An intensive campaign against hillside development in Tanjong Bungah paid off when police finally agreed to meet an affected group of residents over the developer’s blasting activities.

The meeting was prompted by the residents’ vocal complaints that police had done nothing about the blasting, which resulted in a ‘flying rock’ incident last month.

Held on Monday, the meeting at the Jalan Pattani police station was conducted by George Town OCPD Gan Kong Meng.

NONE According to Tanjung Bungah Residents Association chairperson George Aeria, police gave an assurance that Bolton Surin’s blasting permit, revoked on May 26, will not be re-issued until the developer complies with all measures ordered by the state Minerals and Geo-science Department (MGD).

Gan, who was accompanied by eight police personnel, told the residents he will not necessarily sign future permits if he is not satisfied with the developer’s performance.

“He also gave assurances that necessary action will be taken against those who are found to have violated any of the procedures and conditions contained in and related to the permits issued,” Aeria said.

"This includes possible unauthorised use of explosives outside the permitted areas.”

When contacted, Gan declined to comment on the meeting beyond saying “Cannot comment at this hour… not by telephone… you are from Malaysiakini, right?”

He did not deny that the meeting had been held or dispute the residents claims on the outcome.

Gan had earlier told reporters that police are probing the ‘flying rock’ case under Section 427 of the Penal Code.

The developer has since repaired the roof of the house affected and has met with the police, Penang Municipal Council (MPPP), and MGD to review the matter.  

‘No enforcement’

Aeria said blasting permits are issued on a monthly basis by the police and that the most recent one was signed by Gan himself on April 30, for activities to be carried out in May.

“It is then the duty of the police to enforce the conditions which come with the permit but for the past year, they have not been doing so,” said Aeria, who has lived in Tanjung Bungah for 30 years.

“There have been numerous incidents of flying rocks hitting houses and passing vehicles, and yet permits have been issued every month (until now).”

Gan was said to have signed these permits based on the information given to him by the MGD and his men on the ground.

“Perhaps his men at the Tanjong Tokong police station have not been telling him enough or (giving him correct information), thus causing him to sign it every month without fail,” Aeria said.

All parties - MGD, MPPP and the police - are supposed to be present when blasting work is carried out, said Aeria, referring to the conditions in the permit.

“The sad fact is that none of them were there,” he added.