BN state elected representatives are sore with the Penang government and local councils for allowing gambling dens, massage parlours and so-called family centres that served as fronts for various vice activities to operate illegally in the state.
State opposition leader Jahara Hamid said the state government and local councils are approving these illegal businesses although they were rejected by the police due to safety and security reasons.
She said 1,174 of such businesses are currently in operation, quoting figures provided in a written reply in the state legislative assembly provided by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow.
“They are many centres operating illegally, and only slight actions (were) taken against them like issuing compounds,” Jahara lamented in a press conference in the state legislative assembly today.
“We question the approval procedures for such businesses, at least refer these issues to the elected representatives, or residents, before approval is given to them,” added the seven-term Umno Teluk Ayer Tawar assemblywoman.
Jahara said local authorities often respond by saying that they have asked for feedback and no one objected to such businesses.
She also said the local councils approved the businesses because they pose no “disturbances” to the local community.
“But when do (such) disturbances happen? Before or after licenses are approved?” she asked.
She said she had highlighted cases of entertainment centres which were approved despite them being rejected by the police, saying these premises had become fronts for vices such as illegal gambling and prostitution.
She then provided a list of statistics, stating that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had approved 76 family, karaoke (322), snooker (17) and massage parlours (228) centres since 2008.
Seberang Perai Municipal Council had approved 272 family, karaoke (104) and snooker (37) centres and massage parlours (118) since 2008, she said.
Conversion of agriculture plots
On a similar note, Mahmud Zakaria (BN-Sungai Acheh) said many plots of agricultural land are being converted for commercial projects in Seberang Perai.
“If these lands are converted for schools or mosques, we do not mind, but they are for factories and commercial businesses,” he said.
“Due to such a move, land for food is shrinking, while food has to be imported from outside,” Zakaria added.
However, he did not have the statistics to back his claim, saying, “This is the general view”.
Jahara also condemned the state for approving six hillslope development projects despite the deadly landslide of Oct 21 in Tanjung Bungah which killed 11.
“We are disappointed that these approvals are given despite the relevant agencies like the Department of Environment not approving the said development,” she said.
“The state government must recognise, appreciate and respect the views given by the relevant departments like police and DOE before approving the projects.”- Mkini
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