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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 48797, member: 636"] Penang leaders might change their huge land reclamation project after angry residents complained. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow met with worried locals who live near Karpal Singh Drive. The homeowners fear the massive construction will damage their neighborhood and pollute the water. State officials agreed to look at making the project smaller if environmental experts approve it. The government signed a billion-dollar deal back in 2020 to build 30 hectares of new land. Local activists formed a group to fight the controversial plan. They worry the construction will destroy the Middle Bank marine sanctuary nearby. This protected area houses the only seagrass beds left in the Straits of Malacca. Scientists found over 400 different species of plants and animals living there. The sanctuary covers 10 square kilometers of important ocean habitat. The developer must receive environmental approval before February 2026 or the project dies. Government experts finished reviewing public comments about the plan on June 30. State leaders will negotiate new terms with the company if they pass the environmental tests. Chow admitted the government might lose money if they shrink the project. The original contract allows the state to share profits from the development. The chief minister also broke ground on a new market complex in Batu Kawan. The 46-million-dollar project will feature 82 stalls and 449 parking spaces. Workers expect to finish the three-story building by June 2027. Officials believe the market will boost business in the growing township. [/QUOTE]

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