GEORGE TOWN – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has questioned the status of the longstanding Penang undersea tunnel project as the RM9 billion littoral combat ship (LCS) project controversy gains traction for its apparent “invisible” ships.
In a social media posting last night, the Pekan MP sarcastically asked for photographs or video updates of the mega project, which is reported to be progressing smoothly.
“The contract was signed in November 2013, right?
“Perhaps, the project delivery partner (PDP) can invite media to see the project site with their own eyes, similar to how the government invited them to view the LCs project.
By the way, DAP, should there be an investigation by a parliamentary select committee (on the Penang tunnel project)?
His riposte comes after DAP leaders have apparently become the most vocal about the LCS project, seeking for those implicated by the PAC report to be charged for alleged wrongdoings.
The Vibes has since reached out to Penang executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio here for a response.
The undersea tunnel has become a contentious project in Penang after the senior executive director of its original PDP, Consortium Zenith Construction Group’s Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli became embroiled in a corruption case involving former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng.
The landmark project essentially connects Gurney Drive on the island with Bagan Ajam on the mainland, spanning 6.5km and estimated to cost RM6.3 billion.
It is the “jewel” of the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.
Besides the tunnel, new highways were proposed together with a light rail transit system – which upon completion, is expected to ease the decades-long traffic congestion here, worsened since the economy reopened late last year.
In the project update earlier this year, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told a media briefing the state government is awaiting written reviews by port authorities about the proposed undersea tunnel project.
A feasibility study on the project had been presented to the state executive council in March after being delayed for four years.
However, the state government will only make a decision on project implementation once it receives written reviews from the Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd, who earlier expressed reservations about the project, said Chow.
“So, we will wait for the written reviews from these two important agencies as this undersea tunnel will be in the path of vessels plying the channel. Both agencies have given their views to the project consultant.”
Chow said the written review was needed so that the state government could make further considerations although technically, the findings show that the project could be implemented.
It was also reported that the state government has not ruled out building a bridge as a third link between the island to the mainland instead of the tunnel.
The cross-channel ferry services transporting vehicles were scrapped two years ago by the state government; there are now presently two main road links between the island and the mainland, namely the Penang Bridge and its second bridge – the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. – The Vibes, August 14, 2022.
