Only retirees and elitists are against PTMP, says group

A group backing Penang's transport plan presents a memo to the chief minister, saying the state should have gone ahead with the project a long time ago.

Mohd Nasarudin Sultan and other PTMP supporters outside the Penang assembly building.

GEORGE TOWN: A group of locals in support of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) gathered outside the state assembly building today, urging the government not to give in to pressure from certain quarters.

Led by factory worker Mohd Nasarudin Sultan, the group of 10 said they were fed up with the increasing traffic congestion, especially in the morning.

Nasarudin, who led the group to hand over a memorandum to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the lobby of the assembly hall, said the heavy traffic meant that they had to spend extra time on the road.

“We have to be outside our homes for at least 12 to 14 hours daily. We feel the new Pan Island Link Highway will help reduce congestion and significantly improve the state’s economy.

“Those who are against the PTMP are clearly elitists and retirees who do not leave their homes during peak hour traffic.

“Let’s be realistic: we should have gone ahead with this project five years ago.”

Nasarudin, who is a security chief at a factory in Bayan Lepas, said the reality is that 50% of Penang’s 1.8 million population are often on the road.

“Those who are against development must remember, as the population grows, the traffic increases and there will be a demand for more roads.

“The state’s plans are right on track as per the projected population growth,” he said.

The RM46 billion PTMP is Penang’s plan to alleviate traffic by improving connectivity on the island and mainland through a series of transit lines and highways crisscrossing the state.

It has garnered significant attention of late, especially after an environmental impact report of the Pan Island Link 1 highway was made. -FMT