Penang’s Highway Project Raises Concerns About Safety and Environmental Impact

We note that the construction on the Air Itam-Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong Highway is currently being undertaken. This hill road that cuts through the steep slopes of Bukit Hijau and its surrounding hills before turning east to an elevated highway. While the project aims to improve traffic flow in Penang Island, concerns have been raised about the safety of the road project and its potential impact on the environment.

One of the main concerns is the safety buffer zone between the roadway and occupied apartment blocks on either side. There are also concerns about the erosion and sediment control plan, particularly during the rainy season when mudflows and landslides may occur. It is essential that engineering safety measures are taken into account to prevent any mishaps that could endanger the lives of those in the area and cause significant environmental damage.

Referring to the FB Page, Jalan Pintasan Pakej 2: Ayer Itam – Lebuh Raya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084079636792, it appears that the new highway plan has 3 road tunnels. We would like to know if the hill road project follows the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or if there have been any variations to the original road plan. If there are any variations, we would like to know if they have been approved and what measures have been taken to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the environment and surrounding communities.

Additionally, it is unclear whether the three tunnels on the hill road (as shown in the plan on the project FB page) are being constructed using tunnel boring machines or cut-and-cover methods, which could have different implications for safety and environmental impact.

As the project moves forward, it is crucial that Penang state government addresses these concerns and takes steps to ensure the safety of residents and the environment. We urge the state government to provide clear and transparent information about their plans and actions taken to mitigate potential risks.

Questions:

What engineering safety measures have been taken to ensure the safety of residents in the area?

Have the tunnels on the hill road been constructed using tunnel boring machines or cut-and-cover methods?

How wide is the safety buffer zone between the roadway and occupied apartment blocks, and what steps have been taken to ensure the safety of residents in case of accidents?

What measures have been taken to control erosion and sediment during the rainy season, and how will they be enforced?

Does the hill road project follow the road design as provided in the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, or are there any variations to the original plan? If there are variations, have these undergone the associated environmental impact approval, and what specific measures have to be taken to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the environment and surrounding communities?

Is there ongoing monitoring of the safety and environmental impact of the hill road project? If so, how is this being carried out and how frequently is it being done?

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)
f. Penang Forum

Penang Forum Press Statement, 22 March 2023