Penang undersea tunnel project remains relevant, beneficial
He said the project would help ease severe traffic congestion on access roads to the First Penang Bridge, especially by diverting high traffic volumes in both directions to the proposed tunnel route.
'The new design for the undersea tunnel offers a viable and significant alternative to ensure continuity and direction for the Third Link project.
'It takes into account efficiency, feasibility, effectiveness, as well as social and environmental impact,' he said.
Zairil was responding in writing to a question from Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) during the Penang state legislative assembly sitting today, regarding the rationale for allowing Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd additional time to produce a new design and conduct a feasibility study.
He added that the state government remains optimistic about the project's feasibility but retains the right to decide on its implementation based on the findings of the study and the terms of the Master Agreement with the contractor.
On Feb 26, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the project's feasibility study is still under review. The state government is also considering several related factors, including the proposed expansion of the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), which affects the tunnel's alignment.
The 6.5-kilometre tunnel, intended to link Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
28 minutes ago
- The Star
Those with taxable incomes over RM100,000 a year contributed to 86% of individual income tax collected in 2023, says Finance Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: Individual taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding RM100,000 annually contributed a significant 86% of the total individual income tax collected in 2023, says the Finance Ministry. It said this contribution formed part of the RM37.77bil in individual income tax collected by the government for that year, which represented 22% of the total direct tax collection of RM171.34bil. "Of this, the top 20% of taxpayers, with taxable incomes over RM1mil, played a substantial role in bolstering Malaysia's fiscal resources. "Their contributions are crucial in maintaining economic stability and supporting national development," said the ministry in a written Parliament reply on Aug 11 (Monday). Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) had inquired about the number of individuals in Malaysia with net wealth exceeding RM100mil and their tax contributions. The ministry said such specific data was unavailable in the Inland Revenue Board's (LHDN) records, as net wealth does not directly correlate with income tax liabilities. "Certain assets are not subject to income tax unless sold or disposed of, such as real estate or specific investments," it said. The government, it added, appreciates the role of high-income taxpayers in bolstering economic stability and strengthening the country's fiscal position. "The government remains committed to enhancing tax compliance and addressing tax leakage issues, particularly among high-income individuals with assets and wealth not aligning with reported taxes. "This includes income kept in offshore accounts, cross-border transactions, domestic transfer pricing, online activities and shadow economy cases," it added. In addition to tackling tax leakage, the government is focused on improving tax administration efficiency through digitalisation and encouraging tax compliance via ongoing awareness efforts. "We are continually refining the structure and treatment of income tax to ensure a fair and progressive taxation system in Malaysia," it added.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Parliament highlights PCG review and AI progress in today's sitting
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat session today will focus on reviewing the per capita grant (PCG) rate and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Mordi Bimol (PH-Mas Gading) will question the Education Minister on revising the PCG rate, unchanged since 2002. The current rate is deemed insufficient for school operations, particularly in rural areas. Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) will inquire about the National Artificial Intelligence Office's (NAIO) role in AI development. He will also seek details on inter-ministerial coordination for AI applications. Datuk Muslimin Yahaya (PN-Sungai Besar) will ask the Entrepreneur Development Minister about replacing the Cooperative Societies Act 1993. The new Bill aims to address challenges in Malaysia's cooperative movement. S. Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) will question the Science Minister on the MySTI programme's progress. The ministry's efforts to promote MySTI-branded products will also be discussed. Post-question session, MPs will resume debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Seventy-eight MPs have already participated in the RMK13 discussions. The RM611 billion plan, themed 'Redesigning Development,' was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The current parliamentary session continues until 28 August. - Bernama
![[UPDATED] GRS leaders endorse decision to work with PH for Sabah election](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FGRS_supreme_council_1754836158.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] GRS leaders endorse decision to work with PH for Sabah election](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] GRS leaders endorse decision to work with PH for Sabah election
KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah supreme council has endorsed the decision to work with Pakatan Harapan, said coalition secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. "The supreme council of GRS convened tonight and, among other matters, discussed preparations for the upcoming 17th State Election, which will be held in the near future. "The GRS supreme council has decided to continue its cooperation with PH. "We will be sitting at table with the PH leadership in the near future to determine the allocation of seats to be contested by each party," he told reporters after the two-hour meeting. Present to chair the meeting which began at 8.30pm was GRS chairman and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The other seven component party presidents were also present. Among them were Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee; Parti Cinta Sabah president Tan Sri Anifah Aman; and, United Sabah National Organisation president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin. Recently, when Hajiji announced the GRS-PH cooperation, it was reported that many GRS leaders were shocked by the statement. However, Hajiji denied those rumours and responded that the decision had been agreed among presidents. Masidi said the GRS-PH partnership has greatly contributed to stabilising politics in Sabah and has allowed the state government to focus on efforts to develop Sabah, including addressing issues related to basic infrastructure. "As part of its preparations for the election, GRS maintains its position that local parties should play leading roles in the cooperation to be agreed upon with PH. "The GRS supreme council did not discuss or touch on any cooperation with other parties in relation to the election."
