Lim described the request as “kurang logik”, saying if Fadillah insists on having the feasibility study report, he would have to wait for it to be completed later this year.
Lim said although the report could be handed over to the Works Ministry, it had to go through a “conversion” process, as the undersea tunnel study had to be converted into a over-the-water bridge study.
Lim explained that a feasibility study for a bridge was a different ball game, as many other factors had to be considered beforehand.
“An undersea tunnel cuts under the seabed without much hassle, it is straightforward.
“A over-the-water bridge, that is a different story as you would have to factor in the ports, shipping routes, the nearby air force base, etc,” Lim told reporters before beginning the Penang Chief Financial Officer’s Hari Raya lunch session.
Yesterday, Fadillah said it would shelf the Penang government’s request for a toll-free third bridge between George Town and Butterworth under “keep-in-view” as documents requested were not presented to the ministry.
Faced with immense criticism over the undersea tunnel project, Lim asked the Federal Government if it would allow the Penang Government to build a toll-free bridge from Gurney Drive to Butterworth on its own.
Meanwhile, Lim said it was regrettable that Fadillah had written a letter indicating that the approval of the third bridge had been shelved.
Lim said he had attempted to arrange for a meeting with Fadillah, but due to his Hari Raya holidays, they could not meet.
“It would have been the first bridge in Malaysia without toll.
“I am disappointed and regretful we can’t stay on topic and talk about it,” Lim added.
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