Penang urges stiffer sentence for illegal hill clearing

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged a harsher sentence for a company involved in illegal earthworks on Bukit Relau early this year.

"We view this seriously and want stern action to be taken against the company," said Lim at a press conference today.

"The state executive council feels that the RM30,000 sentence was not an appropriate deterrent because we want to stress our seriousness against hill clearing activities," he added.

Lim (left) was referring to General Accomplishment Sdn Bhd which was fined RM30,000 or in default three years imprisonment by the Sessions Court for its illegal earthworks on the hill.

General manager, Rohana Shariff, had pleaded guilty on behalf of the company.

The charge under Section 70 A(1) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both upon conviction.

The results of the company's work on the hill, dubbed "Bukit Botak", is clearly visible and had kicked up controversy recently with the state and MPPP bearing the brunt of the criticism for allowing the illegal work.

A director of the company is business tycoon Tan Kok Ping, who is currently the executive adviser and former president of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

"After discussions with the MPPP and state exco members, we have instructed the council to recommend to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) to impose a harsher sentence on the company," said Lim.

"The appeal had already been filed at the Sessions Court this morning and now it is under the DPP's purview, " he added.

State Local Government and Traffic Committee chairperson Chow Kon Yeow was also present at the press conference.