Serious defects on Penang Second Bridge need to be fixed urgently

Penang Second Bridge in Batu Maung.

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 14 serious defects on the Second Penang Bridge must be fixed as soon as possible, according to the Auditor-General Report 2017.

An audit of the project between 2016 and 2017 revealed 1,046 defects, with 21 categorised as serious defects warranting repair.

“Seven defects were rectified in 2017. There are plans to rectify the remaining 14 defects in 2018,” the report stated.

The Auditor-General recommended the defects be attended to as soon as possible as delays would increase risk and the cost of repair..

Also detected were some 600 defects deemed not serious, with 437 defects requiring monitoring only.

The report added work orders had been issued to correct 127 defects.

The audit also noted a RM23.93mil project to build two rest and recreation facilities by May 2017 was delayed.

Work on the rest areas had since started and expected to be completed by June.

The second bridge project began in 2008 and was completed on March 1, 2014.

Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) carried out the project at a cost of RM4.74bil, RM290mil more than the original estimate.

The Finance Ministry subsidiary was given a 45-year toll concession that started in 2008 and runs until 2053.- Star