Penang projects get a boost

THE Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas has called for support for the four major infrastructure projects worth RM6.3bil that was proposed by the state government. He said there was a need to upgrade the road infrastructure in Penang to be on par with developed countries. “Thus, the state’s intention to implement the RM6.3bil project to resolve traffic issues should be supported,” he said yesterday in his speech when opening the first sitting of the first term of 13th Penang State Legislative Assembly.

The project comprises a 4.2km bypass connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, a 4.6km bypass connecting the expressway to Air Itam, a 12km paired road between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang and a 6.5km undersea tunnel connecting Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam. The tunnel project had however come under fire from some non-governmental organisations and politicians who feared that it would bring negative environmental and economic impacts. Abdul Rahman said a feasibility study and Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment would be carried out to ensure that the projects are safe for implementation and can be completed well.

On power supply, he said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) would build a RM3bil power plant in Prai which would be completed in 2016. He said that from 2015 to 2018, the utility company aimed to increase the distribution of electricity in the state with the construction of eight 842 megawatt main intake substations at a cost of RM589.5mil. 

Abdul Rahman also said the state government had identified seven sites statewide for its affordable housing projects. He said there would be a total of 22,172 units, of which 3,152 units would be built on the island and the rest on the mainland. He said more than 19,000 people had registered their interest to purchase units at two projects - in Jalan S.P. Chelliah where 1,900 units will be built and Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan which will have 520 units.

On healthcare, Abdul Rahman said the state was setting up dialysis centres in Balik Pulau and Seberang Jaya at a total cost of RM4mil to provide subsidised treatment for poor patients. “The state hopes to start operating the centres by the end of the year,” he added. In his speech that lasted close to an hour, Abdul Rahman also extended his condolences to the family of victims who died in the second Penang bridge ramp collapse on June 6 and freak storm on June 13.

Other issues he touched on included investments, traffic and transportation management, tourism, agriculture, welfare, sports, youth, women’s development and Islamic matters.

The Star Online

Wednesday July 3, 2013