CHAPTER 4

PROJECT OPTION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Several options were considered in the planning stages of the project which are
based on assessments of beneficial and adverse environmental and socio-
economic impacts brought about by the construction and operation of the
Shopping Complex in Pauh Putra, Perlis.

4.2 SITE SELECTION

During the initial planning stage of the project, Ragu-ragu Sdn.Bhd. undertook a
project feasibility and site selection exercise. After a global search for potential
viable sites for the establishment of the EVO MALL Shopping Complex, Ragu-ragu
Sdn.Bhd. selected suitable industrial sites in three (3) different location in Perlis,
namely Kangar, Padang Besar and Pauh Putra.

In deciding the final site for the shopping complex, numerous visits were
undertaken to the actual sites in these state, discussions held with the local
regulatory and industrial development agencies, and several critical factors
influencing the economic feasibility of the shopping complex operations were
considered. The key factors that ultimately affected the siting location of the
shopping complex in Pauh Putra, Perlis are briefly outlined below.

4.2.1 Kangar

Kangar was the original proposed location as it is the state capital of Perlis,
Malaysia. The town is the smallest state capital in Malaysia and situated by the
Perlis River. However, the decision was later reversed as a result of the location
densely populated and crammed. It has a population of 49,898 and an area of
2619.4 ha. The number of population in Kangar was thereby the main factor in
reversing the decision to locate the proposed shopping complex in Kangar.

4.2.2 Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a border town located in the northern part of the state of Perlis
in Malaysia. The main reason for not proceeding with the siting of the shopping
complex in Padang Besar was the location is too far from the main highway. This
is disadvantageous as this factor does not allow the Ragu-ragu Sdn.Bhd.to
properly manage and develop key milestones in developing the proposed
shopping complex. With regards to supporting infrastructure and facilities within
the earmarked area were observed to be developing rapidly but less advanced
than Pauh Putra and, the rate of development observed would not meet the
project implementation timeframe.

4.2.3 Pauh Putra

Pauh Putra is a strategic location near Lebuhraya Changlun-Kuala Perlis and

has a larger area to carry out any construction. Moreover, its strategic location
allows the public to get to the shopping complex easier. This location is highly
demand by the public as the area is growing rapidly in industrial development in
Perlis. Thus, it is suitable to build a shopping complex at this location. The
establishment of the proposed shopping complex within Pauh will ensure
compatibility with the surrounding facilities and thereby reducing environmental,
health and safety impacts that may arise from conflicting operations.