The Penang undersea tunnel project needs the National Physical Planning Council’s (NPPC) advice on the impact of its construction on the environment and fishing activities, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming has said, according to the New Straits Times.
“The Penang undersea tunnel project is intended to be the third link for vehicular movement between Penang Island and Seberang Perai and does not cross two separate states.
“Although, in principle, such a project is not subject to NPPC consideration under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, the ministry believes it should be referred to NPPC for consideration and advice due to its significant developmental impact, particularly on the environment and the effects of tunnel construction on fishing activities,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
The project is still at the feasibility study stage and the state government is currently reviewing considerations related to the expansion of the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) as it overlaps with the proposed project alignment and involves multiple stakeholders, including the Penang Port Commission, Nga said.
“This alignment conflict with the phased expansion of NBCT requires a comprehensive review by the state government to determine the project’s future planning direction. The tunnel project will only proceed once the alignment issues have been resolved.
“For reference, the Penang undersea tunnel project is also included indicatively in the Penang State Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP 2030), which received advisory input from the NPPC in its 1/2019 meeting on April 18, 2019,” he said in reply to Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad’s query on the latest status of the project’s feasibility study and the NPPC’s reasons, recommendations and views on its feasibility.
The 7.2-km Penang undersea tunnel is planned to connect George Town on the island to Butterworth on the mainland, along with three major highways – the 10.53-km Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang paired road, the 5.7-km Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and the 4.1-km Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway paired road.
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Nobita mana?
Nobita blum masuk penjara lagi? Just when they about to send him there, PH wins another GE thereby saving his skin. Not anymore. His cell is calling his name.
We are still waiting for the undersea tunnel study dari zaman LGE until CKY now LGE want to come back as island emperor again. All these talking and talking but no action.
Actually this tunnel was planned way back in the 1990’s under sammy vellu almost same route and in 1997 just before asian financial crisis, sanusi junid, MB of kedah proposed a penang airport on reclaim land offshore kedah north of prai with a new penang port alongside. When currency came, these plans were scuttled.
It was one of those plans but we went with 2nd bridge after that. This tunnel was pointless to begin with but DAP just using it to enrichen their cronies one of them straight from China!
Y need a tunnel? Built a Lrt to connect the mainland and island on parallel with the existing bridgelah. Passengers can see nice scenery. I think it shld be cheaper than build tunnel.
Why even think of building an undersea tunnel when we have in recent years experienced tremors from nearby earthquakes? If you are using the tunnel and the high pressure seawater starts to pour in through the cracks…
Maybe watching too many disaster movies, but being above the water sure seems safer.