Media statement by the Penang State Government responding to Penang MCA Secretary Tang Heap Seng on news article entitled “Parties weigh in on state LRT plan” (The Star, 26 August 2017).
1. The State Government of Penang would like to thank and welcome Penang MCA and Gerakan’s support and feedback on the proposed Bayan Lepas LRT project.
2. It is untrue that station locations are ill-planned. It is to be reiterated, each LRT location has been carefully examined and evaluated via numerous workshops and consultations involving State agencies and relevant stakeholders, in terms of location suitability ie. public accessibility, integration with future lines, constructability, as well as other factors. This was clarified in the State’s media statement dated 16 July 2017.
3. The original site of the Penang International Airport Station was shifted to its present location to accommodate the airport’s terminal expansion plan, currently underway by MAHB.
4. The State Govt is working closely with MAHB to ensure the nearest possible distance between the station and the airport. Further engagement with MAHB will be organised, when approval is obtained to ensure a comfortable walk and smooth integration with the airport’s existing and new terminal.
5. Penang MCA and Gerakan may submit their input and concerns on the proposed Bayan Lepas LRT station locations during the 3-month Public Inspection for the Preliminary Railway Scheme, when Conditional Approval is obtained from SPAD.
6. The Penang State Govt would appreciate if Penang MCA and Gerakan would discuss with their counterparts in Putrajaya to speed up the approval process for the Public Inspection to be carried out. As you may be aware, the present traffic congestion in Penang is expected to deteriorate further given the state’s population increase and rising tourist arrivals leading to an increase in economic activity, traffic volume and transport demand.
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF PENANG
By: YB Chow Kon Yeow, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation
Date: 30 August 2017 (Wednesday)