Penang's traffic worsening

By JOSEPHINE JALLEH josephine@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: There should be better enforcement on the traffic flow on the island where it is believed that there are now more vehicles than residents here.

Engineer Low Swee Heong said that while the Penang Government had implemented initiatives such as 'No Vehicle Day', there was a lack of consistent enforcement on illegal parking during weekdays.

He said this when delivering a presentation entitled 'Worsening Traffic and Related Problems in Penang.'

His paper was part of a one-day public forum on the topic of 'Development and Good Governance' held at the Caring Society Complex yesterday.

He said that other traffic problems were environmental issues such as air quality and noise pollution.

The event was organised by Penang Forum, a coalition of progressive public-interest civil society groups.

NGO Green Voters coordinator Khim Pa also pointed out that the high suicide rates in Jelutong and Air Itam were an indication of social deprivation under the stress of rapid development.

Pa was referring the suicide rate to an article on 'Completed Suicides in the District of Timur Laut, Penang Island' by Penang Hospital forensic pathologist Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh.

"The suicide rate is to measure the hopeless situations which people find themselves in. We talk of developing structures and buildings but what about the people's development? What about their health, welfare, (quality) living and education? How about people in poor areas? How can they benefit from development?" he questioned.

Blogger Anil Netto highlighted that Penang has an acute shortage of green spaces and recreational areas.

"There were many opportunities to erect parks and provide (quality) affordable housing but instead land was sold to developers instead," he said.

Researcher Datuk Dr Leong Yueh Kwong said that there should be a review on all land reclamation projects in Penang, especially if there is an adverse impact on the natural coastal area.