THE Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB)'s mammoth monopole transmission tower lines which snake around the landmark Penang Bridge have become an enigma of sorts - dividing public opinion with some quarters citing that it is crucial to ensure power supply while others lamenting it as an eye sore.
The project which began last year, is now almost completed with several giant monopoles implanted into the Penang Channel seabed securely, just metres apart from the bridge.
Transmission lines are erected atop to power energy into the island, especially into the crucial strategic enclave of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, which has become an important component in the global supply chain for electronics and electrical components.
Some people see it as a distracting infrastructure driving in or out of the island, while others see it as ruining the pristine natural landscape that the bridge offers.
Nonetheless, the state has allowed the debate to continue but in the name of protecting energy security, the project has proceeded and now, the monopole has become a tourism attraction.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said the monopole would now be installed with vibrant and illuminated colourful lights.
It provides a spectacle to the evening skyline, especially for those driving on the bridge, which has for 40 - years been an integral piece of mobility between the island and Prai mainland.
The bridge has grown in stature until a twin was completed in 2013 while the historic double-decker ferries were formally decommissioned in 2020 during the height of the Covid - 19, indicating that all motorists need to only use the two bridges to commute over the Penang Channel.
The 8.5 km monopole transmission tower was fully completed and became operational on December 22 last year, an efficient track record for the power utility TNB.
“There are 200 different colour palettes, with colours chosen based on various themes, such as during major celebrations like Merdeka Day,” Zairil explained.
He also shared plans that TNB will hold an official opening ceremony for the monopole soon.
Penang's Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had launched the lights and the immediate lights' display featured blue, yellow, and white lights representing the Penang flag.
It added another touch to the New Year Day's countdown although not many revellers were aware.
The lights will be displayed starting from 7 pm to 4 am daily
The monopole transmission tower connects the Prai Power Station (SJ) Main Inlet Substation (PMU) to the Light PMU in Penang at the Gelugor plant.
It strengthens Penang’s electricity supply by providing a direct connection from the national grid via overhead line transmission from the mainland, ensuring a stable electricity supply for the island.
It also brings a direct connection of electricity from the national grid to Penang through overhead line transmission from the mainland to maintain supply on the island. - January 6, 2025.
