GEORGE TOWN: There are still plans for a third link to connect the island with the mainland, although construction is not likely to be in the near future, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said proposals for a third bridge or undersea tunnel indicatively remained in the Penang Structure Plan 2040 (RSN2040) as the existing agreement with the company involved was still valid.
“The agreement has not expired, and an offer has already been made to the company; whether or not the plans actually materialise will depend on the timeline or schedule,” he said after launching the publicity and public participation programme for the Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040 (Review) here yesterday.
The proposed third link will connect Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam in the mainland.
Chow said various proposed developments and development zones were included indicatively in the RSN2040, with implementation depending on the government or private sector.
“The RSN is a comprehensive, high-level planning document for the future. For specific planning, you have to refer to the local plans, which contain more detailed planning based on individual lots,” he said.
The Chief Minister said public participation was crucial as Penang continued to experience rapid development, adding that all stakeholders should provide their views, input, objections and proposals on the state’s future direction.
He said RSN2040 is crucial for guiding development over the next 15 years, ensuring a balance between the island and Seberang Perai across growth and environmental sustainability.
Chow said technical aspects, including geotechnical considerations and measures related to earthquake risks, would be taken into account in the planning process.
