Development pressure in South West District of Penang: Issues and implications

Urban land use is one of the main subjects in a town's physical development or a town's analytical research and deemed crucial in planning and controlling urban development. Nevertheless, rapid increase in urban population also means high demands on urban land. Drastic pressure of development has changed the pattern of land use in this area and some projects even go the extent of going against the state policies particularly the State Structure Plan and Local Plan. This article attempts to evaluate the changes affecting land use as well as to suggest suitable recommendations which can facilitate more comprehensive planning.