BUTTERWORTH: Coordination and compliance are key to ensuring timely completion of the traffic dispersal project between Juru Toll Plaza and Sungai Dua Toll Plaza.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the state government is committed to accelerating the project.
“Technical matters involving the local council and the state must be resolved quickly,” he said.
“Every month saved translates to economic savings and greater public convenience,” added Anwar.
The Finance Minister said it is paramount to complete the project quickly so people can benefit, adding that the project is massive and among the most advanced dispersal systems in the country.
He said it involves coordination across multiple agencies and private firms.
Anwar said the completed project will benefit people in Penang, Kedah and Perlis, and those travelling north to Thailand or southward.
“For over a decade, every time I visited Perak, Penang or Kedah, the same complaints were heard, traffic congestion everywhere,” he said.
He said jams stretched from Sungai Dua to Permatang Pauh and to the Penang Bridge.
“Today, Alhamdulillah, we are grateful an issue delayed for so long is now being implemented,” he said.
He welcomed the efforts of the Public Works Department, the Finance Ministry, the Economy Ministry and other agencies and demonstrates the importance of aligning efforts across all sectors to progress efficiently.
Meanwhile, at a press conference, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project will be a game changer.
“This mega project will benefit everyone and ease traffic congestion that has been a problem for many years,” he said.
Nanta said the project will be carried out in two phases via open tender to encourage healthy competition and ensure competitive costs.
“It will involve a direct route from Juru Toll Plaza to Sungai Dua Toll Plaza,” he said.
He said it includes upgrading the Juru North Interchange with a multi level U turn and a new access road from Perai to Juru.
Nanta added that it also includes upgrading the East West Interchange to reduce waiting times at traffic lights and said there will be a new elevated access road on Jalan Tun Hussein Onn to improve overall traffic flow.
He said the government is finalising the appointment of the main contractor.
The project is estimated to cost RM3bil and will be financed through a hybrid model.
He said 60% will be funded by the Government and 40% by Projek Lebuhraya Usahasama Berhad.
The construction period is scheduled for 48 months.
He said physical work for Package 1 is set to begin in November 2025, with other packages starting in mid 2026.
The project is expected to be fully completed by mid 2030.
