THE state government has finalised a payment of RM35 million to PLB Terang Sdn Bhd (PLBT) to fully take over ownership of the facilities at the Pulau Burung Landfill Site (TPSPB).
State executive councillor for Local Government and Town & Country Planning, Jason H’ng Mooi Lye (PH-Jawi), said the decisive move followed the termination of the company’s concession contract on 1 August 2022 due to unsatisfactory performance. The payment fulfils the provisions of the agreement clause requiring the government to repurchase assets built on the site.
During his winding-up speech at the State Assembly sitting today, he said PLBT initially submitted a claim of RM84.47 million, but through mediation sessions involving the state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and PLBT, all parties agreed on RM35 million.
“The payment covers the transfer of critical facilities, including waste disposal cells and the leachate treatment plant, ensuring smooth operations under local authority management. MBSP made the first payment of RM9.87 million in March 2025, followed by MBPP’s RM9.83 million in October 2025,” he said in response to a question by Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk).
H’ng noted that rising site management costs since 2024 were largely unavoidable due to adjustments in diesel prices, service tax rates, and the new minimum wage.
H’ng also addressed the concern raised by Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lancang) and Phee Syn Tze (PH-Sungai Puyu) over the welfare of volunteer fire and rescue teams (PBS), praising their dedication and rapid response to fires, accidents, disasters, and other emergencies.
“They are always at the forefront of responding to various emergency incidents. Their commitment exemplifies bravery and public service,” H’ng said.
He reported that the state allocated RM450,000 to PBS in 2025 and RM370,000 as of March 2026 to cover operational costs, equipment, and diesel, while also considering statutory funding and insurance proposals to strengthen welfare and operational readiness.
In response to questions from Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PN-Pulau Betong), Gooi Hsiao-Leung (PH-Bukit Tengah) and A. Kumaresan (PH-Batu Uban) regarding worker accommodation, H’ng highlighted the government’s push for centralised labour quarters (CLQs) as the best solution.
He highlighted that the government continues to regulate foreign worker accommodation by phasing out temporary housing (TLQ) after December 2025 and promoting CLQs within industrial plots.
Currently, a CLQ is under construction in Juru, while a proposed site near SK Juru has yet to be submitted to MBSP.
Responding to Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) and Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota) for showing great concern for heritage buildings, H’ng said a revised and flexible Special Area Plan (RKK) is being prepared through PLANMalaysia, MBPP, and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
The plan aims to balance heritage conservation with economic realities and property owner needs, including the introduction of alternative building materials to support sustainable preservation.
He added that the state, through PLANMalaysia, MBPP, GTWHI, and the Malaysian Institute of Architects, is pursuing pragmatic conservation strategies, adaptive safety retrofitting, and proactive monitoring, including fire risk audits and emergency exit planning, to ensure heritage structures are safe, preserved, and economically viable.
On economic matters, H’ng addressed the influx of foreign businesses, particularly from China, which has created pricing pressures on local traders. He noted that price regulation is under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and any additional local taxes or controls require careful legal consideration.
Concluding his speech, H’ng reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and forward-looking urban management, expressing confidence that, with collective effort and stakeholder support, all initiatives under his portfolio would be successfully implemented for the benefit of Penangites.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan