KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 15): In April 2011, the Penang state government under the leadership of then chief minister Lim Guan Eng engaged Halcrow Consultants Sdn Bhd to come up with a recommendation on the development of a transportation plan for the state.

A few weeks later, however, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and Beijing Urban Construction Group Co Ltd for the development of an undersea tunnel and three road expansion projects in the state.

This had caused confusion among the people of Penang, especially its vocal and active civil societies.

Why did the state engage a China state-owned construction company to build more highways that would just increase traffic flow on the island?

This week, The Edge’s cover story looks at how the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which came about from a recommendation by Halcrow for a cost-efficient public transport-based transport master plan, evolved to a project comprising massive infrastructure undertakings.

With the plan evolving into a RM46 billion mega infrastructure project, the funding requirements would cost the state some of its most pristine natural landscapes. Three islands measuring 4,500 acres would have to be reclaimed and sold, to fund the project.

Looking back at Penang’s political history, mega infrastructure and development projects that come with social and environmental degradation were the Achilles’ heels of incumbent chief ministers.

Should the state take a step back and reevaluate the PTMP, especially given Penang’s history of vocal opposition towards megaprojects that are seen as threats to its natural environment?

Read more in this week’s issue of The Edge.

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