Penang to request govt funding for two PTMP component projects

GEORGE TOWN: The state government will send a formal letter to the Federal Government requesting funding for two components of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the letter would be sent this week to seek funding for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Penang Island Link (PIL1).

"The exco gave their approval last week to request federal funding," said Chow at press conference after a briefing for PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) at Komtar on Thursday (July 25).

At a press conference earlier, Anwar said he fully supported the state on the PSR project and would help to get federal funds for PTMP projects.

"If there was federal funding we will probably need only one or two islands rather than three under the reclamation project," said Anwar.

The PSR, which received conditional Environmental Impact Assessment approval on June 25, involves a massive plan to reclaim three islands with a total area of 1,800ha.

Anwar said the fishermen community must understand that certain type of development projects have to be implemented for the benefit of all.

"The Chief Minister has given the assurance that fishermen would be given a very fair compensation deal other than granting certain requests of theirs," added Anwar.