THE Penang government, through the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), has issued directives to the contractor of the Package Two bypass road project, connecting Bandar Baru Air Itam and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway regarding its controlled rock-blasting operation.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, in his reply to Connie Tan Hooi Peng (PH-Seri Delima), said actions have been taken to prevent the recurrence of an incident involving the airborne displacement of soil blocks, resulting in damage to the Jay Series Condominium.
“The contractor has been directed to reduce the drilling depth and the quantity of explosives from the usual levels.
“The contractor has also been told to expand the safety procedure coverage perimeter that is approved by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG).
“We have also instructed the contractor to conduct a more detailed analysis of the potential presence of air pockets before carrying out blasting operations; implement real-time monitoring before and after blasting operations; and use specialised blasting mats to mitigate any risks to the surrounding area,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Zairil stated that the project is now 53% complete, falling short of the planned 61% progress. However, it is expected to be finished by the end of 2025.
“Currently, construction work is actively underway across all sections of the 6km stretch, involving activities such as foundation piling, viaduct construction, earthworks (rock blasting, cut and fill), road paving and drainage systems, slope cutting and reinforcement, and retaining wall construction (RE Wall),” he said.
Tan interjected and expressed her dissatisfaction over the constant nuisance the project contractor was causing to the community regarding the construction work of the Package Two project.
“The contractor carried out construction work beyond permissible hours, including Sundays and public holidays.
“Generally, the people in Seri Delima welcome the project but the contractor failed in adhering to the guidelines set by the authorities.
“Are there deficiencies in the project’s monitoring? Is the contractor rushing to meet the deadline now that the project is behind schedule?” she questioned.
Zairil said stern warnings were issued to the project contractor to comply with the established rules and regulations.
“A stop-work order or a fine will be issued for non-compliance.
“In addition, any request for mitigation work beyond permissible hours must be approved by the local government and the local government can visit the site to verify the work,” he said.
Zairil ensured that the project director and the special team from the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR Malaysia) responsible for supervising the project would be given the necessary resources to conduct more stringent monitoring.
“We hope to enhance the monitoring efforts. It is not easy to oversee the entire stretch at once,” Zairil said.
Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd is the design and build contractor, while Penang Infrastructure Corporation is the implementing agency for the Package Two project.
Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH-Air Itam) then asked about the mud floods in Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Bandar Baru Air Itam, caused by the project during heavy rain.
“What is the project contractor’s role in this matter?
“The cleanup of the aftermath was carried out by our workers from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). Should the contractor be held responsible?” Ng questioned.
In response to Ng’s supplementary question, Zairil acknowledged a deficiency in the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (ESCP) at the construction site.
“All sedimentation ponds and check dams are being deepened, expanded, and constructed to address the issue of mud floods during heavy rain.
“Additionally, we instructed the contractor to help in the cleanup. We told them to coordinate with the volunteer fire brigade to provide additional manpower to improve the efficiency of the cleanup efforts in the event of another mud flood,” Zairil replied.
Story by Christopher Tan