PLUS says Penang Bridge is safe, but advises motorists to use Second Bridge

Motorists going through the police roadblock near the Penang Bridge toll plaza in Prai on the first day of MCO 2.0 in Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Bridge operator PLUS Malaysia Berhad says that the Penang Bridge is safe to use, but advises road users to use the second Penang Bridge instead to lessen traffic congestion.

This is because the rightmost lanes in both directions are closed to facilitate investigations by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Fire and Rescue Services Department and the police.

"During this period, PLUS encourages road users to use the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge," said the company in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 23).

Meanwhile, state infrastructure and transportation committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said it would take three months to repair the damaged TNB cable.

Zairil said TNB had told Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow that repair works would not take more than three months," said Zairil in a statement.

"The fire incident at KM3.2 under the Penang Bridge at 4.23pm yesterday (Feb 22) damaged three circuits disrupting electricity supply for about 35 seconds, which was restored after a short while.

"The overall electricity demand on the island was 700mw and there were four other circuits through a submarine cable with a capacity of 1,180mw while the Gelugor Power Station has a supply of 310mw.

"As such there is a total of 1,490mw capacity which is adequate for the island," added Zairil.

"We are aware that the cause of the fire is still being investigated and the actual duration taken for repair work to be completed will be determined once the investigation is over.

"However, TNB has given assurance that it will be within three months and the state will give its full cooperation to ensure the stability of the electricity supply to the people of Penang.