State Local Government Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the RSN 2040 review is intended to strengthen and improve on the existing RSN 2030, ensuring that the state’s long-term planning remains relevant and comprehensive. — PIC FROM PDRM PULAU PINANG’S FB
December 9, 2025
GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s State Structure Plan (RSN) 2040 is set to introduce significant policy changes, with the state confirming that it will review the long-standing 76-metre elevation restriction on development as part of its major planning overhaul.
The proposed revisions are now open for public consultation for one month, ending on Dec 23.
State Local Government Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the RSN 2040 review is intended to strengthen and improve on the existing RSN 2030, ensuring that the state’s long-term planning remains relevant and comprehensive.
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He said the state would examine how far development could be permitted above the current 76-metre limit while still protecting the environment and safeguarding surrounding areas.
Currently, Penang does not allow development above 76 metres, even on flat land situated at higher elevations, although other states permit projects beyond 150 metres.
“Through the RSN 2040 review, the state will determine new elevation categories and technical requirements for development based on further studies, public input and advice from technical experts.
“Public participation is a key component of the process,” he said at the launch of the RSN 2040 publicity programme and public participation at Komtar here today.
H’ng said stakeholders could voice any concerns or objections during the publicity period, after which a panel would evaluate all submissions.
He said a further one-month period would follow for hearings and assessments.
“The state aims to finalise and gazette the RSN 2040 by the third quarter of next year,” he added.
H’ng said the Seberang Prai Local Plan is targeted for completion in the first quarter of next year, while the Penang Island Local Plan remains under review and is expected in 2027, following additional assessments after the hearing process.
“All these will be incorporated into the RSN 2040,” he said.
State opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff, when met, questioned why the RSN review was being conducted before the Local Plans, which are expected only next year.
He argued that the Local Plans contained essential detailed information that should guide the RSN, particularly to address issues such as population density, parking shortages, traffic congestion and flooding.
He also called for an independent panel of experts to be involved in the assessment process, saying that neutral and professional input was crucial to ensure the success of the state’s planning agenda and to avoid recurring development issues.
H’ng stressed that the RSN 2040 aims to be more inclusive, comprehensive and responsive to the state’s needs over the next decade, and urged the public to provide feedback before the Dec 23 deadline.
Stakeholders can submit feedback or objections by scanning a QR code or visiting any of the four exhibition sites located at Level 3 Komtar, Level 57 Komtar, the Penang Island City Council (MBBP) and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP).
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/
