going up at 41 storeys each, right by the beach, made me angry again, she said. “There is no local plan, developers are having a field day, residents deserve to know what is allowed and where the lines must be drawn.” Ahmad Chik of the Penang Hill association and moderator of the panel, joined in by reminding the public that the massive projects for Penang Hill had been defeated by joint action and that it could be done again.

Questions from the floor concerned the same lack of planning. How could one shopping mall after another be approved in an indiscriminate manner? Each one had its brief heyday and then collapsed because a new and bigger one competed. Edward Lee said that there is a Town Planning Act but it is not put in practice: the highest bidder gets the green light. Derek Fernandez responded by stating that market driven ad-hoc planning is the worst form of planning – flavour of the month approach. In PJ, a stop has been put to that, there are zones now; zoning looks at how developments will affect surrounding properties, at what impact buildings will have on traffic, on infrastructure and residents know what to expect.

Another complaint came from a condo owner whose view became blocked by another high rise building in front. When she purchased the condo, she was told that only six storeys were allowed on the land below and now there is a 39-storey monster! The fines for exceeding the height are too small. Derek replied that zoning and enforcement of the zoning plan would help but that the “buyer beware” principle also applies. Buyers should not believe all the beautiful plans and talks of the developer but do a serious check into the ownership of the surrounding lots. “Many developers and buyers are selfish, they don’t care about the people behind their development”.

“Local government is powerful - it can make decisions for the interest of the community. And if they don’t, they should be booted out. Tanjong Bunga is lucky, your Assembly man is elected. Get his votes counted and tell him what you think of his performance…” Persuade people not to buy offending condo’s; even foreigners can be scared into not investing. If the press is censored, use the Internet, use blogsites, ask for legal hearings, warn against hill slides, traffic jams, infrastructure problems.

The seven Residents’ Associations present agreed to adopt the “Penang Charter”* as a working document in a new endeavour to work together toward greater transparency and accountability.

PENANG CHARTER

2008-01-09T16:52:00.000+08:00

CHARTER ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES)

We, as concerned Residents’ Associations (RAs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), strongly believe that local democracy should be reinstated into the Malaysian political system.

Local Authorities form the third tier in our federal structure and provide the closest link between the government and its rakyat

As one of the main foundations of democracy, Local Authorities need to safeguard and realise the principles of participatory democracy, rule of law, and the protection of human rights in their governance.

It is, therefore, the duty and responsibility of Local Authorities to:

i. Protect, respect and provide opportunities for the rakyat to exercise their
rights through consultation, participation and representation through local
elections;

ii.Create an enabling environment in which the rights of the rakyat can be realised
through transparent and accountable processes, which includes transforming
legislative, budgetary, judicial and other reforms to ensure substantive delivery
of services; and

iii. Acknowledge, value and respond to the diverse rights, interests and concerns of the rakyat.

The Charter on Local Democracy and Governance sets out eight (8) guiding principles and standards on good practice for strong and accountable Local Authorities.

1. Constitutional and rights-based legal framework for local democracy Compliance to legal and constitutional rights-based framework, is important to secure and protect local democracy.

a) Review and amend where necessary all legislations governing Local Authorities so as to increase transparency, abolish corruption, enhance public participation, ensure accountability, prevent immunity for offenders and end malpractices.

2. Local democracy through free and fair election
The rakyat should be enabled to elect their local representatives in conditions of political freedom, including a free and fair election that is conducted with full integrity according to international standards.

a) Amend Section 15 (1) and (2) of the Local Government Act, 1976 (Act 171) to reinstate elections to Local Authorities.
b) Review and amend other laws related to elections to promote free and fair election.

3. Participatory democratic processes Create, nurture and develop programmes that enable the rakyat to participate actively and effectively in decision making processes of Local Authorities so that their overall needs and concerns are met.

a) Comply with and implement Local Agenda 21 policies and guidelines effectively to achieve its intended goals.
b) Impartial consultation and dialogue with the rakyat prior to decision-making and implementation of programmes and projects which will affect the rakyat.
c) Educate and mobilise the rakyat to promote sustainable development i.e. an environment which places rakyat at the centre of the development process and creates an environment in which all rakyat can enjoy a long, healthy and creative life.

4. Accountability at Local Authorities
Local Authorities need to be accountable to the rakyat they serve while operating within the legal and policy framework of other spheres of government.

a) Establish effective regulatory and monitoring mechanisms to provide safeguards against corruption, mismanagement and the inappropriate use of resources by Local Authorities, politicians and officials. Such mechanisms will ensure that resources are used in the best interests of the rakyat.
b) Review and amend as necessary any related legislations which govern local Authorities for example legislations which exempt local authorities and councillors from liability for acts of wrongdoings and negligence

5. Transparency at Local Authorities
Decision making processes of the Local Authorities must be clear and properly communicated to the rakyat it serves e.g. minutes of important local authority meetings must be made available to representatives of the rakyat through the RAs and NGOs.

a) Policies determined by Local Authorities need to be open to scrutiny and to have constructive feedback from the rakyat.

6. Non-discrimination and inclusiveness
Local Authorities have a responsibility to meet the special needs of discriminated and marginalised groups through proactive planning, and affirmative actions.

a) Allocate substantive resources, especially finance, for this purpose.
b) Study, review, and act against incidents of discrimination and inequalities.
c) Impartial consultation and dialogue to include discriminated and marginalised groups prior to decision-making processes which will affect their interests
d) Introduce at least 30% women’s representation at the Local Authorities.

7. Effective leadership to ensure equitable, efficient and responsive delivery of public services. It is the responsibility of the Local Authorities to ensure that everyone has quality and equitable access to public services through effective leadership and monitoring mechanisms.

a) Provide programmes to inculcate a culture of accountability and transparency for councillors, officers, RAs, RT and NGOs.

8. No Taxation without Representation
Within a truly democratic tradition, taxation cannot be justified without representation. Ratepayers must be represented in governing bodies which determine how money is spent.

This is a fundamental precept of parliamentary democracy which is applicable at all levels of government, including Local Authorities. Nominated representatives in Local Authorities will otherwise only be accountable to their political affiliations and not to ratepayers.

WE, as concerned Residents’ Associations (RAs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), call for the recognition and adoption of this Charter by the Local Authorities.

Dated this 2 December 2007, Penang, Malaysia.

For further enquiries please contact: Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association, at tanjongbunga@yahoo.com

New Year 2008

2008-01-02T20:53:00.000+08:00

TBRA would like to wish everyone here a very Happy New Year !!

TBRA Forum on Dec 2, 2007 at Dewan Sri Pinang

2007-11-27T09:45:00.000+08:00

TANJONG BUNGA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
In cooperation with
PENANG HERITAGE TRUST
MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
PENANG WATCH
ALIRAN

PRESENTS A PROGRAMME ON
TRANSPARENCY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 2, 2007
9.00AM -12.30PM

AT THE DEWAN SRI PINANG, GEORGETOWN , PENANG

THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO:

1) GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HAVE YOUR SAY
2) MAKE OUR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO US
3) NETWORK WITH ONE VOICE FROM RESIDENT ASSOCIATIONS

PARTICIPANTS: PUBLIC, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, NGO'S, MEDIA, ALL CONCERNED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

KEYNOTE SPEECH : Mr. DEREK FERNANDEZ, LEGAL EXPERT ON TOWN PLANNING

Transparency in Local Government
This is the first time that residents associations in the state will gather to discuss how they can cooperate and speak as one voice on issues of local government.
The forum is initiated by the Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association in cooperation with Penang Heritage Trust, Malaysian Nature Society, Penang Watch and Aliran.
Lawyer Derrek Fernandez, who specialises in planning law and has represented a number of residents associations in Selangor, has been invited to be the keynote speaker.
The forum should be of interest to members of the public affected by development projects in their neighbourhood and who wish to learn more about their legal rights and how to voice their concerns to the local authority.

Admission to this forum is free. For further information, contact:
email: tanjongbunga@yahoo.com

Programme
9.00am Registration
9.30am Keynote address: Mr. Derrek Fernandez, Sun Newspaper
10.00am Panel Discussion on Residents Associations Networking Together
Moderator: Mr. Ahmad Chik
Panel: Mr.Edward Lee, PJ Residents Association, Dato Syed Jaafar, Bayan Baru and Tanjong Bunga Residents Association
11.00am Coffee break
11.30am Discussion from floor & recommendations
12.00pm Closing comments

TBRA re-launches petition on Sore Thumb !

2007-10-16T23:58:00.000+08:00

PETITION for a Tanjong Bunga Coastal Park

illegal reclamation, called the “sore thumb”, by the Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA)

‘Development’ in Tanjung Bunga has over the past few years created severe environmental problems with hill-cutting and high-rise construction blocking sea views and polluting the beaches.
By law all beaches are public, but they are in danger of being ‘privatised’… access is already made difficult or even restricted in several places.

The residents of Tanjung Bunga are faced with:
lack of public recreational space;
high-density apartment buildings approved on an ad hoc and individual basis without any planning for public space;
high-rise ‘developments’ starting to dominate the entire coastline;
some developers claiming to have a ‘private’ beach for their condo, thus encouraging further restriction to public access to the sea side;
violations of regulations and procedures for coastal land reclamation.

In view of the fact that the reclamation off the Tanjung Club has violated regulations and created an eyesore, that the authorities have issued a stop-work order to the “developer”, and that this “sore thumb” has been sitting idle now for more than a year…

We, the undersigned residents of Penang, support the TBRA proposal that the reclaimed area be restored and rehabilitated as a public coastal park.

Transform this “SORE THUMB” into a PUBLIC PARK!

Signature drive !

2007-10-07T19:53:00.000+08:00

TBRA will be having a petition for signature drive to all citizen of Penang and specially to the residents of Tanjong Bungah.

You can sign your signature on the petition at the following location :

1. Esso Station at Tanjong Bungah ( near Astaka, infront of 7-11 )
2. All Apartment and Condo RA office

Come and support us in the petition drive ... see you there !

PGCC forum by NGO's

2007-10-04T20:49:00.001+08:00

Let's show solidarity and find out more about whether this monstrous city of high rises will see the light of day ...

15/09: Main Penang NGOs express alarm over PGCC

2007-09-16T20:39:00.000+08:00

If Patrick Lim and Equine Capital thought it was going to be smooth sailing after the Prime Minister announced that approvals for the PGCC would be fast-tracked, they had better think again.This morning, half a dozen of the main Penang NGOs came together to express their stand against the development of the PGCC at a packed press conference held at the CAP office. Also present was a cameraman from ntv7 (yeah, right - at least, that’s what the logo on the camera said) who meticulously videotaped the proceedings. (Let’s see what comes out on ntv7 tonight. I am not holding my breath.)Present were representatives from CAP, Penang Heritage Trust, Malaysian Nature Society, Sahabat Alam Malaysia , Cepat, and Aliran as well as other concerned Penangites.

The site of the project - the present Turf Club- was originally given by the government for a nominal sum and was zoned as ‘Open Space’. This was changed very recently to ‘Mixed Development’, even though public opinion was unanimously against it (judging from the submissions sent in by the public during the 2007 Structure Plan exercise).“By doing so, the State has acted arbitrarily and sacrificed the interests of the community to a group of developers.” the NGOs said in a joint media statement.For once, the press raised a lot of questions after they were shown the miniature cut-out model of the site - with all 37 towers in it. The Fox people were nowhere to be seen even though they had called to ask about the press conference.

Joint Press Release By A Group of Concerned NGOs Against The Development of Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) 15 Sept 2007

Background

The Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) is a project of Equine Capital Bhd. The project to be carried out via its associate Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, will be developed on the current Penang Turf Club land on Jalan Scotland . The project is estimated to cost about RM25 billion. It will be sited over a 104ha-land which will incorporate technology and ecology based components and modelled along the lines of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It is being marketed as `one of the world’s first zero-carbon cities where pollution will be kept to a minimum’.The PGCC has been billed as the largest commercial development in Penang that will feature two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, high-end retail outlets, two iconic towers, residential properties and a world-class meeting and convention centre. It will also promote medical tourism in the state through specialist clinics at the PGCC.

The site will also contain 33 blocks of residential units ranging between 12 floors and 53 floors. The blocks include two five-star hotels - one which is 53 stories high and another 22 stories. The total luxury residential units are 6,933 units including 100 bungalows. One of the two iconic towers will have 66 floors.According to Equine, the project will combine 34.4ha of parkland, including 10.4ha 1km-long linear park, and about 24ha of a hill site that cannot be developed.The project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on 12 Sept 2007.

Our group of concerned NGOs is shocked that the PGCC has been launched even before obtaining all major planning approvals. The government should not also have granted a fast-track status for the project, seeing that the scale of the development is going to create a drastic impact on the areas of traffic, social and environment on Penang island.Questions raised about the manner by which the land was converted from ‘Open Space’ to ‘Mixed Development’, about traffic congestion, public consultation, and provision for social housing remain unanswered.Below are glaring issues which arise as a result of this project.

Land Rezoning

The site of the project - the present Turf Club- was originally given by the government for a nominal sum and was zoned as ‘Open Space’. This was changed very recently to ‘Mixed Development’, even though public opinion was unanimously against it (judging from the submissions sent in by the public during the 2007 Structure Plan exercise).By doing so, the State has acted arbitrarily and sacrificed the interests of the community to a group of developers.

Traffic Congestion

The project is so large that it will affect almost every person in Penang , but there has been very little public consultation. By our estimate, it will generate about 60,000 traffic movements daily which will be channeled into Jalan Scotland and Jalan Utama (via Jalan Brook). Even now these roads are heavily congested and we worry what effect the huge additional traffic will have.The traffic dispersal plan for the project leaves much to be desired and we are asking for another traffic study by independent experts to be done before any decisions are made.

Public Consultation

During the drawing up of the Penang Structure Plan, public consultation was minimal, perfunctory and the results were entirely ignored. Since a mega development is going to take place on the Turf Club land that is subjected to the Structure Plan, we would therefore call for a greater genuine public consultation due to the large size of this project.The project was approved in Putrajaya, plans were finalised without any local inputs, and have now been publicly launched with much fanfare. That is not consultation. It smacks of an attempt to bulldoze aside all objections. It is a top-down planning of the worst type and is against all principles of participatory democracy.

Social Housing

It is a national policy that all development must include 30% low-cost units, and yet none will be built on the site. Instead the developer is proposing to build 6,933 luxury units of apartments and houses on the site. However, the low cost units will be built elsewhere.We do not understand why this is so, unless the developer does not want low-income communities on this project. We urge the MPPP to withhold approval until 2,080 low cost units are included in this project, and these units must be included in every phase in the right proportion.

EIA

Given the size of the project we would also ask for a detailed EIA to be done, as a preliminary study would not be sufficient to address all the issues that will arise.

Summary

We regret that the project has been launched even before the above questions have been considered and urge the MPPP to review the plans objectively and professionally and not to approve them unless the following is done:
1. greater public consultation
2. an independent traffic study
3. a detailed EIA, and most important of all
4. the full complement of low cost houses are included

Group of Concerned NGOs:
1. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP)
2. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
3. Penang Heritage Trust (PHT)
4. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
5. Citizens For Public Transport (CEPAT)
6. Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN)

TBRA VISION FOR LOCAL PLAN OF TANJUNG BUNGAH

2007-08-16T12:32:00.000+08:00

Dear TBRA members,

We would like to invite you for a workshop on our town's future.

TBRA VISION FOR LOCAL PLAN OF TANJUNG BUNGAH ... COME AND JOIN US

THIS SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST 2007
10AM. - 3.30PM.
WORKSHOP ON creating the desired future for TANJUNG BUNGAH

Workshop will be held in the smaller meeting room above the Tanjong Bunga market .. Sorry for the late notice

have you registered as a voter?"

2007-08-08T22:48:00.000+08:00

Use your rights as a voter in the coming General Elections.
We welcome comments on how we can make sure that our concerns are taken care of in Tg. Bunga.

Pesta Rakyat Merdeka (continue)

2007-06-30T22:47:00.000+08:00

Pesta Rakyat Merdeka, 24 June, 2007 at Dewan Sri Pinang.

Pesta Rakyat Merdeka

2007-06-16T22:02:00.000+08:00

We would like to invite everyone to join us in the Pesta Rakyat Merdeka, organise by Aliran. We will be at booth no. 13. See you all there, to give your support to the events.
click on the photo to enlarge

Cove pollutes Tanjong Bunga beach !!

2007-05-13T12:06:00.000+08:00

After a strong rain, quite recently, the run-off from the Cove construction sent floods of mud straight into the sea. To cover up its tracks, the next night, a Cove bulldozer was set to work under veil of darkness to smoothen out all traces.

What's next Four Sore Fingers !!?? Another "Nightmare" to pay for so call "Development" and "Progress" without the concern of Environment !! How sad !

Gateway project, sprawling suburbs widen the province's ecological footprint, says UBC planning professor

2007-05-09T10:46:00.000+08:00

University of British Columbia Prof. Bill Rees, the man who coined the term "ecological footprint," still tries to keep his own footprint as small as possible, but he says no one can do it alone.

He uses a grim analogy to make his point: North Americans may use a disproportionate amount of the world's resources, but if we push the planet beyond its sustainable limits, we will all go down together, just the way the first-class cabins on the Titanic went to a watery grave just as quickly as the steerage cabins.

It has been more than a decade since he popularized the term as a way of personalizing the equivalent amount of land in continuous production required to feed individual consumption. Since then, that area has been increasing, and in developed nations it ranges from 4.5 hectares to 10 hectares per person.

Full reports click here:

link here

The Sell-out of Penang

2007-04-20T00:50:00.000+08:00

Overdevelopment Is Permanently Destroying Penang’s Unique Mix of Forested Hills and Beach

While the rest of the world firmly embraces coastal preservation, Penang is in the midst of losing its remaining natural beauty to unconscionable speculative development. The beautiful Tanjong Bunga seafront that has existed for generations for all to enjoy is now rapidly disappearing to benefit a few developers and real estate speculators.

Tanjong Bunga residents have objected vehemently to the unsightly concrete high rises and devastating hill cutting but have been powerless to fight the big money behind it; much of this money comes from financial consortia that have no home base in Penang . Many long time residents are livid that these high rises are being marketed to absentee investors with no long term interest in Penang, its peoples or its environs – the sell-out of Penang ! The island’s best assets are not being preserved for the future common good of all Penangites. Greed has overruled public interest.

Every open space along the beachfront and the hillside facing the beachfront seems to have been approved for ‘development’. Once construction has been completed, in the very near future, Penang ’s seafront and beaches will have forever been SOLD OUT!

Public officials have been hounded by the Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) to address this thoughtless and haphazard development. The State Government and MPPP have sent them from pillar to post without significant answers. The authorities have no plan, no vision. The common good and the preservation of the coast for public enjoyment have become ignored issues on the backburner of our officials, deferring to the more lucrative carving up of the beachfront to the highest bidder.

TBRA has taken this to all the right people, namely the Chief Minister, and the President of MPPP, all to no avail. It appears that our public officials have neither the desire nor the power to reverse this devastating trend. Penang ’s Chief Minister, who represents Tanjong Bunga, has let his constituency down and is moving on prematurely, leaving his home district in a mess. He owes Penang more than this as his legacy! When questions are asked, everybody points the finger to someone else, somewhere else, far away from anyone in high office whose job it is to take responsibility and do something to stop this egregious development.

When nobody in authority can give a straightforward answer to why the beachfront in a tourism zone can willy-nilly be reclaimed in such an unsightly and environmentally unsound manner, the matter should perhaps be investigated by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency).

by Tanjong Bunga Residents’ Association (15-2-2007) Email : tanjongbunga@yahoo.com

Tanjong Bunga is SORE, very Sore !

2007-04-08T21:12:00.000+08:00

Four “sore” fingers and one “sore” thumb. Now a "sore" backside behind Pearl Hill !

"The Cove" (a 4-block, 42-storey supercondo, starting at 6-floors above sea level) may well be Penang's second tallest set of buildings, about 50% taller than the Gurney Drive condos of 30+ floors (sea level), and nearly as high as Pearl Hill. Ask any tourist and they will tell you it is an eyesore in the landscape. There are at least 4 more plots in Tanjong Bunga that can become copycats if supercondo project approvals by the government become routine. If they do, the beach resort of Penang will be no more than a concrete jungle.

The latest banner by the Tanjung Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA) also shows that ugly “sore thumb” reclamation project just next to “The Cove”. It had no approval sign posted and is illegal. The “thumb”, sticking out into the sea, was built by thousands of trucks dumping rocks up to April 2006 when a stop-work order was issued. TBRA has asked for it to be restored to its pre-2006 state and turned into a public park. So much of the beach is no longer accessible to the public, it is time that some of it is returned.

Currently pending before the State Planning Appeals Board is the question of a construction project near the Mount Erskine Reservoir. A selfish developer wants to build 25 three-storey houses on a steep hillside just below the red-roofed Pearl Hill Townhouses. These sit balanced on stilts that rest rather precariously on the hillside. Clearly if there is digging and clearing for the new houses below the Pearl Hill houses will risk tumbling down…and Penang will have its very own Highland Towers ’ disaster.

When the Townhouse inhabitants went to plead with the authorities to deny building approval because they fear for their lives, the developer’s architect said: “We all have to die some day”*. It is unacceptable that developers gamble with people’s lives. Yet, the MPPP went ahead an approved the project in early December 2006. The Pearl Hill Townhouse residents launched an appeal and collected nearly 2000 signatures in support. TBRA is very concerned about this project and will hold the Council responsible for any disaster that may occur.
Tanjong Bunga is Sore, indeed.

2007-03-14T17:04:00.000+08:00

Below is an example of how all residents in Kuala Lumpur get notified of upcoming construction projects. Very different from Penang where only immediate neighbors to the project receive notice. Which is better ? Tell us what you think.

The difference between KL and other Peninsular Malaysian municipalities is that by advertising in the local newspaper, the public gets to know about it. whereas in Penang and other municipalities, only the neighbouring owners are notified. However the question of local standi is another issue altogether.

Be that as it may, there is nothing to prevent the local authorities from being more forthcoming with this "knowledge" of impending developments which will impact on business, residents, environment, traffic etc. If the State wants to practice more transparent planning it can always do so, it is not illegal!

We would like to have public feedback or any good suggestion, all are welcome !

2007-02-07T12:18:00.000+08:00

"Gong Xi Fa Cai" to all Tanjong Bunga residents. From the Chairman and committee of TBRA.

"Springtide" complaints !!

2006-12-28T00:25:00.000+08:00

The following complaints about the “Springtide” Condominium were handed to the CM ‘party on 9 December 2006.

(PELAN BANGUNAN No. 43254(LB))
Complaint 1 – non-compliance with state policy with regard to the planning application

One could ask that construction be stopped immediately pending the required in-depth study. There is considerable neighbourhood opposition to this building, and it appears accepted wisdom in any planning circles that construction should be in harmony with the island terrain and profile. A 38 storey building in this location is clearly affecting the whole profile of this stretch of the coast.

Complaint 2 – the developers option to double units per acre

The developer of the project has exercised an option to double the units per acre by payment of RM 5 per sq. ft. into a council/government fund. This allows the building now to rise to 38 storeys. 19 storeys is excessive immediately on the seaside, but 38 storeys is totally inappropriate.

Complaint 3 – the developers non-compliance with stipulated working hours

The construction work at the site takes place with deliberate disregard for the stipulated working hours. Working regularly continues up towards midnight and on Sunday. Complaints are ineffective, and Building Department instructions to comply with hours are totally ignored.

General

The ‘Springtide’ offers a specific example of a high rise on which to concentrate, because it is a construction ‘in process’ and not yet a fait accompli – which it will quickly become if construction continues. Also it is now coming up to pre-option height, which gives some sort of target to focus on.

There appears to be an arguable case that policy with regard to the project has not been complied with, and the required in-depth study has not been carried out, thereby justifying a work stoppage to enable the study to be carried out prior to its completion.

The whole process from planning through to construction does not inspire confidence. At every turn, it appears that the developer is advantaged at public expense in one form or another. Far from being delayed for in-depth study, planning and then construction approval has been obtained in what may be uncommonly quick time.

A proposal to shut down the site, pending a study, may be rejected, but it may clarify relevant policies, and one could then suggest amendments.

Tanjong Bunga Residents Association blogsite is now officially launched!

2006-12-22T15:04:00.000+08:00

TBRA’s blogsite www.tanjongbunga.blogspot.com was launched by the ADUN of Tanjung Bunga, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, who is also the Chief Minister of Penang. At a simple ceremony held at the Penang Swimming Club, on 9th December 2006, Dr. Koh clicked on the mouse button to log on to the TBRA blog site witnessed by YB Dato Seri Chia Kwang Chye, MP for Bukit Bendera and committee members of TBRA.

Dr. Koh welcomes the role of civic action groups such asTBRA in providing another channel of communication to government and its elected representatives and its mission to work together to make Tanjung Bunga a better town for all its residents.
TBRA was officially registered in August 2005 and has been actively campaigning to the authorities on several environmental and development problems that the residents have voiced out.

Mr. Lim Hooi Siang, the founding chairperson of TBRA, stated that many projects and programs are being planned by the committee to improve Tanjong Bunga and its amenity for residents but the Association is currently giving priority to environmental and development issues. He points out that the Association’s motto “Making Our Town Better Together” is aimed at promoting an inclusive and participatory approach to decision-making in the planning, development and improvement of Tanjung Bunga as a model garden town in the State.

Dr. Koh then held a two-hour discussion with the TBRA committee on various issues highlighted by TBRA in a memorandum and petition that was submitted to him some months ago.

The Sky is the limit ??

2006-12-09T09:10:00.001+08:00

Taken from Penang Swimming Club newsletter, 2006.

Championing residents' rights

2006-11-20T21:06:00.000+08:00

By: R. Nadeswaran and Terence Fernandez (Nov 02, 2006)

The All Petaling Jaya Pro Action Committee (APPAC) is an organisation of 46 residents' associations in the city and non-governmental organisations which have proven to be a thorn in the side of the powers-that-be, specifically the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). Its pro tem committee chairman Edward Lee, who also heads the Section 5 Residents' Association (RA), tells R. NADESWARAN and TERENCE FERNANDEZ that those at the top are beginning to take notice of the people's views. He also has this message for taxpayers: You have no alternative but to stand up for yourself if you want to live in a just and equitable society.

theSun: The assessment issue has really helped you marshall support for APPAC.

Edward Lee: That's because it hits everybody's pockets. At that point in time, we did not know much about the billboard goings-on. I wasn't even bothered by it. So, we had to rally the residents for this (assessment) cause.

We thought you got together because of the Local Draft Plan that proposed the commercialisation of leased residential property.

Well, if you want to go far back, that was when we started to form some sort of group. The Local Draft Plan (RTPJ 1) did not involve this group of 46. When the draft plan was created at that time it was basically just Section 5 and residents around this area, we were championing the different issues related to the RTPJ 1. So that's how we started, more localised.

But the assessment hike issue, I believe, is actually a venting of the anger of the people towards what they perceive as the non-performance of the council and also the abuses of the council... that's how we get such a momentum.

Then, of course, when the billboard issues came to the forefront, everybody was hopping mad! Then everyone started to call.

There are so many related issues, I mean like this morning ... and I'm not kidding, I got a call from people in Prima Damansara saying that they are being victimised by their developer. So, they are asking me to help them out, give them some advice; not that I am an expert, but it shows that the people are becoming more aware of their rights.

One of the frustrating things about heading an association is when things are good no one bothers to join, but in times of trouble, that's when they turn to you.

That's the most frustrating part of public service. But I suppose at the same time, when we are in public service, we have to expect this. I mean, we were like that before until circumstances taught us to want to do something about it.

The government has helped uslah (laughs) in that respect, by being lackadaisical at times.

For more of the write-up, please refer to the below link, thanks.

--- Article Information ---
This article was emailed from Welcome to Sun2Surf.
Article's URL: http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=15987

Highlights from Penang Tourism Seminar 2006

2006-11-17T09:44:00.000+08:00

Sore thumb : future park for Tanjong Bunga?

View of Pulau Tikus, landmark of Tanjong Bunga.

Sore thumb : environmental and visual disaster.

Tourism Malaysia has earmarked the year 2007 as VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2007 with a multi-million ringgit marketing campaign. It was timely that a seminar "Marketing Tourism for Penang" was held on 7 November 2006. Organised by Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI), the seminar provided a forum for the players in the tourism industry in Penang to present their views and ideas for the growth of the industry.

Tourism is the second most important economic sector in the State. According to the experts, Penang's main selling points are its multi-cultural heritage, the food culture and eco-tourism. I was particularly intrigued by this term "ecotourism" that was used but not clearly defined. According to wikipedia encyclopedia, ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism promotes sustainable development, minimizing adverse impacts on the natural environment.

At the Q&A session, I raised the point that tourism policy in the State has conflicting aims with its physical development, as shown in the case of Tanjong Bunga which is designated as a tourism industrial zone but skyscrapers are being allowed on the sea front. The State Exco member in charge of Tourism Development and Environment, conceded that sometimes policy at the State level are overlooked by the Municipal Council. One of the speakers pointed out that Penang is a tropical island and it should look after its assets: its beaches and sea. Dr. Yee, the CEO of SERI, said that even though Penang's fame as a seaside resort has been overtaken by Langkawi, Phuket and Bali, there is still an "existence value" (of its sea anad beaches) which should be preserved.

It should be made clear to our decision-makers that we cannot have our cake and eat it, i.e. if we want to promote eco-tourism, we have to take care of our natural and cultural heritage.

note: Lim Hooi Siang attended the Penang Tourism Seminar as a SERI Associate.

Last day to give feedback

2006-10-23T20:40:00.000+08:00

PENANG: Today’s the last day for Gurney Drive and Kelawei Road residents to provide feedback on the planned mixed de-velopment project at the site of former International School of Penang (Uplands).

The RM650mil project by Hunza Properties (Penang) Sdn Bhd would consist of two 43-storey service apartment towers and a 37-storey business to-wer and other commercial buil-dings.

Sitting at the site now is a 1916 French-style building with a chapel built by the La Salle brothers as a novitiate and teacher training college. This will be retained.

The Penang Municipal Coun-cil had sent out notices dated June 14 to residents to provide feedback but many said they were not aware of this.

A council spokesman said a 21-day period had been given for residents to give feedback to the council.

But many of them – especially owners of condo units in the Regency, Gurney Park, Arcadia, Desa Mas and the Loke Mansion – said there were not aware of this.

The project has raised concerns about worsening traffic congestion in the area.

A Gurney Drive condo resi-dent, Lynn, said the coun- cil’s notice was only put up on the community notice board and not sent to them individually.

“The traffic jams will cause property here to depreciate as people may start to move out,” she said.

She felt there was no need for a new business tower in the area.

“Office and retail space is plentiful at the nearby Gur- ney Plaza and Gurney Tower,” she said.

Regency condominium re-sident and Uplands principal Ian Kerr, 64, said piling works would endanger the heritage building as well as nearby condominiums.

“Besides the new towers would cast a huge shadow over the heritage building, and that won’t enhance its beauty,” he said.

Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) said it had been publicising the feedback notice and over 100 residents had responded.

Hunza executive chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong said he would wait for plans to be ap-proved by the council before commenting on public res-ponse to the project.

“We will follow government guidelines and it is up to the people to give their feedback to the council.

“From the very beginning, it has been decided that the heri-tage building at the site would be retained,” he said.

“I, too, am a defender of he-ritage buildings,” added Khor who is also president of the Pe-nang chapter of the Interna-tional Real Estate Federation (SIAPCI) which has a heritage sub-committee.

The 4.1ha freehold property was bought by Hunza for RM97.86mil from the Chris-tian Brothers School in Decem-ber 2004 and will be transfor-med into a development called The Gurney of Tomorrow.

It was earlier revealed that the old chapel would be turned into a food and beverage haven like the ex-convent school in Singapore’s Orchard Road, now a gourmet’s paradise with 30 to 40 restaurants.

Residents can contact the council’s development planning department at Level 16, Komtar (04-2624400) or PHT (04-2642631) to give their feedback.

Hearing for residents who object

2006-10-23T18:41:00.000+08:00

PENANG: The Penang Municipal Coun-cil will hold a hearing if residents object to any proposed development project on adjoining lots.

Council infrastructure and traffic committee alternate chairman Tan Yok Cheng said the council would seek feedback from owners of neighbouring pro-perty lots before approving such projects.

“If we find the objections genuine we will hold a hearing and look further into the matter,” Tan said.

He was commenting on The Star’s report that residents in Gurney Drive and Kelawei Road were against the RM650mil project coming up at the site of the former Penang International School (Uplands).

He said residents who were against the project should speak up.

As the project will be in a densely po-pulated area the developer would probably be required to include a tra-ffic study when submitting building plans to the council, Tan said.

Hunza Properties (Penang) Sdn Bhd is planning to build two 43-storey service apartment towers and a 37-storey business tower as well as other lower commercial buildings on the 4.1ha freehold land.

The land, which was leased to Uplands School,was acquired for RM97.86mil from the Christian Bro-thers School in December 2004.

The project has raised concerns that traffic congestion in the area would be-come worse especially along Gurney Drive which is usually very congested on weekends.

Residents also fear that their property would depreciate should traffic jams get worse when the project is completed.

They also question the need for yet another high-rise housing and business project in the area when there are alrea-dy many such buildings in the area.

Affected by the project would be con-do residents or owners of Regency, Gur-ney Park, Arcadia and Desa Mas.

Taken from : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/7/6/north/14755803&sec=north

Ready to meet residents

2006-10-23T18:18:00.000+08:00

SEEKING MEETING:Lee(second right)having a discussion with(from left)Prof Amir Fawzi,Gladys,Chan and Dr Leong outside Abu Bakar's office.

PENANG: The Penang Municipal Council is willing to hold closed door meetings with the Tanjong Bunga Residents Association on en-vironmental issues arising from the rapid development in Tanjung Bunga.

Association treasurer Lee Laine said she was happy that the council was opening its doors to allow residents to give their feedback.
“We asked for a public dialogue but council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan suggested that a clo-sed door meeting was more appropriate.
“If there is an open door dialogue, he fears there would be too many issues and we cannot focus on any particular issue,” she told newsmen after meeting Abu Bakar at his office in Komtar here yesterday.

Among the committee members present were Datuk Dr Leong Yueh Kwong, Assoc Prof Dr Amir Fawzi Bahaudin, Chan Kok Fook and Gla-dys Lee.

At the meeting, the association presented a petition on specific ac-tion that could be taken by the council in the next one year. The association urged the council to extend the neighbourhood hearings prior to the approval of high-rise developments to a wider neighbourhood. Lee said the area of inclusion should be proportionate to the height of the proposed development as more residents would be affected if the building was higher.

She said the council should consider the views of area residents and the association when formulating local plans and evalua- ting development projects in the area.

“Development should be based on the principle of planning with the environment that would cause minimal destruction to the natu- ral topography and geology,” she said.
The petition contains 279 signatures mostly collected during a public forum organised by the association in Tanjung Bunga on July 2.

Lee said the association, registe-red last Aug 30, had embarked on a membership drive. Those interested can call her at 012-5811123 or email tanjongbunga@yahoo.com.

Taken from : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/8/2/north/15019492&sec=north

Speed up homes for victims

2006-10-23T18:15:00.000+08:00

CHIEF Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has ordered that construction work on a block of apartments for tsunami victims in Tanjung Bugah, Pe-nang, be expedited.

He said he was aware that the project was behind schedule, adding that he had contacted State Housing, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Syed Amerrudin Syed Ahmad to look into the matter.

“I am aware of the delay in the completion of this project and I have spoken to Syed Amerrudin personally.

“He will look into the matter and do the necessary,” he told reporters after briefing Taiwan small and medium enterprise (SME) delegates at Evergreen Laurel Hotel in Penang yesterday.
A few days earlier, the Au-ditor-General’s findings show-ed that work to build and repair houses for tsunami victims in Kedah and Penang were shoddy.

Tsunami victims staying in temporary houses in Jalan Batu Ferringhi were fed up with the delay. Some of them have also complained that the size of the houses was smaller than what was promised.

On another matter, Dr Koh said the Penang Municipal Council was keeping a close watch on the new housing project planned on the hillslope near Solok Tan Jit Seng in Tanjung Bungah.
Several days earlier, some 40 people from the seven bungalows nearby heard that the site had been earmarked for 25 units of three-storey terrace houses.

Trees would also be cut down to make way for the project.
“I have asked the council to monitor the project. The residents’ safety should re-main the utmost priority,” said Dr Koh.

Taken from : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/5/north/15335015&sec=north

Forum: Allow access to plans

2006-10-23T18:09:00.000+08:00

Penang : The public should be given access to proposals for all major development projects within three months of the submission of plans to the local authority.

This was among the resolutions adopted by participants of a forum held here yesterday to discuss greater transparency in city planning with focus on current and future development at Gurney Drive and Tanjung Bungah.

Another resolution called for public hearings on all applications to convert the use of large parcels of land originally zoned as institutional, educational or recreational.

Organised by the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) and the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA), the forum at the Caring Society Complex was attended by about 40 people, including five Penang municipal councillors.

Among the hot topics discussed was the proposed high-rise development on the former International School of Penang (Uplands) in Gurney Drive and the many high-rise buildings sprouting up on hills and shorelines of Tanjung Bungah.

The participants said the building of two 43-storey service apartment towers and a 37-storey business tower as well as other lower commercial buildings on the 4.1ha former Uplands School would affect residents along the entire Gurney Drive and Kelawei Road. There were also complaints from the participants that the public was not notified of major development projects in their areas.

PHT president Dr Choong Sim Poey said the resolutions would be submitted to the state government, adding that PHT would request for a dialogue with the state government and the council on the matter.

Municipal councillor Teh Leong Meng said Penang was the only state to invite land-owners within a 20m radius from the development site to a public hearing for feedback before building plans were approved. “Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, only neighbouring landowners are required to be informed. “If a road separates the development site from another building, only the road owner needs to be informed,” Teh said.

He said the council had no right to stop profit-orientated developers from submitting planning proposals that were within density requirements.

Taken from : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/8/28/north/15261102&sec=north

Robbers strike at students' home

2006-10-22T21:33:00.000+08:00

Click Image to Enlarge

GEORGE TOWN: Always lock your doors. Eleven Tunku Abdul Rahman College students learned this the hard way when they were robbed of RM32,000 in handphones, valuables, electrical equipment and cash early yesterday.One of them lost his car to the five robbers.Two students were also injured after being assaulted by the robbers, one armed with a parang and another a steel chain.According to a student, the robbers all wearing helmets, walked up the entrance to their Solok Lembah Permai Tiga house in Tanjung Bungah shortly after midnight.

For more reading, please refer to :
http://www.kwongwah.com.my/kwyp_news/news_show.asp?n=63604&rlt=1&cls=102&txt=2006/10/19/bw20061019_63604

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/20061020080356/Article/local1_html

Hill Slope Developments

2006-10-11T14:14:00.000+08:00

On 2nd Sept 2006, a street party organized by Tanjung Bunga Residents' Association, residents of Solok Tan Jit Seng and residents of Pearl Hill, to voice out on the various hill slope projects in Tanjung Bunga area.

The most recent pre-application hill slope projects consisting of 25 units of 3 Storey Townhouses will be located below Pearl Hill slope. During the MPPP hearing on the above projects and we were shocked to hear the respond reply from Executive Chairman of Dynamic Home Pro Sdn Bhd, "if we were to die during the construction of the Hill Slope Projects, it is the Act of God" . From the statement he said, we can strongly believe, he and the company is purely profit orientate and very irresponsible in nature.

Photo and write-up, courtesy of Peter & Gladys at http://petergladys.blogspot.com/

TBRA Newsletter - 24-8-2006

2006-10-11T11:07:00.000+08:00

Our last update told you about the presentation of 280 signatures to the MPPP and the Tanjong Bunga Assemblyman. This newsletter will tell you more about what has happened since but first: Know there will be a Forum on 27 Aug. This Sunday morning! Details under 3 below.

Meeting with ADUN and MPPP President

A small number of us met the President of MPPP at his office in KOMTAR to present him with the memorandum drafted by the TBRA. He would raise all the issues in it with his staff and get back to us. He agreed to a meeting with the TBRA after that. The office of Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon replied agreeing to a dialogue at a date to be determined.

Since then two more Committee meetings were held and a number of decisions taken:

1. Reply to Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon (see attached)
Both MPPP and TB Assemblyman have agreed to meet with our Association but no dates have been set. It gives us time to get better organised and prepare. The reply to Dr Koh Tsu Koon explains that TBRA wants to discuss a number of issues and gives the example of the “sore thumb”. This is one project that was also specifically mentioned in the Memorandum (attached – 4 pages). TBRA would like to see this illegal reclamation restored to its 2005 state and turned into a public park so as to return some beach area to the residents.

2. Establishment of Tanjong Bunga Working Groups (please sign up)
At a committee meeting, we decided to make greater use of the expertise available in TBRA as some of the people who attended the first Forum indicated their willingness to help on various issues.

We will be compiling a directory of expertise of people who are willing to volunteer some time and share their experience on issues related to Tanjong Bunga. Please put your name and the area of expertise where you can contribute :

· Planning
· Education
· Engineering
· Architecture
· Landscape
· Photography
· Nature
· Law
· Administration
· Housing development
· Environment
· Social work
· Computers and web sites
· Recycling, energy and water conservation,
· Youth and senior citizens,
· Health & security,
· Public transport,
· Recreation.

You will not need to sit on the Committee, nor attend long and boring meetings – just meet in informal advisory groups that can lead the Committee to ask the right questions, your questions, about specific projects.

Issues of some urgency.

A. Technical Working Group on Penang Draft Structure Plan
The draft of the Penang Structure Plan will be exhibited soon. There are various issues which will affect us. We need to have a working group to read the report and attend the public exhibition and the public hearing so that unwanted development can be opposed at this stage. (please see earlier TBRA response to the survey Report: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bungarians)

B. Technical Group on Tanjong Bunga Local Plan
We learned that this is in its final stages. This would have greater consequences for us. When this ready for public comment, we would need people to scrutinize the Local Plan, and possibly present a different vision of what we want TB to be.

C . Tanjong Bunga Development Monitoring Group
There are a number of developments proposed along hill slopes. One is the proposed development 25 units of semi-D at Solok Tan Jit Seng just below the rows of townhouses built on concrete stilts on Pearl Hill. This is very steep land and the residents above fear that landslides may occur if construction is allowed there. See date for site visit below.

There are also proposed developments in other areas. We would need people to help monitor such proposals and developments. We therefore propose to form a monitoring group and bring attention to inappropriate developments

Hill cutting was reported as a “hot” issue now with lots of newspaper articles about evidence and denials, etc. It also concerns TBRA with the Lemba Permai (Hunza) projects and the other dangerous eyesore near Taman Chee Seng. Members in those areas, please come forward to give proposals! What angle should TBRA tackle?

· Zoning in TB has been haphazard. Officially we are a “tourism zone”, but most of our town is residential.
How can we keep it residential?
· Buildings have been approved in an equally haphazard way, often before the necessary infrastructure is
planned (roads, water, electricity).
· Gazetted hill land is being eyed by developers.
· Improving community facilities in TB.

We need to also put forward our suggestions on how to improve community facilities like market, library, hawker centres, bus station, open space, etc.

3. TBRA support for Gurney Drive Public Forum: Sunday, 27 Aug, 9am to 1pm

We were asked to support the Public Forum by another civil society group, the Penang Heritage Trust. We have decided to do so as the proposed developments in Gurney Drive and Kelawei Road will affect TB in terms of traffic flow, etc. Please come and contribute !

Gurney Drive/Tanjong Bunga Public Forum: 27 Aug. 9am to 1pm at the Caring Society Complex (diagonally across from the Penang Sports Club).
The title of the Forum is “Greater Transparency in City Planning”. It will focus on the planned development of the former Uplands school area. Briefings will be given on the plans to build three high rise towers, how they will dwarf the heritage buildings in the area and the repercussions for traffic.

Membership and outreach
A volunteer has started to do an electronic list of our current membership (thanks to her, many more of you will be receiving this newsletter). Although email is the easiest way to reach out, we do also want to stay in touch with members who do not have or use email – where we have street addresses, we shall try to mail copies. Any other volunteers to help with this, please?

Joining forces
Several other residents committees have approached TBRA to explore ways to work together. (For example, 3 Committee members had a meeting with the Perbadanan Mt Evergreen) Condo Committees may want to join as supporting members, a loose way to keep in touch so that TBRA also knows that there are local RA’s at work in certain areas. Malaysia Second Homers may also want to contribute by giving their views.

Latest: Site visit
There will be a “site visit” on Saturday 2 Sept, 10 am at Solok Tan Jit Sing. (turn in at the Tanjung Bungah School, and go till the end of the road. The proposed development is on the slope on the left.) Come and support the residents. Your street may be next for inappropriate and unwanted development."
Preparations for this will take place on Saturday, 26 Aug. 4pm at the Mt Evergreen Townhouse (Management Office, 80 Puncak Bukit Mutiara Satu.) All are welcome !

Public Forum, 2nd July 2006

2006-10-08T18:43:00.000+08:00

TBRA held a successful Public Forum on 2 July 2006 which resulted in a petition signed by 280 citizens concerned with development problems in their neighborhood and along the North Coast of Penang.

The signatures and a memorandum were delivered to Yang di Pertua of MPPP and Assemblyman Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. The memorandum asks for:

1. A moratorium on development projects on the north coast until traffic and infrastructure plans have been implemented.

2. Notification of development projects to all residents who will be affected and not only to immediate neighbors.

3. EIA for all development in ecologically sensitive areas and mandatory public participation on the EIA.

4. No hill land to be degazetted and converted to development land.

5. Increased participation of civil society groups and resident associations in the formulation of the local plan."