The announcement of the construction of the RM50 million international convention centre (to be funded by MPPP) to be built at the PISA ground in Relau was made in November 2009 by the Penang state government. They called for tenders in December and this was closed on 12 January 2010.
At that time, the state government also announced that they would fast-track the project and aim for completion by the end of 2010.
Now what is of concern to many Penangites is that the MPPP reported in January that it expects to run a deficit budget of RM40mil in 2010. Later, on 27 March 2010 (online edition unavailable), the MPPP President Puan Patahiyah was reported to have said that she is not in favour to use council funds to build the PICC.
Earlier, on 3 March, the Chief Minister announced that the PICC project will go ahead and will use MPPP funds. There is a lack of transparency in the way the PICC is pushed through.On 13 March, LGE was asked to explain how the PICC tender was awarded.
Several quarters and organisations have objected to the state government against building the PICC.
There are a few reasons for this.
- Currently, PISA is underutilised and only used for a few weekends a year for a few major expos.
- With only 1800 available parking lots, it is quite impossible for the PISA and PICC to cater for large crowds.
- Traffic dispersal plans for the Bayan Baru-Relau-Bukit Jambul-Sungai Ara area with the increased traffic volume from the new PICC and on-going residential/commercial development in these areas seem to be absent.
- Plans for transport and accomodation required for an international convention centre do not seem to be in the pipeline as well.
- In terms of facilities, there may not be sufficient working, storage and staging space for pre- and post exhibition required for an international level convention centre.
- There will be two other bigger and newer convention centres in Penang i.e. the Penang Times Square Phase 3 and the IJM Light Waterfront which already have plans for convention centres. Thus it is apparent that upon completion, it is highly probable that the PICC will be a white elephant.
- The MPPP does not have the budget. MPPP is running a deficit budget in 2010. It cannot afford to fund RM50mil for the PICC project.
- Other more critical infrastructure projects that Penangites need merit attention and these include improving the traffic system, improve cleanliness, maintaining the parks, upgrading low cost housing like the Kampung Melayu flats and upgrading the Chowrasta market among others. MPPP says it does not have funds for these infrastructure upgrade projects. If so, why is it that they are willing to spend MPPP funds for the PICC? The government must use MPPP limited funds prudently.
- Also, the consultant for the project design was engaged without a proper design competition called.
- It almost seems that the project has been fast tracked without a proper feasibility study conducted. Why?
- Do we really need the PICC?
Excerpt from Business Times:
For Penang to venture into the international trade and conventions hosting segment will demand a quantum leap, more investments, and the right professionals who can run the show, so to speak.
Instead of dipping into public funds for an enterprise, whose returns still remain a big question mark, all that is needed is for the authorities to turn to the private sector to undertake such a scheme.
Property developer IJM Land Bhd, which is developing the panaromic sea-fronting "The Light" project along the Jelutong Expressway, has already factored in an international convention centre into its waterfront development.
It is also learnt that other Penang-based property developers have expressed a willingness to finance and build other convention centres on the island, if given an opportunity to participate in certain projects such as land reclamation.
Why not leave it to these firms to go about drawing thousands of visitors to Penang and injecting billions of ringgit into the economy, if a convention centre is needed?
Penangites, please speak up. Do your part. MPPP funds must be used to meet the needs of Penangites and not the PICC which we certainly do not need!!
I appeal to Penangites and concerned Malaysians to sign the on-line petition “Campaign against building the Penang International Convention Centre” by visiting THIS LINK. Thank you very much!!
The above post was based on information I obtained from various sites, articles and teleconversations with SH Tan, a very patriotic and concerned Penangite!! God bless you SH Tan!
Please leave a comment to share your thoughts/views. Thanks!
Penangite Shahrizat chides Guan Eng for giving only RM100 to senior citizens.
~~ Malaysian Insider