The Penang state government has completed a RM20 million relocation project for residents, a Tamil school, and a Hindu temple affected by the land acquisition at Ladang Byram. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project, which benefited 68 families, SJK(T) Ladang Byram, and a local temple, marks the state’s commitment to ensuring proper resettlement for all affected parties.

Chow explained that the land acquisition process began before 2016, with ex-gratia payments made at that time. The state subsequently decided to relocate the affected families, school, and temple to a new site purchased specifically for this purpose. However, the project faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and various technical challenges.

“Although the process was lengthy, we are pleased that the project is now complete and ready to be handed over to the residents, school, and temple committees,” Chow said during the official launch of the Ladang Byram resettlement project on Saturday.

All 68 families have been offered new terrace houses, while the chapel and temple have also been rebuilt and handed over to their respective management committees. Chow noted that the RM20 million cost covered construction works, excluding land acquisition expenses.

He expressed confidence that the project would bring happiness and stability to the relocated community, which had endured years of hardship and environmental pollution due to the nearby Pulau Burung landfill operations.

“This initiative marks a new beginning for the residents, offering them a safer and more comfortable living environment,” Chow added.

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 dedication in making the project a success.

The relocation project includes newly built terrace homes, a two-storey Tamil primary school, and a one-storey Hindu temple, along with other supporting facilities to meet the community’s daily needs.

Education Minister and Nibong Tebal MP Fadhlina Sidek commended the Penang government for its commitment to inclusive education, highlighting that “education should never exclude anyone.” She thanked the state for constructing a new two-storey school building to replace the old Tamil school and praised Penang’s caring and responsible administration for prioritising the people’s welfare.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the project’s completion was timely ahead of the upcoming Deepavali celebration, bringing renewed joy and hope to the community.

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