GEORGE TOWN – Penang has been transparent with critics of its ambitious Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to an extent that a meeting was arranged last year for them to meet former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.
Special purpose vehicle Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) CEO Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said it was the first time that civil society groups were given a chance to voice their concerns to the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) chaired by Dr Mahathir.
The groups had disagreed with the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project – a mammoth undertaking that involves three man-made islands.
“The state government practices openness. We give platforms for them (critics) to protest. In fact, they were given a place in the MPFN to make a presentation. This is the first time that it has happened.
“After the presentation, the council agreed to approve the PSR with 18 strict conditions. So, to say the state government is unconcerned is not accurate. We gave space and we have engaged,” he told The Vibes.
On April 18 last year, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced tha planning council had approved the PSR project with 18 conditions.
The project, which is aimed at reclaiming land in the south of Penang island, is expected to generate enough revenue to fund the RM46 billion transport master plan.
Farizan, who was appointed CEO last month, said the Penang government had taken into account various views, including protests from groups and individuals since the project was first proposed in 2015.
“If they want to raise the same issues, I think those have been taken into account.
“This project is not for the benefit of individuals, this is a state government project for 2030 and beyond. This is a long-term project. All views have been taken into account and given consideration.”
At one point, the state was worried about local fishermen not being able to go to sea during the reclamation process.
The PSR is not connected to the Penang island like the ongoing reclamation project in Gurney Drive to extend land inshore – called the Gurney Wharf.
“PSR has a drainage allotment of 250 metres wide (which allows fishermen to go to sea during the reclamation process)," he said.
Last July, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he wanted 72 conditions in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be complied with before PSR could begin.
Farizan has assured that the state would comply with all the conditions.
The 72 conditions include preparation before, during and after the implementation of the project, and involve several state and federal government agencies.
“The conditions are mostly for the implementation phase, and we will comply. For now, we have listed them all.”
Farizan said the cross channel undersea tunnel and the three highway packages under the Zenith Construction Group, would continue to be listed under the transport master plan despite criticism.
Meanwhile, state Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said there was no issue of illegal implementation because all processes were done in accordance with the law.
“On behalf of the state government, everything that is done is in accordance with the law.
“All approvals obtained are from government departments and agencies. So, it is up to them.
“We have given the groups space to continue to protest. In terms of engagement with the groups, residents and the state government, this is the most detailed one in the country.”
Zairil added that the project was more essential than ever in view of the need to generate economic spillover following the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Infrastructure development has proven to be an invaluable tool to boost the economy, create jobs and offer contracts for talented people to be involved.” – The Vibes, September 22, 2020
