After NGOs complain, CM reveals 56 conditions for PIL1

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has revealed the 56 conditions that came with the conditional approval of the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) project's environmental impact assessment report.

At a press conference at Penang Hill today, Chow said the approval of the highway, which is a part of the Penang Transport Master Plan, was valid for a period of two years within which the project has to commence.

"The state wishes to reiterate that the implementation of this project will be carried out in a transparent manner with all queries and concerns addressed as many times as required via all possible platforms," Chow said.

He was asked to comment on feedback by NGOs who had urged him to reveal the 56 conditions attached to the PIL1's approval.

Chow said the conditions covered land works, control and monitoring of air, water, noise and vibrations, management of waste and risks evaluation.

"An environment management plan must be prepared and approved by the Department of Environment before construction begins," Chow added.

He was speaking after announcing a host of events for the annual Penang Hill Festival which will run from July 18 to 21.

He said other conditions covered the implementation of environmental mainstreaming tools and an environmental audit which must be conducted by a registered auditor during the construction of the project.

An environmental quality report must also be sent to the Penang DOE once every three months, Chow said.

"A competent environment officer must be appointed who will be responsible for environmental management and mitigation steps during construction," he added.

As for heritage activist Khoo Salma Nasution's claim that parts of the PIL1 highway might be in violation of PWD guidelines for slope design, Chow replied, "Please check with the DOE".

Salma had said that for maintenance and safety reasons, the PWD design rules state that the design for cut slopes should not exceed six berms.

A berm is a narrow shelf, path or ledge typically at the top or bottom of a slope."

She said the PIL1 environmental impact assessment report (volume 2) showed many instances (up to 29 berms) where the guidelines were allegedly violated. - Mkini