KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 14): The transport ministry has refuted allegations it is not cooperating with the Penang state government on land acquisition matters related to the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway bypass project on the island.

The ministry said it has fixed March 15 to discuss the land matter with State Secretary Datuk Farizan Darus.

“The allegations that we refused to cooperate to solve the land matter involving the project are incorrect and baseless," the ministry said in a statement. "We are committed to giving cooperation and providing a good service to all parties, particularly those that involve the people’s wellbeing.” 

The statement was issued in response to news reports yesterday, quoting Penang Deputy Chief Minister (II) P. Ramasamy as saying the ministry has refused to relent the land it owns for the road project.

Ramasamy alleged the transport ministry had failed to make any move, despite several attempts to discuss with it, unlike other ministries that were more cooperative.

He also said the state government is prepared to compensate the federal government land with another piece of land.

The bypass is part of the RM6.3 billion integrated infrastructure project which consists of a bypass from Gurney Drive to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, a paired-road from Jalan Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, and the undersea tunnel.