THE Penang government has completed a RM20mil relocation project for residents, a Tamil school and a temple affected by the land acquisition at Ladang Byram, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the project involved 68 families, the SJK(T) Ladang Byram, and a temple — all of which were affected by a land acquisition process that began before 2016.
“The land acquisition process started before 2016, and the ex-gratia payments were made at that time.
“The state government then decided to relocate the affected residents, the Tamil school and the temple,” he said during the official launch of the Ladang Byram resettlement project today.
He said the state had purchased a new site for the relocation, but the project took time to complete due to the Covid-19 pandemic and several technical challenges.
“Although the process was lengthy and affected by the pandemic and technical issues, we are delighted that the project is now ready to be handed over to all relevant parties,” he said.
Chow said all 68 families had been offered new homes, while a chapel and the temple structure had also been completed and handed over to their respective committees.
“With this, the state government has fulfilled its commitment to ensure all affected parties are properly relocated,” he said, adding that the RM20mil cost covered only the construction, excluding land acquisition expenses.
Chow said the project would bring joy and relief to the residents, school community and temple devotees.
“I am confident this project will bring happiness to all,” he added.
In his speech, Chow also thanked Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye, the Ladang Byram Village Community Management Council (MPKK), the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) for their tireless efforts.
“This initiative marks a new chapter for residents who have endured years of environmental pollution and health risks,” he said, referring to the families previously affected by operations at the Pulau Burung landfill.
Under the project, terrace houses, a two-storey Tamil primary school building and a one-storey Hindu temple were built, along with other essential facilities to support the relocated community.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who is also Nibong Tebal MP, expressed her appreciation for the state’s commitment to inclusive education.
She said education should never exclude anyone and thanked the Penang government for constructing a new two-storey school building to replace the old Tamil school.
Fadhlina also praised the state government for being a caring and responsible administration that prioritises the people’s welfare and continues to advance education and development in Penang.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the project’s completion was timely ahead of the Deepavali celebration at the end of this month.
Among those present were H’ng, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, and CMI general manager Datin S. Bharathi.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis