THE construction of Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) will help create more organised and systematic accommodation for foreign workers within designated areas.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the project would also serve as an effective mechanism to strengthen security control for both CLQ occupants and surrounding communities.
“The CLQ project will reduce unauthorised conversions or misuse, preventing residential areas from being overcrowded with foreign workers.
“Centralising worker accommodation will enhance public health monitoring and hygiene standards, enabling health agencies to conduct regular inspections and treatment to curb infectious diseases and maintain better sanitation levels.
“This centralised placement further allows authorities to carry out enforcement more efficiently,” H’ng (PH–Jawi) said in response to an oral question from Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PAS–Pulau Betong) during the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting today.
H’ng stressed that approvals for CLQ construction would only be granted if the applications comply with the guidelines set by the state authorities and local councils.
“The state government and the two local councils, namely Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP), scrutinise all CLQ development applications carefully.
“Every CLQ project must be submitted to the local councils. Approvals will only be granted if the applications comply with the Garis Panduan Perancangan Pembinaan Penginapan Pekerja di Negeri Pulau Pinang Tahun 2022 (Planning Guidelines for the Construction of Workers’ Accommodation in the State of Penang, 2022) and any other conditions imposed by both councils,” he emphasised.
H’ng also clarified that approvals for Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ) are strictly temporary, lasting three years and ending on Dec 31, 2027.
He said these approvals were granted based on the Garis Panduan Perancangan Penginapan Pekerja Sementara di kawasan PBT Negeri Pulau Pinang (Planning Guidelines for Temporary Workers’ Accommodation in Local Council Areas in the State of Penang), which came into effect on 1 January 2024.
“The guidelines have since been amended to reflect the interests of all parties and were approved at the state executive councillors’ meeting on Feb 12, 2025, taking effect from March 1, 2025.
“This serves as a short-term solution by the state government to address worker accommodation issues, reduce the negative impact of foreign worker settlements within communities, and safeguard the well-being and harmony of local residents,” he explained.
H’ng added that the state government will no longer consider new TLQ applications after 31 December 2025.
“However, the state government, through both local councils, will focus on assisting existing TLQ operators to transition to CLQ facilities based on the existing guidelines,” he said.
He further noted that the Penang government, through PLANMalaysia@Penang, is currently reviewing and assessing the planning guidelines.
“The state government is studying the possibility of allowing light and medium industrial zones to set up CLQs within their own premises exclusively for their workers.
“Additionally, commercial zones currently used for TLQs may be converted to CLQs, while residential zones will not be considered for any CLQ development.
“This means TLQs located in residential zones must be relocated to CLQs once their permits expire, with the final deadline set for 31 December 2027.
“As for TLQs in business or commercial zones, their feasibility for conversion to CLQs will be evaluated carefully,” he added, stressing that the Penang government does not have the authority to revoke CLQ construction projects that have already received planning approval.
Story by Riadz Akmal