Zairil said the consultations, conducted as part of the social impact assessment and environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes, involved residents from Batu Ferringhi, Tanjong Bungah and Teluk Bahang, as well as NGOs and members of the tourism industry.

He acknowledged residents’ concerns about construction-related inconveniences but said the NCPR was part of the government’s plan to address the area’s long-standing traffic congestion.

“Batu Ferringhi has been severely affected by increasing congestion of late. Local residents commuting to work face dire traffic conditions as there is currently only one access road: a two-lane single carriageway with one lane in each direction.

“The situation worsens when the road is impacted by accidents, landslides or fallen trees. What happens during emergencies requiring an ambulance or the fire department?

“With no alternative access, emergency services could be delayed, creating potentially high-risk situations,” he said in a statement.

Zairil added that the state government would submit a new EIA to revise a portion of the NCPR alignment.

“As always, all due processes will be followed. The state will apply for the amendment once the detailed design is finalised,” he said.

He also reiterated that mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise disruptions during construction.

The NCPR is part of the Penang undersea tunnel and roads project, which itself is a component of the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan. Construction is expected to take five years, with completion targeted by 2031.