BUTTERWORTH – Legislators in mainland Penang have mixed feelings about a proposed rail link connecting Penang Sentral with the planned Kulim airport in Kedah under the draft 2030 Seberang Prai local plan.
Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees told The Vibes that the link is not necessary for now, and risks becoming a white elephant.
However, he said, the project can be considered in 50 years’ time.
Penang Sentral, the northern region’s hub for land transport, including railway and bus services, is located in Bagan Dalam.
What is important now is to ensure mass rapid transit and light rail transit connectivity between towns in the mainland, linking Butterworth with districts like Kepala Batas, Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal and Batu Kawan, as well as Penang Island, he said.
“I am of the opinion that the entire project will become a white elephant if the proposed rail link is completed now,” said Satees, stressing that the local plan’s focus should be on planning development in Seberang Prai.
“I would suggest that the main towns in mainland Penang be linked first, rather than connecting to the proposed Kulim airport.”
He pointed out that the airport is reported to be designed to cater to cargo services.
“Why then talk of passenger trains to the airport?”
He said he will also support the original state proposal for an LRT system from Jelutong on the island to Penang Sentral.
The DAP rep added that the local plan is meant to lay out development strategies for Seberang Prai for the next 10 years.
The issue arose when the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) exhibited the draft plan, which includes a provision for a rail route from Butterworth to Kulim, with stops in Bukit Mertajam and Machang Bubok.
It also has a proposed bus rapid transit system with four lines across the mainland, one of which would serve as an airport transfer to Kulim.
MBSP has since updated the plan, with all mentions of any link to Kulim, or Kedah in general, removed.
Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon of PKR, however, welcomes infrastructure projects relating to public transport.
“It is timely to have an efficient public transport system like the proposed rail link to connect the future Kulim airport with Butterworth via Machang Bubok and Bukit Mertajam.
“It will reduce congestion on the roads and cut travelling time. It will be an alternative and additional mode of transport for residents of Machang Bubok to travel to Kulim and Butterworth.”
The Vibes reported yesterday that Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy took umbrage at the Kedah government for prioritising the airport over the Covid-19 battle mere hours after its deal with ECK Group was inked.
“It used to be a cargo airport, but now, it is another story. I have no issues with (the airport), but at the moment, who has the money?
“Where will the state government find the money to invest 20% in the airport? This is a project that requires a huge expense.” – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
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