Environmental activists against Pan Island Link highway

GEORGE TOWN: Environmental activists have raised concerns on the proposed Pan Island Link (PIL 1) connecting Gurney Drive to the airport and the Second Penang Bridge.
Tanjung Bungah Residents' Association chairman R. Meenakshi said the construction would impact the environment as there would be tunnels along the 19.5km highway as it cuts through hills.
She said this would impact the greenery of Penang Hill and Penang City Park.
"It is difficult to believe there would be no environmental impact," she said.
Meenakshi said to reduce traffic congestion, the government should focus on improving the public transport system.
"Building more roads or highways really won't solve any problems," she said.
Meenakshi said the month-long public viewing for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Second schedule report) for the PIL 1 Highway project is too short.
"The one-month timeline is not enough. It's a very comprehensive project and I feel the public needs more time to go through it, " she said.
Former Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor and environmental advocate Dr Lim Mah Hui also questioned the need for the highway.
He said those who supported the construction of the highway, did not take into consideration the long-term impact to the environment.
On Friday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the proposed highway will alleviate the heavy traffic load at Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Pengkalan Weld, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jelutong and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah.
He said it also addresses traffic dispersal from the newly-­opened Second Penang Bridge and the proposed undersea tunnel.