Future of Penang lies in successful implementation of PTMP, says Zairil

THERE is no better time than now to implement the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), says state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari.

“We need to work with the best partners possible to make this happen. The future of the city lies in the successful implementation of PTMP,” Zairil said today when officiating the UK Penang Infrastructure Forum: Sharing UK Experience, held at Hotel Jen in George Town.

“In line with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s Vision 2030 for a family focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation, PTMP will help transform Penang into a top city not only in Asia but also globally.

“Many years have been spent discussing about PTMP and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). It’s about time to get the ball rolling for the state’s progress.”

Zairil, who is in charge of Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation, said factors affecting PTMP kick-off included political, social impact, approvals and funds.

Also present were Penang state financial officer Datuk Sarul Bahiyah Abu, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur director (trade and investment) Deborah Clarke and her deputy director Clifford Bebb.

Others included former state executive councillor Datuk Lim Hock Seng, SRS Consortium project director Szeto Wai Loong, PTMP special transport master plan engineer Dharshini Raman and ARUP principal Stefan Sanders.

Meanwhile, Szeto said SRS Consortium, a project delivery partner for PTMP and the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Scheme, had worked hard on the feasibility studies with consultancy partners like ARUP and Tony Gee.

He said it was a challenging task for all those involved in the PTMP project as Penang is a unique city due to its physical structure.

Citing the Singapore MRT route which was planned in the 1960s, Szeto said early planning for the PTMP project would help in its implementation.

At the forum, speakers from both UK International Trade and Investment, ARUP and others shared their views relating to projects undertaken by their companies, both in Malaysia and in foreign countries.

The topics shared included ‘Funding and Creating Projects’ (Stefan Sanders). ‘Effective Design for Effective Transportation’ (Bill Addington director, Tong Gee Partners), ‘Effective Public Display System’ (Jonathan Ross, technical manager, ASL Solutions).

Story by Danny Ooi & J. Kirrthana
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi