Chow regrets the false representation of the highway by NGOs

Penang CM Chow Kon Yeow said that misinformation fueled to the public serves to provoke unnecessary negative feelings against the road.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today denounced the inaccurate portrayal of the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) highway project by several NGOs

. Several NGOs have expressed concerns about the proposed construction of the 19.5 km highway.

"There is clear misinformation about the representation of PIL 1, such as the use of inaccurate visuals and description that causes unnecessary negative feelings among the general public.

" The Penang Government Welcomes the open speech on the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). "At the same time, we want to rectify the misrepresentation of PIL 1 to the public," he said in a statement.

Chow responded to numerous press statements from NGOs who opposed the project, particularly that the highway would cross the hills, with the construction of a 10 km tunnel linking the from north to south

In the statement, which was posted on his Facebook page, Chow addressed the issue of the proposed construction method and the drilling of the Penang Hills

Drilling and Explosion

Chow mentioned the use of the "drill and blast" method, recognized as the most effective method for digging tunnels in the world.

Penang's legislator cites the Genting Sempah Tunnel, Malaysia's first road tunnel linking Hulu Gombak. at Selangor in Genting Sempah, Pahang, which used the method of drilling and blasting

Another road tunnel built according to the same method was the Menora tunnel, 800 m, along the highway north-south, near Jelapang, Ipoh

. It is clear that the hills where the tunnels pass are still standing today, "he said.

Chow stressed that any tunnel construction is carried out under controlled conditions, with additional security measures to minimize potential concerns, He said that this included the installation of a blasting mat to prevent the dispersion of flying rocks and the suppression of noise and dust.

There is also a support additional ground, such as bolting and shotcreting (spraying

Precautionary Work to Protect Workers, the Public, Slopes and Properties

"Since tunneling is a highly specialized form of construction, the contractor of the work package will have to demonstrate "The MP for Padang Kota said that it was clearly stated in the assessment report of the impact on the project. environment (EIA) of PIL 1 that stringent international and Malaysian standards were respected. the guidelines will be fully respected to ensure the safety of workers and the general public during the process of tunneling

Use of explosives [19659004] On the issue of explosives, Chow said that & ### 39 It would be misleading to point out the public's attention to the amount of explosives required, as opposed to the stringent control measures that will be performed before, during and after the construction of the tunnel.

The question of how much explosives will be needed for the construction of the tunnel is redundant as it is only one way to complete the tunnel boring work.

"Instead, one should ask, what is the level of environmental and safety standards?" Chow said focusing public attention on unnecessary details would not only be counterproductive, but would undermine Importance of PIL 1 to improve the hierarchy of road network of Penang Island and disperse the worsening of congestion in the main residential and commercial districts.

Anil Netto of Aliran had raised concerns about the amount of explosives that will be used for the construction of the tunnel and demanded that

The Youth Park

Chow also addressed the issue of self-produced images by some parts to misrepresent LIP 1 and create unnecessary anxiety in the public.

"The state government would like to inform that such a practice is unhealthy and should not be encouraged as it condenses would lead to an unwanted negative perception of the public, "he said, urging the public not to be influenced by incorrect information. on social media and information portals or blogs.

Regarding the youth park, Chow said the park will remain open to the public during construction and that people will continue to enjoy park facilities as usual. The youth park will not be affected. Park visitors will not be affected by construction activities as they will be located in an area bounded by a cordon.

"The place where the construction of the jetty will take place will be fully cordoned off to ensure public safety". It is also assured that the existing vegetation will be very undisturbed, because the cable-stayed bridge, which will run along the entire park, has been designed with a platform height of 31 m, in order to avoid the old trees in the park. [19659004] He said that if these trees were inevitably affected, they will be transplanted if possible. Any replanting of new trees will meet the requirements of Penang Island Council (MBPP).

Sungai Ara Linear Park

In the Sungai Ara linear park, Chow said the concerns of visitors

Among the alternatives currently under study are the reducing the number of jetties, beautifying the park and improving the park with new amenities, in consultation with local residents and the local council. to suggestions and ideas from communities to make the park an open space for recreation after the completion of PIL 1.

"Other proposed mitigation measures, such as noise barriers and height of Proposed jetty up to 15 m (a height of five storeys), will not impose excessive discomfort on visitors to the park. "

Penang Hill

As for Penang Hill, Chow said that a detailed study had been conducted to convert the ear's design of the proposed viaduct to a tunnel to prevent the impact on the special area plan from Penang Hill.

As a result of the change of alignment at Penang Hill, Chow said that no exposed portion of the road will be visible on the hill. "Controlled blasting in ecologically sensitive areas will be carried out under strict monitoring of noise and vibration and ground monitoring throughout the process by the project delivery partner, in collaboration with the authorities." 19659004] "The state government wishes to inform the public not to apprehend the proposed underground construction, because the advancement of tunnel technology has nowadays allowed to minimize the potential effects of noise and vibrations, "he said.

Chow added that all other mitigation measures pertaining to construction activities, such as water quality, noise, vibration , traffic congestion and other potential disturbances of the construction, can be mentioned in chapter 8

The proposed project PIL1 of 7.5 billion RM will be implemented in the first phase of the massive PTMP of 46 billion RM

The public can see the EIA at eight locations in Penang, at the Ministry of the Environment (DOE) in Putrajaya and at the National Library of Kuala Lumpur

The EIA report can also be co Online at doe.gov.my, penang.gov.my, pgmasterplan.penang.gov.my and wirandamsdnbhd.com. 19659004] The public may submit comments and comments to the DOE before August 24.

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