Nga Kor Ming: NPPC Review Needed for Penang Undersea Tunnel

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said today that the Penang Undersea Tunnel Project should be referred to the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC).

This will determine the project’s environmental and fishing impact, even though NPPC approval is not required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.

His statement came in response to a question from Dr. Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) regarding the feasibility study status and NPPC's recommendations for the project.

The undersea tunnel, planned as the third vehicular link between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, is still in the feasibility study stage. The state government is reviewing alignment conflicts with the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) expansion.

Nga said the proposed tunnel overlaps with NBCT’s expansion, requiring thorough review. The project will only proceed once alignment issues are resolved, involving multiple stakeholders, including the Penang Port Commission.

"This conflict requires a comprehensive review by the state government to determine the project's future planning direction," Nga stated in a written reply.

The NPPC had provided advisory input in the Penang State Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP 2030) during an Apr 18, 2019, meeting. Further evaluation is needed before proceeding.

The Penang Undersea Tunnel, part of the Penang Transport Master Plan, includes a 7.2km tunnel connecting George Town to Butterworth. The plan also features three major highways: Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang (10.53KM), Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (5.7KM), and Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (4.1KM).

As discussions continue, feasibility and impact remain key considerations before moving forward.

Source: NewStraitsTimes & Spring Vista Development