CM: Major infrastructure projects under way

PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says the state is committed to advancing major infrastructure projects that have been under consideration for a decade.

“The state government is confident of fulfilling its electoral pledges that are primarily centred on commencing and successfully concluding these significant infrastructure initiatives.

“These endeavours are aimed at reinforcing the groundwork for further development which will solidify Penang’s status as a crucial economic centre in Malaysia.

“Penang remains an attractive destination for investments,” he said at the Penang Master Builders’ 146th anniversary dinner at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town.

Buletin Mutiara reported Chow saying that Penang’s major infrastructure projects such as the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA) and Penang South Islands (PSI) had commenced.

“During the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), who is also the Finance Minister, listed six major projects to be implemented.

“These included the Penang LRT project and PIA expansion.

“We hope the PIA expansion project can be completed in three to four years,” he said.

Chow said the PSI project was expected to be completed in eight years and that its first phase, which included the Green Tech Park, could be built in the next two to three years.

He hoped by the middle of next month, an official ceremony would be held on the reclaimed land (Phase One) to mark the start of the project.

Discussing the Ayer Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two), a component of the three-highway and undersea tunnel project, Chow said it was anticipated to be completed by mid-2025.

“Penang Infrastructure Corporation will be working on the Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang paired road (Package One) while waiting for Package Two to be completed.

“This is to help alleviate traffic congestion in some parts of the island,” he added.

Chow also said the Gurney Drive-Bagan Ajam undersea tunnel project was awaiting approval from the Penang Port Sdn Bhd authorities.

Chow added that other projects that needed attention were flood mitigation and 5G infrastructure projects as well as the provision of affordable homes.

“We welcome more projects from the Federal Government,” he said.

In his speech, Chow thanked Penang Master Builders for its unwavering commitment to the development of Penang and Malaysia.

Penang Master Builders president Datuk Goh Teng Woo said the expansion of Penang’s industrial sector had ushered in fresh opportunities for players in the construction industry.