After 12 years since the last Penang Structure Plan (2020) was gazetted, the state today declared the 2030 plan, also known as Rancangan Struktur Negeri (RSN).
Last gazetted on June 28, 2007, the RSN2020 had been in use until the new plan was gazetted.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (photo) said the RSN2030 was gazetted on Oct 24, after considering sentiments from the public.
"Local plans, which determines the type of development for every area in the state, will be ready by next year," Chow said in a press conference in Komtar today.
The plans have been much awaited by NGOs who want to see proper planning, including density details, for each area as development projects have been mushrooming around the island since the 1990s.
However, much to the chagrin of NGOs and fishermen, the RSN2030 would include a reclamation project and the creation of three artificial islands in Bayan Lepas.
This prompted the NGOs to slam a public town hall discussion in March this year as a "farce".
Other reclamation projects in Seri Tanjung Pinang, Gurney Drive and the Queensbay area, which have been criticised by environmental NGOs, were also included in the RSN2030.
The RSN comes up for review every five years, which is a federal requirement.
State Town and Country Planning Committee chairperson Jagdeep Singh Deo said there will be two separate local plans for Penang Island and Seberang Perai.
"Local plans for Seberang Perai are expected to be ready by June next year, while an island plan will be ready by the end of next year," Jagdeep said at the same press conference.
Chow explained that the RSN was the main development masterplan, and local plans are designed according to the RSN.
"The local plans have to follow the strategies under the new RSN2030. The plans will focus more on specific development and control in the next 10 to 15 years," Chow added.
“There has never been local plans previously,” he said.
All states are required to lay down its own structure plans to govern development over the next 10 years. - Mkini
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