State Local Government, Traffic Management and Water Mitigation Executive Councillor, Chow Kon Yeow is unaware of the landowner’s future plans for the controversial hill, nonetheless, he allayed fears by insisting that the authorities would not allow any major development there.

“We have not received any plans from the landowner but we are sure that major commercial or housing projects will not take place,” he said at a press conference at Komtar today.

Chow added that space constraints would hinder any major development on the hillside as the Public Works Department had set standards for construction of infrastructure including roads and drains.

The once-green hillside came under the microscope in May 2013 when it was discovered that illegal earthworks had been carried out on Bukit Relau.

Locals dubbed it “Botak Hill” after a large bald patch, a result of illegal forest clearing, appeared at its peak, and was visible from Penang Bridge and Komtar.

Landowner and developer, General Accomplishment Sdn Bhd, was slapped with a RM50,000 fine under Section 70A(1) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 for conducting illegal earthworks.

The company was also ordered to carry out mitigation and restoration works on the hill, which it has estimated at RM50 million.

The mitigation works, now at the 60% completion mark, include replanting of undergrowth and trees at higher altitudes, as well as extensive hydroseeding, which is expected to be fully-restored by July 2016. Restoration works will commence thereafter.

Prior to this, Chow had reportedly said that the state government would not stop anyone from submitting development plans for the hill to the Penang Island City Council on the condition that they comply with development guidelines.

He said, “The City Council will decide on any proposals based on its development guidelines.”­