Group raises concern over 'balding' Penang Hill

GEORGE TOWN - An environmental-interest group has raised concerns over the high number of bald patches seen on Penang Hill.

Citizen Awareness Chant Group (Chant) said parts of the hill seemed to have been stripped bare with swathes of earth exposed.

There is fear that rampant land-clearing could have taken place for agricultural purposes.

Chant legal adviser Yan Lee said clearing activities had marred the beauty of the hill and such acts could have been done illegally.

"It is shocking to see that most parts of the hill were rather botak (bald).

"We are concerned if those cutting the hills could have obtained permission from the local authorities."

Yan said the state government should send enforcement officers to the hill to ensure compliance of laws related to hillside development. Checks by the New Straits Times showed the bald patches had mushroomed on both sides of the Penang Hill railway line.

There were more than 20 patches all over the hill range, with irregular cuts, terraces and structures built haphazardly on the hill.

Municipal Council of Penang Island (MPPP) president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail did not respond to queries about the matter at press time.

The Chant group has been critical of the flourishing hillside development, the most recent being the Bukit Relau hilltop clearing last year.

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Group raises concern over 'balding' Penang Hill