Penang exco defends PIL 1 highway project

PETALING JAYA: Penang executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari has defended the proposed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) highway after warnings by critics that its construction could undermine the ridership potential of the planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

Zairil, the state infrastructure committee chairman, said PIL 1 would complement the LRT rather than compete with it, ensuring an integrated transport system that caters to diverse mobility demands.

“Contrary to concerns that PIL 1 might cannibalise the ridership of the LRT, these two projects serve distinct alignments and catchments, addressing different transportation needs,” he said in a statement.

He added that the LRT project was part of Penang’s strategy to achieve a 40% public transport mode share. Even if this target was attained, it would still leave 60% of the population reliant on road transport, he said.

“This dynamic underscores the importance of developing both rail and road infrastructure, as these modes complement rather than undermine one another, each serving distinct roles and catering to specific market demands,” he added.

Zairil also said that the model mirrored successful examples from other countries such as Singapore, where the rail network had achieved a 70% mode share. Despite this, the republic continues to invest in road infrastructure to meet its economic and population demands, he said.

He added that Penang’s rapid urbanisation, particularly the southward expansion from George Town, had outpaced the capacity of existing road networks.

“Jalan Masjid Negeri (Green Lane), originally designed as a middle ring road, is now heavily congested and functions more as a local access road than a traffic dispersal route.

“The solution lies in constructing an outer ring road like PIL 1, strategically positioned beyond the densely developed areas of George Town to effectively redistribute traffic and alleviate congestion,” he said.

He added that PIL 1 would function as a strategic bypass and integrate with Penang’s broader transport network, including the ongoing Ayer Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Bypass.

It will also provide an alternative route to overburdened roads, especially Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Jalan Masjid Negeri, he said.

Zairil also said the PIL 1 highway would enhance access to key economic and industrial hubs, including the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Penang International Airport.

Anil Netto, a member of the Penang Forum steering committee, previously said that the alignment of the proposed highway closely mirrored that of the LRT, raising fears that commuters might opt for cars over public transport.

The highway, which received environmental approval in 2019 but never took off due to a lack of funds, is intended to connect Gurney Drive and Bayan Lepas via a 10km tunnel running through the Penang Hill range.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman meanwhile said the project’s environmental impact would need to be reassessed as circumstances had changed.

Zairil, acknowledging that the environmental impact assessment for PIL 1 had expired, said the state government would resubmit the application with the latest data for review and approval before commencing any work.