Penang Forum NGO says government should find alternatives to PIL 1

PETALING JAYA (April 11): Alternatives need to be sought for the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) as the Federal Government is not providing financial aid for the highway project, says an NGO

The Star reports that Penang Forum member Dr Lim Mah Hui said the state should treat the situation as an opportunity instead of a setback.

“Perhaps the complication in the state government’s plans with the lack of federal bridge financing for the PIL 1 will be an opportunity for it to rethink and review the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

“External, independent and globally acknowledged transport experts should also be asked to review the PTMP in the context of resolving Penang’s transport and traffic problems for the next few generations.

“The costs of a review is minimal compared to the proposed expenditure of RM46bil and the savings could be huge,” he was quoted as saying in a recent statement.

The proposed PIL 1 highway project had reportedly faced difficulties after failing to obtain an RM1bil bridging loan.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow responded to the loan difficulties by saying that as a loan from the Federal Government was not forthcoming, the project delivery partner would have to source for funds.

Lim pointed out that the financial obligations involved in the PTMP may be a burden on future generations of Penang.

“The entire scheme is currently projected at RM46bil.

“Phase 1 costs RM23bil, consisting of PIL 1 at RM7.5bil; the LRT at RM9bil; and the undersea tunnel and three highways at RM6.5bil.

“Phase 2, which involves two elevated monorails, LRT across the channel, tram in George Town and other roads, is estimated to cost RM23bil,” he was quoted as saying.

He also said that and reclamation would adversely impact thousands of fishermen, and cause pollution, decline in the fish supply, and higher prices.

“This is the opportunity to prioritise public transportation instead of building more highways that will take years of agonising construction,” he said.

The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) should be looked into as alternatives he said, as ART is estimated to cost one tenth the construction costs of the LRT.

“These are low-hanging fruit involving speedy and affordable implementation.

“A change of plan will not involve compensation as it was claimed that no money has been paid and no works have started,” he said.