A DAP lawmaker yesterday requested the Penang government to review approvals granted to developers to build luxury condominiums, especially near hills.

Yeoh Soon Hin (DAP-Paya Terubong) said the people did not really need that much development and construction of luxury condominiums.

"The Penang government should review the approval granted to developers to build a 60-storey condominium in Tanjung Bungah Beach.

"This is because the project is merely seen as pleasing developers, and will not bring much benefit to the local population," he added when debating Budget 2017 in the Penang state assembly yesterday.

Yeoh said the state government had other major issues involving the people's interest which needed to be resolved more urgently.

"Economic problems, traffic congestion and the increasingly serious flooding need to be addressed immediately, as it involves property damage," he noted.

On the development policy, he urged the local authorities to closely monitor all approved development and ensure they complied with the state structure plan.

"In addition, the existing drainage system should be reviewed, what more with the large allocation of RM220 million as announced recently."

Earlier, RSN Rayer (DAP- Delima) when debating the Budget, said the frequent flooding which occurred in Penang was embarrassing.

He said this had also affected the Penang International Airport, the main gateway to the state, and was now better known as the 'international water reservoir'.

The sitting resumes today.

- Bernama