GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has no specific plans to develop state-owned land on Pulau Jerejak, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He, however, said several private development proposals had been submitted, covering mixed developments as well as the provision of infrastructure and recreational facilities on the island.
In his reply at the state legislative assembly, Chow said a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) for a bridge construction site connecting Persiaran Bayan Indah near Queensbay to Pulau Jerejak was approved in 2023.
The licence covers an area of 2.02 acres (0.817ha) and has been renewed annually through 2026 at a yearly fee of RM12,300.
He was responding to a question by Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo on the state government’s or private landowners’ plans to develop Pulau Jerejak.
The state administration noted that all proposed developments on Pulau Jerejak remained private developer-led initiatives.
“Their actual implementation remains subject to planning approvals, land matters and compliance with all technical and statutory requirements established by the relevant authorities,” he added.
Pulau Jerejak was formerly a leprosy asylum, quarantine station and penal colony.
About 85 per cent of the island is gazetted as a protected forest reserve and cannot be developed.