PENANG'S major transport infrastructure programme continues to record encouraging progress, with state leaders confirming that both the expansion of Penang International Airport and the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass remain on schedule despite the scale and complexity of the projects.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the airport expansion was advancing according to plan, with several key construction packages achieving significant milestones.
He said works involving support buildings, utility relocation, infrastructure development and the Remote Digital Virtual Tower have now been fully completed.
The entire package received its Certificate of Completion and Compliance on July 1.
"Work Package Two (WP02), which involves airside works such as apron expansion, construction of taxi lanes, drainage systems and airport lighting, has reached about 70 per cent completion. For Work Package Three (WP03), which covers the expansion of the main terminal building, the design stage has been completed while the procurement phase commenced on June 25," he said after inspecting the project.
The Federal Government-led airport expansion aims to nearly double Penang International Airport's annual passenger handling capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers.
Zairil said the additional capacity would be essential to accommodate rising passenger demand, strengthen domestic and international air connectivity, and support Penang's long-term economic development.
Meanwhile, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman and Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass has reached approximately 90 per cent completion.
He said all bridge beams for the elevated section on the Air Itam side have now been successfully installed, with construction crews currently focusing on completing bridge deck slabs and parapet works.
Following a progress meeting with the construction team on June 30, Wong said installation of bridge beams on the Gelugor section was also progressing steadily.
Twelve bridge beams are scheduled to be installed between July and August this year, while the remaining six beams are expected to be lifted into position during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Wong said the contractor had reaffirmed that the project remains on track for completion in April 2027, despite concerns raised by the Penang MCA regarding the project's progress.
The opposition party had called on the state government to release payment records, certification reports and project assessment documents following claims that the project's delivery partner had encountered financial difficulties.
Wong said once construction is completed, the elevated highway will undergo a comprehensive road safety audit by the relevant government agencies before the Public Works Department determines the official date for opening the route to motorists.
The bypass is designed to provide a direct link between Air Itam and Penang's two cross-channel bridges, improving connectivity between the island's western and eastern corridors while easing congestion along existing road networks. - July 5, 2026
