GEORGE TOWN: The state government has defended its compensation payout process following objections from 13 affected parties over the compulsory land acquisition for the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL 2A) Phase 1 project in Permatang Damar Laut.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in a statement Tuesday (April 8), said the compensation payout was made in line with valuations provided by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH).
"The affected individuals had claimed that the compensation awarded, including ex-gratia payments, was insufficient.
"In total, the majority of landowners received more than RM1.5mil each in compensation," he said.
Chow said that in addition, three individuals who did not possess land titles were each given an ex-gratia payment of RM43,500, despite their buildings being located on government land without proper grants.
He said the awarded compensation was based on valuations provided by the JPPH, and ex-gratia payments have been disbursed by the district land administrator since December 2024.
He said the total compensation paid to date amounts to RM24.27mil.
On Jan 14 this year, Chow met with the residents for a dialogue, after which they were allowed to remain on site until Feb 28, 2025.
He said the government has since extended the deadline a second time, requiring all occupants to vacate the premises by April to facilitate the project's progress.
“The state government urges all parties to comply with the legal process under Section 3(1)(a) of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and vacate the site to ensure smooth implementation of the project,” he said.
To date, 30 formal objections have been submitted by interested parties involving 11 land lots.
The Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) is a highway project that connects Gurney Drive to the second Penang Bridge, while PIL 2A is an extension road from the second Penang Bridge to Silicon Island, a man-made islet currently under reclamation off the southern coast of Penang Island.
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