BUTTERWORTH: The Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) has been tasked with turning Batu Kawan in Central Seberang Prai into an Eco-town with high standards of sustainability.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said many green plots of land in Batu Kawan could be incorporated into the area’s development plans.

“Apart from physically greening Batu Kawan, it is also important to look at introducing sustainable green and eco-friendly practices in the area.

“We hope Batu Kawan can become a model for other townships to eventually adopt an Eco-town concept that promotes a healthy living environment,” he said after representing Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in opening the Penang Green Industry Conference at Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya here yesterday.

Chow said Eco-towns in England followed certain standards, such as possessing a minimum of 30 per cent affordable housing, a minimum of 40 per cent green space, high recycling rates and zero carbon emission.

He said development in Batu Kawan was expected to pick up upon the completion of the second Penang bridge linking Batu Maung on the island.

MPSP president Maimunah Mohd Sharif said since Batu Kawan was earmarked for mixed development, it was vital to ensure the township’s overall planning, including its building designs and layout, is eco- friendly.

Maimunah had initiated an Eco-town programme for the Bayan Baru new town and Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in 2006 when she was with the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP).

“The green concept must be incorporated right from the drawing board to ensure the area’s industries, commercial and residential units complement one another in their green practices,” she said.

Source: The Star