Penang exco says traffic fixes before proposed Tanjung Bungah–Batu Ferringhi reclamation project

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 — The Penang state government has not decided whether to implement a proposed reclamation project from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi, despite identifying the coastal area as a potential location for future development in the Penang State Structure Plan 2040 (RSNPP 2040), according to State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

Zairil emphasized that the identification of the area for potential reclamation is part of the state's long-term planning, but the actual implementation of the project remains subject to the government's consideration and decision. He also pointed out that this approach was taken previously when the Middle Bank area was identified as a potential reclamation site in a previous structure plan but was not ultimately implemented.

Zairil, who represents the Tanjong Bunga State assembly, added that any large-scale reclamation proposal in the northern part of Penang, including Batu Ferringhi, must first address the issue of traffic congestion. The final draft of the RSNPP 2040 reportedly identifies new reclamation areas along the northern coast of Penang, including Batu Ferringhi, with the proposed "Penang Gateway" project holding the potential to boost growth in tourism, services, trade, and property development sectors.