IT has become the norm for Penangites these days to put up structures first before applying for approval.
Tanjung MP Chow Kon Yeow said the problem of illegal structures was “everywhere in town'’ which indicated that the council was weak in its enforcement.
“Many resort to putting up illegal structures because of the frustration of having to wait a year or two for approval due to red tape,” he said.
He added that it was time for the council to make the approval process shorter.
Chow was commenting on the glass box-like side entrance to the Tanjung Umno division building on Bishop Street. The council has issued a notice to the owner to demolish the illegal extension or get council approval.
State Local Government, Traffic Management, Informa-tion and Community Relations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said building owners who began construction before their plans were approved would have to face the music.
He said even if the plan was approved in the end, they would still need to pay a penalty.
Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan had on Nov 2 said the building owner had since submitted plans which were being vetted.
He had said if the owner failed to comply with the technical requirements, the building would either be redone or torn down.
Chow said council leadership should be strong and independent in its stand and not be subjected to political interference when it involved administrative matters.
Penang Ratepayers’ Associa-tion president Datuk Eddy Choong said recently the building owner should be given a chance to explain the need for putting up the illegal extension.
“At the moment, the plans are being vetted by the coun-cil and if the owner is found to flout the rules, then necessary action should be taken either to fine the owner or to bring down the structure,'’ he added.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohd Idris whatever the reasons for the extension, the owner should have taken the proper steps to ensure that the structure was put up in accordance with the rules.
Division chief Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said there was no question of the structure being illegal as the division had submitted the plans in accordance with council re-quirements.
“In fact, the press were three months late in reporting the matter because we had already submitted the plans at that point of time.
“We have already done what was required and we leave it to the council now,’’ he said when contacted recently.
