KEPALA BATAS: Putrajaya is planning to add a new court complex in Penang to enhance the judiciary in the state.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Shabudin Yahaya said the initiative was in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan where a new complex at Seberang Perai Utara here would be built by the year 2022.
A 1ha land has been identified in Bertam for the new complex, which is estimated to cost RM30 million.
"The Chief Registrar of Courts, Judiciary Department and Economic Planning Unit are reviewing the plan to decide on the type of courts to be placed here since the Butterworth Court Complex is within the same district.
"If the plan materialises and is approved, then the new complex will bring the legal facility to Seberang Perai community and for the police to obtain remand orders from the court," he said during a visit to the proposed site here today.
Meanwhile, Shabudin also said restoration works would be carried out on a building block of the Penang High Court due to its dilapidated condition and had been classified as unsafe by the works department.
The structure had been vacated since September 2018 and the works department is drafting a plan for repairs, conservation, architecture and air conditioning in the building.
"Previously the repair cost was estimated at RM14 million but due to the scale of damage, now it has increased to RM27 million. Initial works will begin this year end."
Completed in 1809 with more extensions built over the course of its 209 years, the Penang High Court, a Palladian-style building, is the oldest courthouse in Malaysia and the birthplace of the country's judiciary.
The structure has been severely affected by termites and pests.
