Penang BN has criticised the state government and its joint venture project - Sandilands Foreshore - for offering inadequate compensation to about 30 of the 200 residents facing eviction from the land.

MCA Tanjong Youth chief Lim Swee Bok said the party received complaints from residents affected by the development, and after a meeting with them, are conveying their demands to the state government.

He said the residents complained that the compensation offered to them were not adequate, especially for tenants of homes on the land.

“Many are not getting replacement units or the offer to purchase low-cost units at discounted price.

“They have lived here for many years, where are they supposed to go to?” Lim asked.

Accompanying the BN representatives at a press conference at the project site were 30 of the affected residents.

Lim was referring to a joint venture project between the Penang Development Corporation - a state agency - and Tanjung Villa Development Sdn Bhd to develop the 4.23 acres of land.

Tanjung Villa and PDC,,the landowner, plan to develop 482 units of affordable housing and 321 units of low-medium cost apartments next to Lintang Macallum 2 in George Town.

Currently, there are 54 households holding temporary licences on the land. House owners affected by the project have been offered replacement units, RM1,500 relocation fee and RM700 rental per month until they move into their new homes.

Tenants - those who live in rented homes - are not entitled for the above but are offered a discount rate to purchase low-cost houses within the project.

Lim ( photo ) said some residents have received notice from the developer to vacate the land by March 31.

“Those affected appealed that the date be postponed. Residents who are willing to move out asked when will they receive the RM1,500 compensation for relocation and RM700 monthly rental.

“Small industries within the area are requesting the state government to help them find an alternative site for them to carry on their businesses,” he added.

Conduct site visit to address demands

Meanwhile, Tanjong BN division chief Oh Tong Keong urged state officials and representatives of the developers to conduct a site visit to address demands from residents.

He criticised state elected representatives for their “disappearing acts” after the general elections.

“They only come around during elections to campaign for votes but after that, they disappear.

“Before the GE, they want to be people’s representatives, but after GE, they are the developer’s reps,” Oh alleged.

He said a letter has been sent to the developer - copied to Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Abdul Rahman Dahlan - to inform them about the residents’ demands.

State Gerakan committee member Tan Kah Leong said the parties do not reject development and have no intention of inciting the residents to be confrontational with the state government.

Tan said although the land is a joint venture with a private developer, the state government is still responsible for the residents’ plight as the project involves PDC, a state agency.

“During BN’s era (prior to 2008), PDC was responsible for building low-cost homes for the lower income group but sadly, after March 8, 2008, this responsibility has been transferred to the developers.

“There is nothing wrong with private developers wanting to increase their profits but this comes at the expense of the residents,” he added.