GEORGE TOWN – Amid public criticism and uncertainty on the part of the state government, Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd today said it is on track to deliver the Penang undersea tunnel.
Managing director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli told The Vibes that the planning and approval processes are on track as the completed feasibility study is with an independent auditor for assessment.
CZC will undergo the required protocols to ensure transparency and that the project is on schedule, he added.
Just a few days ago, state Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Penang government had yet to make a decision to allow the RM6.3 billion project to continue.
He added that Penang would only make a decision after the feasibility report by CZC had been finalised.
The proposed 7.2km tunnel connects George Town through Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam in mainland Butterworth.
It is part of the ambitious Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) mooted by former chief minister Lim Guan Eng in 2011. The RM46 billion PTMP includes highways, LRT, monorail and a comprehensive bus route network on the island and mainland.
However, on August 7, Lim claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to soliciting a bribe from Zarul relating to the undersea tunnel project.
Lim was accused of asking for 10% of profits from Zarul to help his company, Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, secure the undersea tunnel project.
Three days later, Lim also claimed trial at the Butterworth Special Corruption Sessions Court to abusing his power as then chief minister to obtain RM3.3 million monetary gratification as an inducement to appoint Zarul’s company to implement the RM6.3 billion three paired roads and undersea tunnel projects.
Case management is set on December 18 for Lim’s abuse of power case. – The Vibes, October 16, 2020
