THE much-criticised Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) proposal is only at the preliminary design stage and subject to changes, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He made the remarks following a protest by a group of residents’ association representatives in front of the state legislative assembly building yesterday.

“The present PIL1 alignment is subject to further enhancements, upon discussions with communities, and subsequently, at the detailed design stage,” he said during a press conference today.

He said the state is still looking into the project for opportunities to improve its alignment, to minimise the negative impact on communities.

He said engagement sessions with elected reps and locals are ongoing to get their feedback, adding that comments published in the media are also taken into consideration.

“We are happy that the project has drawn even Najib Razak’s attention,” he said, referring to yesterday’s Facebook post by the former prime minister on the protest against PIL1.

“We continue to value all comments and concerns, and each suggestion will be take into consideration in the refinement or fine-tuning of the alignment for the benefit of all.”

Chow said the Department of Environment has extended the public feedback period for the PIL1 Environmental Impact Assessment Report to September 7.

He said the state will proceed with the project only after obtaining all approvals.

PIL1, a RM7.5 billion highway connecting Persiaran Gurney in the north and the Second Penang Bridge in the south, is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

The 19.5km infrastructure comprises 70% hill tunnels through Penang Hill, and the hills of Paya Terubong and Sg Ara, and a 250m cable-stayed bridge across the popular Youth Park, an important green lung and recreational area on the island.

It is estimated that more than 200 buildings and lots will be among those affected by PIL1’s preliminary alignment. Some 60% of the buildings are squatter homes and minor structures, like sheds and stores, while 20% of the lots are within the tunnel part of PIL1.

Chow said PIL1 is much needed to alleviate congestion in key residential and commercial areas on the island, and to ease heavy traffic on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

With PIL1, motorists will be able to travel from Persiaran Gurney, north to south of the island, in only 15 minutes, instead of the current 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

“Without PIL1, traffic congestion will continue to deteriorate, affecting residents’ productivity and quality of life,” said Chow.

Asked about a participant in yesterday’s protest who said Penang folk could do without the “15-minute highway”, he said the shorter travel time is not just for one person.

“It is not for him alone, but for 1.6 million people in Penang.”

State civil groups have criticised the project, as well as the light rail transit (LRT) link between Komtar in George Town and Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.

They want PIL1 and LRT to be replaced by strategies to improve public transport, like trams and bus rapid transit.

PTMP, estimated to cost RM46 billion, is a comprehensive, integrated public transport plan to address the state’s worsening traffic woes. It proposes new highways and an LRT line, among others. – August 7, 2018.