PENANG MCA has questioned the reported progress of the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project, calling on the state government to disclose payment records, consultants' certification reports and project assessment documents.
Its secretary Yeoh Chin Kah said the issue was no longer just about delays, but public accountability.
"This is no longer about explaining delays. It is about restoring public confidence," he said.
Yeoh questioned the state government's earlier description of the project as being in its "final sprint", noting that progress increased from 80% in May to 89% in December last year.
He claimed a site inspection by Penang MCA members on July 1 found several sections, including Valley Road, Changkat Tembaga and Jalan Thean Teik, still far from completion.
"We saw bridge piers, but no bridge beams or bridge deck. Road surfacing remains incomplete, while guardrails, noise barriers, mechanical and electrical works, and connecting roads have yet to be completed in many sections.
"These conditions simply do not tally with an 89% completion rate," he said.
Yeoh gave the state government seven days to disclose the requested documents, failing which Penang MCA would lodge reports with the National Audit Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
He said the party would also form a special committee to monitor the project's reported progress and payment compliance.
The 6km toll-free bypass, also known as Package Two of the Penang undersea tunnel and three paired roads project, links Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Bandar Baru Air Itam with the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway through a combination of elevated viaducts, tunnels and ground-level roads.
The project was originally targeted for completion in 2024 but has since received two extensions of time, with the latest completion date set for April 12, 2027.
Once completed, it is expected to ease congestion and shorten travel time for about 300,000 residents in Air Itam, Bandar Baru Air Itam and Paya Terubong.
When contacted, Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the project has reached 91% completion and remains on track to be completed next year.
He said the contractor had assured him the project would be completed according to schedule on April 12, 2027.
"I attended a meeting with the construction team on June 30, with the current progress is 91%.
"The launching of 12 beams on the Gelugor side is scheduled between this month and August.
"The remaining six beams will also be launched in the fourth quarter this year," he said when contacted.
Wong said all bridge beams on the Bandar Baru Air Itam side had already been launched but the road would not be opened immediately upon completion of construction.
"Works on the deck slab and parapet are currently in progress.
"After completion, the relevant government agency will conduct a Road Safety Audit and the Public Works Department will advise on the actual opening date based on the audit," he said.
