Local government, town and country planning executive councillor Jason H’ng said Zantalite Enterprise Sdn Bhd, which initially applied to build a workers’ dormitory in Teluk Kumbar, withdrew its application on May 9. It had submitted its application on Nov 16 last year.

Regarding the other proposed dormitory by Chong Company Sdn Bhd, H’ng said it has been approved by the Penang Island City Council.

However, he said the crucial “C1” approval required to begin construction is still pending due to unmet conditions set by the city council.

“Those who want to apply to build dorms housing more than 10,000 workers must first get the nod from the National Physical Planning Council beforehand,” he told the state assembly today.

Earlier this year, Teluk Kumbar residents, along with local Pakatan Harapan representatives, staged protests against the workers’ dormitory, citing concerns about social issues and traffic congestion.

This comes after the Penang government announced last November that it approved two applications for the construction of foreign workers’ dormitories in Teluk Kumbar.

It said the dorms were necessary to meet international labour standards and accommodate the workforce for the numerous manufacturing facilities in the island’s southern region.

Zantalite Enterprise was supposed to rezone two lots at Mukim 9, Teluk Kumbar from general housing, beach reserve and existing road zones to a general business zone, and increase the height of the hostel building from five to 30 floors.

Meanwhile, Chong Company will build a 27-storey hostel building at Tingkat Teluk Kumbar, which will have shoplots and a recreational area on the first and second floors.