Penang undersea tunnel project remains relevant, beneficial
He said the project would help ease severe traffic congestion on access roads to the First Penang Bridge, especially by diverting high traffic volumes in both directions to the proposed tunnel route.
'The new design for the undersea tunnel offers a viable and significant alternative to ensure continuity and direction for the Third Link project.
'It takes into account efficiency, feasibility, effectiveness, as well as social and environmental impact,' he said.
Zairil was responding in writing to a question from Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) during the Penang state legislative assembly sitting today, regarding the rationale for allowing Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd additional time to produce a new design and conduct a feasibility study.
He added that the state government remains optimistic about the project's feasibility but retains the right to decide on its implementation based on the findings of the study and the terms of the Master Agreement with the contractor.
On Feb 26, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the project's feasibility study is still under review. The state government is also considering several related factors, including the proposed expansion of the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), which affects the tunnel's alignment.
The 6.5-kilometre tunnel, intended to link Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
25 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
BN-PH seat talks for Sabah polls 98 per cent complete
TANJONG KARANG: Negotiations for seat allocation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming 17th Sabah election are 98 per cent complete, said Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. He said discussions had been held to prevent any overlapping of contested seats between the two coalitions. "This is what we have done in Sabah. Generally, I can say that negotiations for seat allocation between BN and PH are already 98 per cent complete. "This cooperation was what secured us victories in the Mahkota state seat in Johor, Ayer Kuning in Perak, and Nenggiri in Kelantan," he said. He said this during a press conference after opening the Tanjong Karang Umno division delegates' meeting at Dewan Dato Hormat here today. At the same time, Asyraf reminded party members not to become arrogant in their efforts to cooperate with others. "Umno is an open and dynamic party, as long as we never compromise our principles of struggle for religion and race," he said. Asyraf also said Umno leaders had never discussed severing ties with any party ahead of the state election. He said that while there is a possibility Umno may go solo, the party would still contest under the BN banner. "Umno has never contested alone. We began in the first general election in 1955 with a three-party coalition (MIC, MCA and Umno). "The political landscape changed in 1969, resulting in a new cooperation involving 14 parties under BN. "Today, the political landscape is changing once again, and Umno must be wise in charting its direction. "What matters is for Umno to remain strong and stay within the government structure to defend the agenda of Islam and other key matters," he said. It was reported yesterday that Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had said that the party is ready to face the Melaka election alone if there was no final decision on cooperation with PH in the state.
Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Daily Express
LDP urges GRS not to align with BN-Umno in state polls
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 Text Size: Chin chairs the party's supreme council meeting. KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has urged Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to avoid collaborating with Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election. LDP president Datuk Chin Su Phin said it is vital for any winning coalition to maintain a good working relationship with the federal government, currently led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Pakatan Harapan (PH). He noted that GRS is expected to negotiate seat distribution with PH, but emphasised the need for PH to show sincerity in the partnership, suggesting it should not contest more than 20 seats. Chin also warned that if PH and GRS fail to reach a consensus, both may contest independently and only discuss forming a new state government after the polls. He urged Chinese voters to support GRS for continued political stability and economic growth, warning that backing Parti Warisan could leave them sidelined if the party fails to form the government. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Anwar meets BN MPs to clarify tax, fuel subsidy and judiciary issues
KUALA NERUS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his meeting with Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs last night was to clarify several current issues. He said among the matters explained were regarding taxation, rumours surrounding RON95 petrol subsidies, and issues related to the judiciary. 'Well, on Monday, I decided to meet with PH (Pakatan Harapan MPs), that's routine for PH. Then Datuk Seri Zahid (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) suggested I meet with BN MPs as well. So I said alright, and we met last night. 'BN MPs understood and gave their full cooperation on these matters, and I will provide further clarification to them moving forward,' he said when met by reporters after holding a meeting with the PKR State Leadership Councils of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan here today. Last night, the Prime Minister was reported to have met with BN MPs at his official residence, Seri Perdana, in Putrajaya. Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also PKR president, said today's leadership council meeting also discussed current issues, including the government's actions in tackling corruption. 'I explained how our actions against major corruption cases have led certain groups to unite in attacking us. That is the key point. For them, corruption is no longer seen as something big or serious. But for us, it still is because it involves governance,' he said. Anwar added that he also explained the process of selecting the Chief Justice, reiterating that all parties should respect the appointment process as it was governed by the Federal Constitution. - Bernama
