DOE approval for PIL1 questioned in light of bungle

A former Penang city councillor has questioned the timing of the Department of Environment's (DOE) approval for the Pan-Island Link 1 highway project.

Describing the matter as "perplexing", Khoo Salma Nasution (above) said that as late as March 22, civil society organisation Penang Forum had received a reply from Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin's office that the DOE has raised some issues brought up by the Penang Forum with the project's proponents.

"Up to that date on March 22 the project proponents had yet to submit amendments to the EIA report for checking," added Khoo, who is a member of the Penang Forum which has been in the forefront of voices opposing the PIL1.

"I hope that the DOE approval was not rushed through under political pressure because there are many safety and environmental issues involved, said the former Penang Heritage Trust president.

According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the 19km PIL1, which is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan, was given approval with 56 conditions by the DOE in a letter dated April 10 to the state government.

Since then, Khoo has questioned if the PIL1 violated the PWD guidelines as the slopes along the site had up to 29 berms when the number allowed was only six.

Berms are narrow shelves paths, or ledges typically at the top or bottom of a slope.

Chow had since admitted there had been an "oversight" as the drawings on public display, which Khoo drew attention too, were "not the actual" ones but contained only preliminary design drawings.

He assured that the actual project will follow PWD guidelines which allowed only six berms on the slopes affected.

To this, Khoo pointed out that any government department which saw non-compliant slope designs should reject the application or demand for alternative designs instead of just approving it with conditions.

"This is not a landscape plan. This is something that will threaten the safety of all the road users," Khoo cautioned.

Although Chow has described the approval by DOE as a "major milestone", activists from the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association, Penang Forum, Consumers Association Penang and Sahabat Alam Malaysia are upset with the highway due to possible damage it would inflict on the environment. - Mkini