Chow: Work on second phase of PSR has begun

GEORGE TOWN: Work on the next phase of the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project has started following approval from the Department of Environment (DoE) early this month.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic), however, did not elaborate on the works being carried out by project delivery partner SRS Consortium.

“The agreement was that SRS cannot move into the second stage of the project until the approval was obtained, which was a prerequisite for them to claim from the government.

“Since the approval has been given, some of the works will subsequently be reimbursed,” he told newsmen after flagging off the SXI Padang Kota Run here yesterday.

Asked to comment on the meeting between PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Penang Fishermen’s Association in Batu Maung on Saturday, Chow said he welcomed such a meeting and was willing to meet the Port Dickson

MP to explain further about the project.

“I met Anwar in Parliament, and we exchanged views on the PSR. We will arrange a briefing session for him if needed,” he said.

Chow said those who criticised the PSR were actually not against the project, but were rather concerned about certain aspects of the reclamation.

“Right now, I cannot say otherwise as we are already moving into the second phase, and I hope it will proceed in the bigger interest of the state and the people of Penang.”

Chow said the state would announce the 72 conditions im­posed by the DoE tomorrow.

The PSR project near Teluk Kum­bar is a massive plan to reclaim three islands, measuring 1,800ha or the size of 3,600 football fields.

About 75% of the three islands will be for sale via open tender.

The project is expected to generate RM70bil, of which RM46bil will be used to fund the Penang Transport Master Plan.