Chow said the state government had noted that several NGOs have been voicing concerns over the proposed construction of the 19.5km highway.
“There is clear misinformation on the portrayal of PIL 1, such as the use of inaccurate visuals and description which provoke unnecessary negative sentiments among the general public.
“The Penang government welcomes open discourse on the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
“While doing so, we wish to rectify inaccurate representation of the PIL 1 to the public,” he said in a statement here today.
Chow was responding to numerous press statements by the NGOs which have objected to the project, specifically to the fact that the highway would cut through the hills, with the construction of a 10km tunnel, connecting the north to the south.
In the statement, which was posted on his Facebook page, Chow addressed the issue concerning the proposed construction method and tunnelling of Penang’s hills.
Drill and blast
Chow mentioned the usage of the “drill and blast” method, which is acknowledged as the most effective method for tunnel excavation in the world.
The Penang lawmaker cited the Genting Sempah tunnel, the first highway tunnel in Malaysia, connecting Hulu Gombak in Selangor to Genting Sempah, Pahang, which used the drill-and-blast method.
Another highway tunnel built using the same method was the 800m Menora Tunnel along the North-South Expressway, near Jelapang, Ipoh.
“It is clear the hills where the tunnels pass through are still standing tall today,” he said.
Chow stressed that any tunnel construction is carried out under controlled conditions, with added safety measures to minimise potential concerns, such as vibration, noise and dust.
He said this included the installation of a blasting mat to prevent dispersal of flying rocks and suppressing noise and dust.
There is also additional ground support, such as bolting and shotcreting (spraying of concrete to reinforce the structure).
Precautionary measures are taken to protect the workers, public, hillslopes and properties.
“As tunnelling is a highly specialised form of construction, the work package contractor will need to demonstrate a high level of experience and expertise and a strong safety track record before being considered for the job,” Chow said.
The Padang Kota assemblyman said it was clearly stated in the PIL 1’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that strict international and Malaysian guidelines will be fully complied with to ensure the safety of workers and the public at large during the tunnelling process.
Use of explosives
On the issue of explosives, Chow said it would be misleading to highlight the public’s attention on the amount of explosives required, as opposed to the strict control measures that will be executed before, during and after the tunnel construction.
“The question of how much explosives will be needed for tunnel construction is redundant, as it is only a means to complete the tunnelling work.
“Instead, one should be asking what is the level of environmental and safety standards which we should adhere to,” he said.
Chow said focusing the public’s attention on unnecessary details will not only be counter-productive, but also undermine the importance of PIL 1 to improve Penang Island’s road network hierarchy and disperse worsening traffic congestion in key residential and commercial areas on the island.
Aliran’s Anil Netto had raised concerns over the amount of explosives that will be used for the construction of the tunnel and demanded that the state list out how much explosives will be used.
Youth Park
Chow also addressed the issue of self-created pictures by certain parties to misrepresent PIL 1 and create unnecessary anxiety among the public.
“The state government would like to inform that such a practice is unhealthy and should not be encouraged as it will lead to an undesired negative perception among the public,” he said, urging the public not be influenced by incorrect information shared on social media and news portals or blogs.
On the issue of the Youth Park, Chow said the park will stay open to the public during the construction and people can continue to enjoy the park facilities as usual.
“Access to Youth Park will not be affected. Park goers will not be affected by construction activities as these will take place within a cordoned-off area.
“The location where pier construction takes place will be fully cordoned off to ensure public safety,” he said.
Chow also assured that there will be very minimal disturbance to the existing greenery, as the cable stay bridge, which will run along the length of the park, was designed with a pier height of 31m, to avoid the old trees in the park.
He said in the event these trees were inevitably affected, they will be transplanted where possible. Any replanting of new trees will be in accordance with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) requirements.
Sungai Ara Linear Park
On the Sungai Ara Linear Park, Chow said the concerns of park goers had been noted.
Among the alternatives currently being looked into include reducing the number of piers, park beautification and upgrading of the park with new amenities, in consultation with local residents and the local council.
“The state government is open to suggestions and ideas from the communities to make the park a conducive open space for recreation upon the completion of the PIL 1.
“Other proposed mitigation measures, such as noise barriers and a proposed pier height of up to 15m (a height of five storeys), will not impose major undue discomfort on park goers,” he said.
Penang Hill
With regard(s) to Penang Hill, Chow said a detailed study had been carried out to convert the earlier proposed viaduct design to a tunnel to prevent impact to the Penang Hill Special Area Plan.
As a result of the alignment change at Penang Hill, Chow said no exposed part of the highway will be seen at the hill.
“Controlled blasting carried out at environmentally-sensitive areas will be done under strict noise and vibration monitoring and ground surveillance during the entire process by the project delivery partner, in collaboration with the authorities.
“The state government wishes to inform the public not to be apprehensive of the proposed underground construction, as the advancement of tunnelling technology today has enabled the potential effects of noise and vibration to be brought down to a minimum level,” he said.
Chow added that all other mitigation measures concerning construction activities, such as water quality, noise, vibration, traffic congestion as well as other potential construction disruptions, can be referred to in Chapter 8 of the EIA Report.
The proposed RM7.5 billion PIL1 project will be implemented under the first phase of the massive RM46 billion PTMP.
The public can view the EIA at eight locations in Penang, at the Department of Environment (DOE) in Putrajaya and the national library in Kuala Lumpur.
The EIA report can also be viewed online at doe.gov.my, penang.gov.my, pgmasterplan.penang.gov.my and wirandamsdnbhd.com.
The public can submit feedback and comments to the DOE before Aug 24.
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