Penang’s Troubled Undersea Tunnel Project May Be Scrapped Altogether

The tunnel project, dogged by controversy, scandal, and numerous delays since 2011, may at last be abandoned in favour of a third bridge connecting Penang Island to the mainland.

In a significant shift in Penang’s infrastructure planning, the state government is now considering replacing the long-proposed and controversy-plagued undersea tunnel with a bridge connecting Pulau Tikus on Penang Island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland. This potential third link aims to address persistent traffic congestion and align with evolving environmental and economic considerations.

First proposed in 2011 as part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), the undersea tunnel was envisioned to connect George Town to Butterworth via a 7.2-km tunnel beneath the Penang Strait. Despite its ambitious scope, the project has faced numerous delays and scrutiny over its feasibility and environmental impact – along with accusations of corruption.

State Infrastructure Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that a feasibility study, which was finally completed in 2023 after multiple delays, explored alternative designs, including a bridge. The subsequent implementation study is nearing completion, after which the final design will be confirmed. A comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment and other necessary evaluations will follow to ensure the project’s viability.

A BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS?

The proposed bridge offers several advantages over the undersea tunnel. Construction of a bridge is generally more straightforward and cost-effective compared to an undersea tunnel, which requires complex engineering and poses significant environmental risks. Additionally, the bridge could be integrated more seamlessly into existing transportation networks, potentially easing congestion on the first Penang Bridge by providing an alternative route for commuters.

However, the bridge proposal is not without its challenges. Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased traffic in already congested areas of Penang Island, such as Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, and Gurney Drive. Critics argue that without comprehensive urban planning and traffic management, the bridge could exacerbate congestion rather than alleviate it.

The shift from an undersea tunnel to a bridge also reflects broader economic considerations. The undersea tunnel project, with an estimated cost of RM6.3 billion, was to be the largest privately funded public works project in Penang. Delays and uncertainties surrounding the project have prompted the state government to explore more feasible alternatives.

The proposed bridge aligns with the state’s goals of sustainable development and improved connectivity. By facilitating smoother traffic flow between Penang Island and the mainland, the bridge could stimulate economic growth in both regions. Moreover, it could support the expansion of the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), which has been a factor in reevaluating the tunnel’s feasibility due to potential conflicts with the tunnel’s proposed exit.

YEARS OF CRITICISM AND CONTROVERSY

The undersea tunnel project has been fraught with controversies and scandals since its inception. In 2018, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) opened six investigation papers on the project, focusing on the exorbitant RM305 million feasibility study costs and alleged irregularities in land swap deals.

Former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was arrested and charged with corruption in 2020, accused of soliciting bribes to help a company secure the project . Businessman G Gnanaraja was also implicated, accused of deceiving a managing director of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd of RM19 million related to the project.

The project’s controversies and the spectre of corruption and scandal have led to public outcry and calls for greater transparency. In 2024, Lim Guan Eng submitted a representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to drop four corruption charges, citing contradictions in witness testimonies. The MACC has faced criticism for alleged suppression of evidence, with Lim’s defense team planning to file contempt proceedings against the prosecution for withholding documents related to the case.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Penang considers shifting from an undersea tunnel to an overwater bridge, the state faces the challenge of restoring public trust and mitigating the damage caused by the apparent large scale waste of funds on a feasibility study that went nowhere after more than a decade. The new proposal must not only address logistical and environmental concerns but also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. The bridge could symbolize a new beginning, but only if the lessons from the tunnel saga are heeded.

On a more positive note, the transition from an undersea tunnel to a bridge represents a more pragmatic approach to Penang’s infrastructure challenges. By balancing economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and community needs, the state should be able to better enhance connectivity and support long-term development.

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