He said the planning permission application submitted by the developer, Chong Company Sdn Bhd, on June 27 was still under consideration though the project had been approved by the state planning committee.
He said a detailed assessment needed to be done on the application from various aspects before approval could be given to start construction.
“I understand that the social impact assessment (SIA) report has already been done by getting the input and views of the local community regarding this project.
“Apart from the SIA, every application needs to go through several other evaluations, including an environmental impact assessment (EIA), to determine whether the site is suitable for construction,” he said after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ampang Jajar solid waste management centre here.
He was commenting on objections by residents regarding the plan to build dormitories for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar on Dec 30.
H’ng said he understood the concerns raised by residents about the contentious project, especially regarding security, but maintained that the dormitories would be for workers in general, not specifically for foreign workers.
“Don’t say it is for foreign workers, it is just general accommodation for anyone as it can be occupied by either locals or foreigners.
“However, I understand that every application for the construction of workers’ accommodation will face objections, especially from the local community. The same issue arose in 2017 in Bukit Minyak, but today we have been able to control it comprehensively,” he said.
Last month, H’ng told the state assembly that an estimated 32,680 foreign workers would be placed in the Teluk Kumbar area based on the approval certified by the Penang state planning committee.
Construction will be done on lots 1859, 1860 and 1865 at Tingkat Teluk Kumbar, Mukim 9, Teluk Kumbar, by Chong Company.
It involves the construction of a 27-storey hostel building, which will have six shop lots on the first floor, recreational facilities on the first and second floors, and 26 floors of workers’ dormitories involving 512 units.