Penang Transport Master Plan to accept tenders next year

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) projects would be tendered out in the second half of next year, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He added that the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and the state are presently looking into the financial structure of the PTMP and other aspects of the project.

“The second half of 2020 is a more realistic date and tenders would be called for the Penang South Reclamation (PSR), Penang Island Link 1 (PIL1) and the Light Rail Transport (LRT) projects.

“Several companies have shown interest in the project after PSR obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval with 72 conditions,” said Chow to a press conference after delivering the keynote address at the Penang Transport Forum 2019 here on Tuesday (Oct 15).

“This shows the PTMP is a viable project which has given us the confidence to carry out the project components successfully.

Chow said the PSR, PIL1 and LRT projects would be bundled together, where later each project can be packaged out according to the risk allocation.

“There are no restrictions and foreign companies are also welcome to take part in the tender process as the project is big and the technology transfer process could be of great help.

The PSR near Teluk Kumbar is a massive plan to reclaim three islands measuring 1,800ha.

It is expected to generate RM70bil, of which RM46bil will be used to fund the PTMP.