The same groups claimed last month that two dorms with a combined capacity of over 30,000 people would soon be built in the seafaring town, dwarfing its 15,000 population.

They also claimed that the presence of foreign workers’ quarters would cause social ills and traffic congestion.

However, the Penang government said that only 7,000-bed quarters had been approved for construction, and were needed to meet industry demand and comply with international labour standards.

Idiris Saleh, chief of the Teluk Kumbar residents’ action committee against workers’ quarters, said he was disappointed that the chief minister had refused to meet despite several letters being sent to him.

Speaking to reporters in Komtar, he said the group was using “diplomatic means” to get its message across, but would take its fight public with the voters should such means fail.

Meanwhile, Yakqub Nazri, a representative for Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Dakwah Islamiah SeMalaysia or Pekida, said that the group would occupy Komtar if the state did not accede to their demands.

“We will camp out in Komtar for 10 days. We will put up ikan bakar stalls. We will gather thousands to protest,” he said.

State information officer Zahar Zainol received protest notes from Pekida, Pertiga, Merong, Pertubuhan Seni Silat Perguruan Silat Gayong Pengerak Pulau Pinang and Pertubuhan Gerak Seni Silat Abjad Azli Jabat Kilat Malaysia.

FMT has contacted the chief minister’s office for comment.