GEORGE TOWN: The DAP-led Penang government has allegedly converted 577ha of leasehold land to freehold status without valid reasons during its 10-year administration, says Penang Barisan Nasional chairman Teng Chang Yeow. The move, he said, would only benefit the developers and deny the future generation of land for development, especially for affordable housing. He said leasehold land was granted between 30 and 60 years for industrial usage and 99 years for residential usage, adding that reclaimed land was only granted on a leasehold basis. He added that during Barisan’s 40 years of administxration before 2008, only 61.9ha of existing natural and reclaimed land was converted to freehold status. When contacted, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon said the land conversion would yield a higher return for the landowners.

Source: The Star April 07, 2018 00:45 UTC