Penang gov't refutes claim LRT track encroaches mosque's grounds
The Penang government has denied ignoring the religious sensitivities of a mosque in Bayan Lepas, which is upset with the state's plan to build a Light Rail Track (LRT) system in the area.
The RM8. 4 billion and 30-kilometre long line which will stretch from Komtar to Bayan Lepas is part of the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan...
The Penang government has denied ignoring the religious sensitivities of a mosque in Bayan Lepas, which is upset with the state's plan to build a Light Rail Track (LRT) system in the area.
The RM8. 4 billion and 30-kilometre line which will stretch from Komtar to Bayan Lepas is part of the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.
At a press conference in Komtar, Deputy Chief Minister II Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman (photo, above) said he had met with the relevant authorities today to discuss the issue of the Bayan Lepas LRT system near Masjid Jamek Sungai Nibong Besar.
"We are fully committed and respect every Islamic guideline decided by the state fatwa department before deciding on the official plans to build the LRT near the mosque.
"We regret the spread of information, media statements in any form by any quarters with malicious intent, (in this) slanderous and baseless attack, without referring or obtaining verified and accurate information from the state government," he said.
Ahmad Zakiyuddin, who is also deputy president of the Penang Islamic Council, stressed that the LRT would not encroach into the Muslim cemetery, burial and mosque grounds.
He was referring to the reaction of the Sungai Nibong Besar mosque committee which is up in arms over the state government's plan to build the LRT near the mosque in Bayan Lepas.
Mosque committee treasurer Mohd Noor Kamarudin said the LRT builder, SRS Consortium, has agreed to build the rail track behind the mosque.
Mohd Noor was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that the decision on the track location was jointly agreed by the committee and SRS Consortium after taking into consideration the sensitivities related to the place of worship and the opposition by residents.
However, a protest was held at Komtar last week where some 150 expressed their dissatisfaction that the company had not complied with the joint agreement and decided to build the rail track in front of the mosque.
The group had also sent a memorandum protesting the development to Zakiyuddin, urging him to resolve the matter immediately.
