Penang govt defends Pan Island Link 1 project
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has defended the need for the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1), although there is a plan to implement the light rail transit (LRT).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Padang Kota), in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday, said the shift from private vehicles to public transportation alone would not solve the state’s traffic woes.
He said the shift would not happen in a short period of time.
“This is because the increase in private vehicle ownership cannot be avoided, although an improved public transportation is put in place. New roads will be built and connected to the existing ones due to the increase in population and new developments. As such, new roads are needed to accommodate the increase in business, service and work activities.”
The state government has come under scrutiny following plans relating to PIL 1, one of the three highway projects planned for the state, under its Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Protests have been held by Penangites and non-governmental organisations, calling for PIL 1 to be scrapped and for PTMP to be reviewed.
About 100 protesters stood outside the State Legislative Assembly building, the second in the past six days.
Chow said more studies were needed before the project kicked off.
“We will ensure that all guidelines are adhered to. The project is needed to reduce traffic congestion on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and in Jalan Masjid Negeri.
“We will ensure that it will have minimal impact on people and the environment by putting in place mitigation plans.”
On the LRT, he said he had written to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, seeking funding for the rail project.
“If we can get funding, then we will request foran interest-free loan. We hope for a favourable response.”
We will ensure that all guidelines are adhered to. The project is needed to reduce traffic congestion on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and in Jalan Masjid Negeri. CHOW KON YEOW
Penang chief minister