THERE has been an oversight in the computer-generated drawings of the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) highway’s environmental report which resulted in far more berms than was allowed, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

A berm refers to level space, shelf or raised barrier, usually made of compacted soil, separating two areas. They are also used to control erosion and sedimentation by reducing surface runoff.

The drawings generated by a computer software shows that part of PIL1 would involve slope designs exceeding six berms. One showed berms up to 29.

The maximum berms allowed by Public Works Department’s guidelines for slope design is six.

This possible violation of the PWD guideline was highlighted by Penang Forum’s Khoo Salma Nasution on Monday and yesterday.

Chow said the highway would have three to six berms that are cut to make platforms like terraces.

“Engineering wise, it is impossible to create a 29-berm slope. We thank Salma for raising this issue, which is valid.

“It was likely an oversight by the person who submitted (the drawings). We must admit (the oversight),” Chow told a press conference at Komtar today.

On Monday, he announced that PIL1’s EIA had received conditional approval from the Environmental Department, which led to civil group leaders in Penang critical of the project, airing their disapproval in the media.

The chief minister said the EIA only contained preliminary design drawings that were computer-generated.

He gave assurance that PWD’s guidelines will be adhere to at the detailed design stage, where PIL1’s final design will be worked out.

“Such issues will be addressed according in the detailed design stage, such as compliance of the 56 conditions set by DOE.

“The final design and the physical work on the highway will also go through the relevant departments and agencies for approval,” Chow said.

PIL1, estimated to cost RM7 billion, is a major component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

The 19.5km toll-free highway will link the northern part of the island at Persiaran Gurney and the south at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway near the Bayan Lepas free industrial zone 4 area.

It comes with 7.6km of viaduct sections, four tunnel sections measuring 10.1km, embankment sections of 1.8km and six interchanges.

Chow earlier announced the Penang LRT treasure hunt on July 27. The programme organised by the state government and project proponent is to engage the public and increase their awareness on the proposed LRT.

The LRT alignment proposes stations at locations like Komtar, Macallum, Bandar Sri Pinang, Sky Cab, East Jelutong, The Light, Gelugor, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Batu Uban, Penang Pesta, Sg Nibong, Bukit Jambul, Setia Spice Convention Centre, Jalan Tengah, the airport and a future reclaimed island off the southern coast of Penang Island.

Penang is hoping to secure conditional approval for the LRT soon.

Chow was earlier reported as saying the construction of the LRT, which is also part of the PTMP, was expected to begin next year.

Asked on the matter again today, he said the LRT project will have to go through a public display of three months to gather stakeholders’ input for the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to make its decision on the proposed alignment and station locations.

“Even with conditional approval, there are still substantial work to be done.” – April 17, 2019.