Its adviser Yan Lee said based on Chant’s observation, the developer was allegedly planning to cut down the palm trees in the area to make way for the expansion project.
He also questioned the number of trees that would be cut down to make way for the project which was expected to comprise a 440-room hotel and 380 units of service suites or medical suites.
He said the palm tree was viewed as Penang’s heritage as it appeared on the state flag. Thus, cutting down the trees should be avoided, if possible.
In May last year, Island Hospital Sdn Bhd director Benny Lim announced an investment estimated at RM2 billion to expand its current 300-bed hospital in five years.
The sale of the state land to the hospital had come under the spotlight of the Penang opposition last year as it was done through direct negotiations instead of open tender.
Gerakan had claimed that the RM156 million deal was a “one-man” decision by then chief minister Lim Guan Eng.
Lim denied the allegation, saying the sale was made with the consent of the state executive council.