GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of residents in low-lying areas were hit by an early morning flood after a downpour that started at 3am.

Parts of Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Sungai Pinang, Jalan Patani, Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Datuk Keramat were flooded. The water level was knee-deep in some areas, and the situation was made worse by the high tide yesterday.

At least 3,000 people, mainly those living in the flood-prone areas of Datuk Keramat and Jalan P. Ramlee, were affected.

Many residents could be seen cleaning their houses after the floodwaters receded.

Retiree Hamid Karim, 59, said the water rose to chest-level at Jalan P. Ramlee during the three-hour downpour.

“I stayed at my neighbour’s house until 9am. My family members were sent to my relatives’ house nearby. When I returned, my bed, cupboards, washing machine and fridge were soaked,” he said.

Another resident Hajjah Rahima Mohd Noor, 80, said her house was hit by flash floods for the third time since June this year.

She said the water rose to at least one metre in her house during the downpour.

Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the rainfall recorded was 140mm within two hours yesterday.

He said the problem would be solved permanently once Phase Two of the flood mitigation project is completed.

The project costing RM150mil is listed under the 10th Malaysia Plan. It involves the widening and deepening of the river from Kampung Rawa to the Dhoby Ghaut bridge to help alleviate flooding in the surrounding areas.

State Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang said the rainfall recorded yesterday was the highest since September 2008.

“Water overflowed the banks in Sungai Pinang, causing flash floods in several areas.

“The water started to recede at 8am. The Penang Municipal Council and state Drainage and Irrigation Department must carry out the clean-up work immediately,” he said.

Source: The Star

Kobay Jelutong, an upcoming mixed development by Kobay Properties Sdn Bhd strategically within Jelutong township in Penang.  This project comprises shopping mall, shop lot, SOHO towers, apartment as well as a low medium cost apartment.

This project is currently in planning  stage and it is yet to be confirmed. Please remember to  us so that you will get informed with latest property updates.

Property Name: Kobay Jelutong 
Location : Jelutong, Penang
Property Type : Mixed development
Built-up Area: (Pending confirmation)
Land Tenure : Freehold
Developer : (Pending confirmation)

Location Map:

27 Green Terraces, located in Ghee Hiang Gardens, within the established township of Gelugor, Penang. This is a freehold residential development by Six Eleven Assets Group comprises 27 three-storey family homes built to the highest standard of quality and with style.

Each unit comes with a modern, contemporary design that forms a perfect canvas for you to transform your home into a timeless masterpiece. From spacious balconies, modern living room to a beautiful landscaped garden, your family will be rewarded with sophisticated and luxury lifestyle.

Property Project : 27 Green Terraces @ Ghee Hiang Gardens
Location : Gelugor, Penang
Property Type : 3-Storey Terrace
Tenure : Freehold
Land Area: 20′ x 82′ (Type A), 20′ x 104′ (Type B)
Total Units : 27
Developer : Six Eleven Assets Group

Location Map:

GEORGE TOWN: The state government, stung by criticism over the Taman Manggis issue, has finally allocated a portion of land for a People’s Housing Project (PPR).

“We will be building 1,328 units of affordable housing on a 4.4ha plot of land with work expected to commence next year.

“The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) will implement the project and an open tender will be called soon,” said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at a press conference yesterday.

Lim hoped that the announcement would put the Taman Manggis issue to rest as the allocated land is much bigger than the 0.4ha site.

He also said 0.8ha (two acres) of the land had been set aside for the Federal Government’s PPR in Jalan S.P. Chelliah since Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung mentioned that PPRs need a minimum of two acres.

The state was criticised by Barisan Nasional over the sale of land in Taman Manggis at the Jalan Zainal Abidin/Lorong Selamat-Jalan Burma junction which was initially slated for a People’s Housing Project (PPR).

It was reported that a 30-storey building was proposed at the site by the Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre but it was rejected by the Penang Municipal Council as the centre was unable to secure an operating licence from the Health Ministry.

On a separate matter, Lim took a swipe at MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong for condemning the way the state government had transferred its debts to the Federal Government.

Lim said the state government had bargained with the Federal Government over the RM600mil in water supply loans, and this had resulted in a debt reduction from RM630mil in March 2008 to RM30mil in October last year.

Dr Wee had said the state had not earned the money but had pushed the debt over to the Federal Government.

“At least we drove a hard bargain to transfer the debts in the interest of Penangites,” Lim said in response.

Source: The Star

A HIGH-DENSITY and compact city form will be an ideal development pattern for Penang island as it is facing a shortage of land.

Penang Municipal Councillor Ng Chek Siang said Penang island was facing a shortage of land.

He said that forest reserves and hill land covered an estimated 52% of the island.

“Our current density/plot ratio is too low (1:5) compared to Singapore (1:12), Hong Kong (1:15) and Kuala Lumpur (1:10),” he said.

He said there were several advantages of having a high density and compact city form for the state.

“A compact city has population densities that are great enough to operate and maintain a sustainable public transport system,” he said during the Penang Municipal Council meeting held at the City Hall recently.

He said a compact city form could also create more efficient land use and would be more cost-effective in providing public services and facilities.

“In terms of transportation, Hong Kong has one of the lowest energy consumption per capita in the world.

“High density maximises the effectiveness of public transport while minimising the distance between the sites of day-to-day activities,” he said.

He added that it could also reduce energy and infrastructure costs.

“I also strongly recommend that plot ratio be used as a measure to determine the gross floor area in residential units per acre.

“It means that the developer can build smaller units and increase the affordable housing supply on the island to suit our future needs,” he said.

Source: The Star