GEORGE TOWN, April 8 – The undersea tunnel project proposed by the Penang state government is not appropriate for the state based on its geographical factors, said Penang Citizens Awareness Chant Group. Its representative, Khoo Kay Peng said the undersea tunnel was not the best solution to address traffic congestion in the state and the DAP-led state
government should not compare this state with other countries.
“I think to use an example of how the tunnel works very well in China and Hong Kong and saying that because China has a tunnel, Hong Kong has a tunnel and Penang should (also) have a tunnel, I think you are mistaken on two very important points.
“Firstly, we are quite different geographically. How a tunnel was being built in Hong Kong, it is quite different from Penang…it is quite flat, Hong Kong is connecting island to island.
“Secondly, Hong Kong did not just build the tunnel, they built a whole commuters’ lines that will make it easy for commuters to use. If you want to build a tunnel, fine. If you are building it to improve the network and accessibility of public transport, then I think it makes sense,” he told a press conference here today.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng recently announced the 6.5km undersea tunnel, linking Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, as one of the mega projects costing RM6.3 billion. Khoo, who is also a political analyst, said the project would bring a lot of impact to the state which would affect the tourist attractions, particularly in the vicinity of Gurney Drive.
“We may have to sacrifice the sea front of Gurney Drive. We are losing a lot of public space,” he added. He also urged the state government to reveal technical details on the project to the public including the information of the companies responsible for the project. All tender documents on the proposed projects should also be made to the public, he added.
BERNAMA
