RM7.5bn for Penang's Pan Island Link is simply outrageous

In my view, the inclusion of phase 1 of the proposed Penang Island Link (PIL1) among eight projects being considered under the 12th Malaysia Plan has no merit whatsoever.

Such an expensive project – estimated at over RM7.5bn for a 19.5km stretch (about RM385m per km) – raises serious questions about cost-effectiveness, priorities and the potential burden on taxpayers.

On a cost per km basis, it is likely to be the most expensive highway in the country today.

In their haste to resolve urban congestion on Penang Island, the state government and the economy ministry may be making a poor decision by pushing through with this isolated, short-term measure.

Any such decision should carefully weigh the long-term economic, environmental and social benefits against its cost and public sentiment.

In this regard, the Ministry of the Economy ought to also give due consideration to other urban areas across the country, particularly the various state capitals which are also grappling with similar urban congestion problems.

Keadilan or fairness in allocating development funds is crucial. Decision-making regarding the use of taxpayers’ money must be equitable, accessible to all and effective in addressing pressing issues.

The Penang chief minister and proponents of the PIL1 have argued that the new highway would significantly reduce travel time on Penang Island, especially in areas with chronic congestion.

While reduced travel time is a legitimate benefit, it is essential to question whether such an expensive solution is the best way to achieve this.

Alternatives such as improving public transportation, optimising traffic management systems and investing in less invasive infrastructure could achieve similar outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, building more highways often promotes car dependency, which can exacerbate congestion in the long term, rather than resolve it.

The concurrent push for both the PIL1 and the elevated light rail transit (LRT) projects on the island raises concerns about a clash of priorities.

A well-planned and effective light rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) system could address congestion sustainably by reducing reliance on private vehicles and enhancing connectivity.

Overlapping investments risk diluting resources and sending mixed signals about the state’s long-term transport vision.

The focus should ideally be on complementary projects that align with sustainable urban development goals, making the light rail or BRT a more favourable option.

Before committing to the project, the Ministry of the Economy should undertake the following:

There is a pressing need to establish a standard framework for holistic evaluation criteria to ensure fair treatment of all state capitals in Malaysia before allocating resources to any individual state.

Any decision taken must prioritise public good, economic benefits and alignment with national priorities, rather than be driven by political considerations. – Free Malaysia Today

Rosli Khan, a traffic planning consultant, has a masters in transport planning and a PhD in transport economics from Cranfield University in England.