TNB towers expected to be exciting new landmark

RM500mil monopole transmission structures near Penang Bridge have potential to attract visitors, create fish breeding grounds

A NEW landmark is set to add vibrancy to Penang’s skyline as Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) RM500mil monopole transmission towers are being built.

At 8.5km high, the towers will stand next to the Penang Bridge and are expected to become a tourist attraction when completed in November this year.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh said, “These towers will create beautiful scenery at the bridge and will be a welcome gateway for people coming to Penang.”

He suggested that the authorities find ways to create public- access spaces around the towers for people to admire the scenery.

“Any development that can boost tourism in Penang will be good not only for the state but for Malaysia in general,” he said.

The project has excited some anglers who are looking forward to new fish breeding grounds forming around the base of the towers.

Angler Muhammad Syafiq Abdul Rahim said it could take three to four years before the tower bases attracted fishes, and more time was needed for reefs to form around the towers.

“The areas surrounding the TNB towers could become a new fishing spot for anglers,” said the civil servant.

An artist’s impression of the towers next to the Penang Bridge. The towers, when completed, will strengthen power supply through overhead line transmission.

Fellow angler Roland Teoh, 50, said the towers could be decorated with lights to illuminate the surrounding sea.

“As an angler who goes fishing at night, I am sure I will enjoy the scenery,” said Teoh, adding that artificial reefs could help create more fish breeding grounds.

Factory worker Mohd Raymi Mohd Rothi, 42, however, said that TNB might not allow fishing or angling near the towers for safety reasons.

“From what I understand, the towers can supply thousands of volts of electricity.

“TNB might set up precautions preventing us from going near the towers,” said the Penangite who is proud to have yet another attractive landmark in the state.

However, a fisherman who wanted to be known only as Aziz, complained that he had to go elsewhere now to catch fish because of the construction work.

“Before this, I used this route to cast my net and fish,” said Aziz.

He added that he now went fishing towards the southwest location of the island or around the second bridge.

Seberang Perai Fishermen Association chairman Mahadi Mat Rodzi agreed that the towers might be able to create fish breeding grounds, even though fishing net hauls near the towers could be affected.

“It will take years but in the future, a new fishing zone could form and subsequently increase fishermen’s daily income,” he said.