GEORGE TOWN – The controversial RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel project has received unexpected support from both the port regulator – Penang Port Commission (PPC) – and its operator – Penang Port Sdn Bhd – despite objections from civil society here.
PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, who is also MCA vice-president, said that both sides will welcome the project in the best interests of Penang.
“But on the same token, the development of Penang Port should also be given priority,” he said.
Once the main economic lifeline of Penang in the colonial era, Penang Port now remains a secondary feeder port in comparison to the main Malaysian port in the Straits of Malacca, namely Port Klang.
Civil society has opposed the project on grounds of the damage it may cause to the island’s fragile ecology and that the project was funded by an unpopular Gurney Wharf reclamation project off Gurney Drive.
Despite concerns expressed earlier that the undersea tunnel could disrupt the shipping lanes, Tan said that the PPC now gives its full support to the third link project.
“Similarly, the viability and potential of Penang Port to continue expanding in the future should also be given emphasis.”
Tan said the third link project is aimed at providing a more effective traffic network system for the island.
He added that the PPC also recommends that the artificial island in Bagan Ajam be relocated closer to the coast to avoid disrupting the North Butterworth Container Terminal’s daily operations and obstructing the extension of berths in the future.
Tan’s support of the project is seen as a surprise by political observers here because MCA is a staunch rival to DAP, which is the dominant party in the Penang government led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The 6.5km undersea tunnel and three paired highway roads were among the projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan, which was valued at RM46 billion.
The paired highways linked Gurney Drive to the Tun Chong Lim Chong Eu Expressway, from Air Itam to the same expressway and the highly difficult link of Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, which may involve hill cutting.
Other projects mooted are the Penang light rail transit system and three Pan-Island Link roads, which will be funded by the proceeds from the land premium sales of the mammoth Penang South Reclamation project. – The Vibes, March 31, 2022
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