Penang has launched the publicity and public participation phase for its long-term planning blueprint, the Penang Structure Plan 2040 (RSN 2040), marking an important step toward shaping the state’s future development. State executive councillor H’ng Chee Wey emphasised that active public participation is critical, noting that this stage allows stakeholders to voice concerns, raise objections, or propose improvements.

According to H’ng, all submissions received during the publicity period will be evaluated by a dedicated panel, ensuring that community input directly informs the plan’s refinement. Following this, a further one-month window will be allocated for hearings and detailed assessments. “The state aims to finalise and gazette the RSN 2040 by the third quarter of next year,” he said at the launch event held at Komtar.

H’ng also provided updates on related planning documents. The Seberang Prai Local Plan is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, while the Penang Island Local Plan remains under review and is targeted for completion in 2027. The latter requires additional assessments after the hearing process. Both Local Plans will eventually be incorporated into the RSN 2040 to ensure alignment in development policies and land-use strategies.

However, the timeline has raised questions from the state opposition. Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff asked why the RSN 2040 review is being carried out ahead of the Local Plans, which contain more detailed planning information. He argued that these granular elements—such as population density guidelines, parking provisions, traffic flow considerations and flood mitigation parameters—should serve as the foundation for the broader structure plan.

Fauzi also called for an independent panel of professional experts to be part of the evaluation process. Such neutral involvement, he said, would help ensure more robust decision-making and prevent recurring development issues that have surfaced in the past.

Responding to concerns, H’ng reiterated that RSN 2040 is designed to be inclusive, comprehensive and reflective of Penang’s evolving needs over the next decade. He urged the public to actively participate and submit feedback before the Dec 23 deadline.

Stakeholders can review the plan and lodge feedback or objections by scanning the provided QR code or visiting any of the four exhibition venues: Level 3 Komtar, Level 57 Komtar, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP).