CAP, SAM call for detailed EIAs for proposed Penang highways

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) are concerned to learn that work on three highway projects in Penang will proceed as early as June 2016.

State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow was quoted in the media as saying that the three highways are critical to mitigate traffic congestion.

It is disconcerting that the road projects that may have significant environmental impacts and affect the wellbeing of the people near the routes are being endorsed without proper public consultation.

The three road projects i.e. north coastal paired road Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang; Air Itam-Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass; and Persiaran Gurney–Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass involve routes through residential areas, commercial areas, hills and areas of public interest.

In September 2015, CAP and SAM had voiced objections over the Department of Environment’s (DOE) requirement that the project proponent of the three road packages in Penang Island only needs to submit a preliminary environmental impact assessment (EIA). This would mean that the public will not have an opportunity to review the EIA report and provide their feedback.

Our letters to the DOE calling for a detailed EIA report to be submitted to enable public participation remain unanswered. We had also questioned the necessity of the road projects. We need to move people, not vehicles. We need changes in urban and transport planning to ensure reliable, efficient and affordable public transport.

Hence, the Penang transport masterplan should not incorporate building more highways that encourages the use of more private vehicles.

We urge the state to rethink and review its transport plan. Public transport, cycling and walking should be prioritised over cars.

SM Mohamed Idris
President
5 February 2016

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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