THE Department of Environment (DoE) has already deliberated all the guidelines for Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) highway before approval was given, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Responding to a question that the project would be a waste of money and violation of Public Works Department (PWD) guidelines for slope design, Chow pointed out that this was not the case as it aims to solve traffic woes on the island.
He said this highway project is seriously needed by all the Penangites as the traffic has come to a standstill, especially during peak hours.
“They (non-governmental organisations) can have their comments but approval has been given by DoE,” he stressed.
Chow was commenting after non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were not in favour of this project.
While some have protested against the project, the state government has stayed committed to it.
Chow explained that the project would be a long-term solution for motorists.
“Without this project, what will happen in 2025, 2030 or even in years to come.
“Would the tourists still be coming to the state if the roads are congested with the influx of vehicles?” he asked at a press conference in Penang Hill today.
Chow had yesterday announced that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been approved by DoE.
The approval was conveyed to the state via a letter from DoE dated April 10, 2019.
At same time, Chow also released 56 conditions that came with conditional approval of the (PIL1) EIA report.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad