(From left) Mohd Zakuan, Zairil, Chow, Tunku Shazuddin Ariff, Khor, Chew and Siew Khim at the CZC Aidilfitri open house. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
ROBUST cooperation between the Federal and state governments as well as relevant stakeholders are a must to ensure the success of ongoing developments and infrastructure projects across the state, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister said that all current projects reflected positive developments, thanks to strong collaboration between the parties involved.
Among the ongoing key projects he referred to are three major roads and the Third Link initiative led by Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC).
“Package 2, which involves the bypass connecting Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to Air Itam, has recorded over 75% progress and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“It will reduce travel time from 40 minutes to just five minutes.
“Meanwhile, the supplementary agreement for Package 1 − which covers the North Coastal Paired Road from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang − is being finalised, with construction to start in early 2026 or end 2025.
“Upon completion, the travel time of between 45 minutes and an hour will be cut down to around 10 minutes,” he said.
He was speaking during the CZC Aidilfitri open house at a hotel in George Town.
Chow said that following further discussions between CZC and the state government, the route for Package 4 of the Penang Third Link had been revised.
This will include improvements to the traffic network around Gurney Drive.
The third link will connect Gurney Drive on the island and Bagan Ajam in Butterworth.
Chow said the project, now in its final stage of study, offered a more flexible approach to tackling congestion issues.
He appealed to Penang folk to be patient and extend their full cooperation throughout the construction period of these projects which would benefit future generations.
“This success is the result of state and Federal governments collaborating, particularly in issues related to the acquisition of private and federal lands, safety matters, and environmental sustainability.
“Therefore, strong cooperation among all parties is crucial,” he said.
Gracing the open house was Tunku Mahkota Kedah Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Sultan Sallehuddin.
Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and deputy state secretary Datuk Mohd Zakuan Zakaria were also present.
CZC was represented by its managing director Tan Sri Khor Eng Chuen, director Puan Sri Ginney Chew and president (project and development) Lim Hooi Kooi.
During the event, guests were entertained with Malay traditional dances and Raya songs, and were served a festive lunch.
Zairil said the state government and relevant stakeholders were in the negotiation process for Package 4 of the Penang Third Link.
He said the stakeholders were Penang Port Commission and North Butterworth Container Terminal.
Hooi Kooi in his speech said CZC recognised that the success of any development project required strong teamwork from all involved.
“We would like to express our appreciation to the Chief Minister and state agencies for their continuous support and trust in us.
“Your role and leadership are truly valued and they are key factors in ensuring the success of every project undertaken,” he said.
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