“I believe the concession company, through their technical experts, will take into account all the issues raised, including fault lines and environmental risks, when designing the dual carriageway.

“I appreciate the concerns raised by the NGO,” Chow said, referring to Penang Hills Watch’s recent interview with FMT on the RM2.4 billion project.

The group’s coordinator, Kam Suan Pheng, had said the North Coast Paired Road (NCPR) would cut through many rivers and streams, affecting the natural water flow that helps keep the hills stable.

The geotechnical expert reminded the state government about past fatal landslides on hills, namely the Bukit Kukus landslide in 2018, and the bungalow collapse near Surin Condo the year before.

Kam warned that seasonal waterways – often dry but active during heavy rain – risk being blocked or diverted by the project, which could destabilise hill slopes and lead to landslides.

She urged the state to conduct thorough hydrological and environmental studies before construction begins.

Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association president Zulfikar Aziz also criticised the project, questioning the state’s claim that travel time could be slashed from 45 minutes to seven, calling it “mathematically impossible” unless cars sped through at 90km/h.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman also labelled the NCPR “reckless”, saying it would involve extensive hill-cutting through areas over 75m high and with slopes above 25 degrees, zones she said should be protected under environmental laws.

She also warned of increased risk of human-wildlife conflict, and called for more investment in public transport instead of highways.

The NCPR is a component of the Penang undersea tunnel and roads project, which in turn is part of the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.

Construction is expected to take five years, with completion targeted by 2031.