Media Statement by YB Chow Kon Yeow, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation on Wednesday, 26 July 2017
- The State Government of Penang is pleased to make clear that the Public Works Department (JKR) Penang are among the key stakeholders in the implementation and engagement process of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to-date.
- Infact,Penang State JKR is leading the Technical Working Committee setup for the implementation of PTMP. And furthermore, JKR Penang Director is a permanent member in the PTMP’s Steering and Working Committees.
- Therefore,the issue of seeking JKR’s advice on PTMP does not arise.
- This is in respond to the query raised by Datuk Michael Lee, quoted in the news article: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/07/25/penang-mca-youth-has-penang- government-asked-jkr-for-cheaper-alternatives/
- In addition,reference is made to Datuk Michael Lee’s media statement ie. the “infrastructure projects in the State cost significantly more than similar projects by the Federal Government” using the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) as benchmark, which is incorrect.
- This is because there are fundamental differences between Kidex and PIL1. For example:
As stated in the State Government’s media statement dated 24th July 2017, almost 40% of the PIL 1 alignment consists of tunnels across the island’s hilly terrain, necessary to protect Penang’s natural legacy; and
Another half of the PIL 1 alignment consists of elevated viaducts, an informed approach taken to:
Minimise impact to heavily built-up areas; Minimise land acquisitions; and
Minimise potential inconveniences to the public.
- The Penang State Government stresses that the estimated cost of RM7.5bil for PIL1(RFPVol 1, pg 4-15) was based on preliminary studies carried out for the PTMP Request For Proposal (RFP) submission. It is not the confirmed project cost.
- Actual cost for each PTMP component, including PIL 1, will only be determined after Work Package Contractors are appointed through open tender.
- As specified in the RFP criteria, any cost associated with the implementation of PTMP by the appointed Project Delivery Partner will not be borne by the State Government until Federal approvals are obtained.
10.It is to be reiterated that further attempts to compare costs between dissimilar projects will not only be futile, but also mislead the public. Again, this is because each project has features that are distinctive from the project it is compared against. It is crucial to first understand the projects well before comparing.
Chow Kon Yeow