Residents voice concerns over Penang highway projects

GEORGE TOWN: Environment, traffic and public transport were among the concerns voiced by residents near the proposed 12km Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang paired road during a forum on Saturday evening.
One of them was Joleen Yap, 26, who is worried about the flora and fauna along the hilly and forested area.
Currently pursuing a master's degree in zoology, she said, natural habitats and fauna played a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and their loss may also mean the state loses a potential eco-tourism spot.
“We need to take care of our green lungs,” she said at the 50-member forum organised by Tanjung Bungah assemblymen Teh Yee Cheu.
Tropical Spice Garden director Katherine Chua who is worried about the effects of construction on water catchment areas has called for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be done to preserve the environment.
Penang Island City Council councillor Lim Mah Hui meanwhile questioned the necessity for building the road as the funds could be used to provide better public transportation systems and pedestrian networks.
The project is one of three highway projects in the pipeline including a 4.6km bypass from Air Itam to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and a 4.2km bypass from Gurney Drive to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu.
These are part of the RM6.3 billion transportation project which also proposes a 6.5km undersea tunnel to connect Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland to be built by Consortium Zenith BUCG (CZBUCG) Sdn Bhd.
CZBUCG executive vice chairman Datuk Lee Chee Hoe said the road was being build to overcome traffic woes and also to provide an alternative route in times of emergencies.
Penang Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the state took note of the concerns raised.
He said the worries raised in public consultation sessions would assist planners in addressing and resolving issues which may arise.
“Work for this road is expected to begin mid next year and scheduled to be completed by 2020,” he added.