The Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee (ProtectKarpal), representing residents from multiple residential communities in the affected area, respectfully but firmly urge Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to reject the scientifically unsound and environmentally damaging proposal for a 70-acre coastal reclamation as part of the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project.
While we recognise the urgent need to address the legacy of the decades-old landfill, the developer’s plan to reclaim a significant portion of our coastline to house massive recycling machinery is a drastic and unnecessary measure that flies in the face of established scientific understanding and successful global precedents.
Our concerns are rooted in irrefutable scientific evidence and the proven success of alternative landfill rehabilitation strategies.
The proposed large-scale coastal reclamation encroaches into – and threatens irreparable damage to – our precious marine ecosystem, Middle Bank, a thriving marine sanctuary.
Scientific consensus highlights that such projects disrupt vital marine habitats, alter natural sediment flows and trigger significant ecological imbalances, leading to long-term biodiversity loss.
Locating intensive waste recycling operations on newly reclaimed land will inevitably subject our communities to unacceptable levels of toxic gases, dust, noise pollution and heavy industrial traffic, severely affecting our quality of life.
The developer’s own environmental impact assessment report confirms phase 1 (WP1) can occur within the existing 90-acre landfill site. This crucial detail undermines the argument for an immediate 70-acre expansion.
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Extending timelines to 5–10 years would allow phased processing, eliminating the need for 70 acres of reclamation.
Globally recognised best practices in landfill management, including landfill mining, modular recycling technologies and in-situ reclamation, offer demonstrably effective alternatives that can minimise or eliminate the need for such an extensive reclamation.
Scientific evidence and global success stories point to a better way:
- An excessive footprint is unjustified: Numerous international landfill rehabilitation projects have successfully contained their operations within existing boundaries or with minimal expansion. For example, the Hiriya Landfill in Tel Aviv, a 60-meter-high waste mountain, was transformed into a major urban park and a centre for recycling research. This showcases the potential for innovative on-site solutions.
- Technical feasibility of alternatives is proven: Geotechnical innovations like geogrid-reinforced working platforms can create stable surfaces on existing landfill sites, negating the need for vast reclaimed areas for recycling machinery. Phased excavation, coupled with modular and vertical recycling systems, as seen in successful projects in Hong Kong and various European municipalities, can efficiently process waste within the existing 90-acre site.
- International precedents showcase innovation: Cities worldwide have successfully rehabilitated landfills using methods like sectional excavation, intermediate capping, and integrated recycling lines without resorting to extensive coastal reclamation. The Łomianki landfill in Poland, an illegal hazardous waste site, was relocated and the area transformed into a shopping centre, proving that even challenging sites can be repurposed responsibly.
Urgent appeal to chief minister
We implore Chief Minister Chow to champion a truly sustainable and innovative approach by initiating an immediate and comprehensive review of the current proposal.
This review must involve independent geotechnical experts, civil engineers specialising in landfill rehabilitation, environmental scientists and, most importantly, the affected community stakeholders.
By embracing a collaborative and transparent process, Penang can:
- Gazette the Middle Bank marine sanctuary: Prevent the unnecessary destruction of vital marine life and coastal habitats that are crucial for our ecological balance and future generations.
- Safeguard the wellbeing of our community: Protect residents from the detrimental impacts of dust, noise and increased industrial traffic associated with large-scale recycling operations on reclaimed land.
- Demonstrate true sustainable leadership: Position Penang as a global leader in forward-thinking landfill rehabilitation, showcasing a commitment to balancing economic progress with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Towards a sustainable solution
We firmly believe that a phased and modular approach, combined with rigorous environmental monitoring and genuine community engagement, offers the most responsible and effective path forward for the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation.
Our collective knowledge, coupled with the global best practices, strongly suggests that the proposed 70 acres of additional reclamation is not only unnecessary but also represents an unacceptable risk to our environment and community.
We urge the chief minister’s office and all relevant authorities to engage in an open, transparent and data-driven dialogue to reassess the spatial requirements for this critical project.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively towards a solution that is both practicable and ecologically responsible, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for Jelutong and Penang.
Community call to action
The committee also urges all concerned citizens to:
- Submit feedback on the environmental impact assessment report
- Join the Protect Karpal Singh Drive WhatsApp group to exchange ideas, stay informed and take action
- Visit our website to get more information
- ProtectKarpal
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
