THE proposed large-scale redevelopment of 5.36ha in Pengkalan Weld must not come at the expense of the environment, heritage and wellbeing of long-standing communities, said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
The MCA Penang state liaison committee chairman said while development and progress are inevitable in a growing state, it must be sustainable with environmental safeguards in place, transparent and anchored in accountability.
“While the proposed large-scale redevelopment within the George Town enclave marks a significant turning point for Pengkalan Weld, clarity is needed on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
“What studies have been conducted, and will their findings be made fully public?” Tan, who is also the MCA vice president, asked.
“Penangites will recall that for the Penang undersea tunnel project, more than RM300 mil was reportedly spent, yet the feasibilities studies findings have yet to be clearly presented to the public.
“Transparency cannot be selective. For a project of this magnitude within or near a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and along a sensitive coastal stretch, rigorous environmental scrutiny and full public disclosure are essential.”
Tan said the cumulative impact of ongoing and proposed land reclamation must also be addressed—Penang has already witnessed significant changes to its coastline, where each new reclamation and waterfront redevelopment risks permanently altering natural coastal lines, affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries and tidal flows.
“Has a comprehensive cumulative impact study been carried out to assess how this project, together with other reclamation initiatives, will affect our coastal environment in the long term?” he questioned.
While assurances have been given of a one-to-one replacement arrangement for affected families, Tan noted that the question remains whether adequate and fair compensation has been provided.
“Beyond physical relocation, have the authorities taken into account livelihood disruption, social networks, and the intangible cultural fabric built over generations? Monetary compensation alone cannot replace a community’s shared history and way of life,” he stressed.
“There is also a broader concern: will the new plans transform Penang into yet another concrete jungle, eroding the very character that earned George Town its UNESCO World Heritage status?
The island’s unique urban landscape, living heritage and human-scale streetscape are what draw both domestic and international tourists. Overdevelopment without sensitivity risks undermining this competitive advantage.”
According to Tan, the government must clearly outline what measures are being undertaken to safeguard Penang’s UNESCO heritage status.
“Have heritage impact assessments been conducted in addition to environmental studies? How will building heights, density and design be controlled to ensure compliance with conservation guidelines?” he queried.
“Public consultation must be genuine and ongoing, not merely procedural. Detailed masterplans, traffic impact assessments, and social impact studies should be made accessible for public scrutiny.
“Development must be people-centric, environmentally responsible and heritage-sensitive. While progress is inevitable, it must be sustainable with environmental safeguards in place, transparent and anchored in accountability.”
On Wednesday (Feb 11), The Star reported that the land in the UNESCO World Heritage site—roughly the size of almost eight World Cup football fields—is slated for redevelopment.
The 5.36ha site now holds about 200 tightly packed village houses occupied by families who have lived there for more than three generations.
Owned by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), the land is under a request for proposal (RFP) calling for parties to purchase and develop the parcel.
According to the RFP, the site is in Section 23 of the island’s Northeast District, and the tender is open to local and international companies or consortiums.
Its location is at the end of Pengkalan Weld after the clan jetties and before Gat Lebuh Macallum. ‒ Feb 12, 2026
Main image: Bernama
