ROAD users in Paya Terubong, Balik Pulau and their nearby townships are set to benefit following the opening of a section of the Bukit Kukus paired road project that comes under Penang Island City Council (MBPP) today.
The newly-opened road is expected to disperse the traffic congestion in one of the most densely populated areas in Paya Terubong.
The 3.825km stretch of road was constructed by MBPP in 2016 and completed in December last year, costing RM378.2 million.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour during the opening ceremony, was delighted with the partial opening of Bukit Kukus paired road, which is dubbed as the country’s highest elevated highway.
“It is a remarkable achievement for everyone, who has been working hard all these years.
“It’s not easy for the state during these six years as we have been facing hurdles along the way.
“However, we have been optimistic and managed to overcome these obstacles by completing this iconic project.
“It’s important for us to show our commitment to Penangites by providing such infrastructure for the road users, especially those in Paya Terubong, who have been facing traffic congestion all this while,” he told reporters after opening a section of the Bukit Kukus paired road.
Chow expressed his gratitude to all the authorities, who have been striving to complete the section of paired road.
He also took the opportunity to thank former state executive councillor Datuk Lim Hock Seng for his effort during the latter’s tenure back then.
The 5.5km paired road project, costing RM545.6 million, consists of three sections in connecting Paya Terubong and Relau.
Another two sections of the road are undertaken by private developers, namely Geo Valley Sdn Bhd Development and PLB Land Sdn Bhd.
Both sections of the road are slated to be completed by 2025.
Chow also said the state has pledged to continue implementing the projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) despite facing various challenges.
“We are committed to implementing the projects under PTMP.
“Even if all the projects can’t be completed in our term, it will still be continued as long as Pakatan Harapan (PH) is given mandate by the people,” he said.
Chow pointed out that there are many infrastructure projects under the state’s initiative.
He, however, said they could be implemented if the state could obtain funding from the federal government agencies.
“The Federal Government has their projects implemented in the state, but we hope our projects can also be prioritised,” he said, adding that the section of the Bukit Kukus paired road project was one of initiatives undertaken by MBPP.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said he was also happy that the paired road has bicycle lanes while MBPP secretary A. Rajendran said the road was designed in accordance with the safety features.
“We have also appointed a geologist to study the slope and an independent checker. These measures were taken to ensure the slope was fine and safe,” Rajendran said.
Among those who were present were state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Lim, several state assemblymen and contractors.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Chan Kok Kuan