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

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 — Penang's state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, has clarified that the identification of the coastal area from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi as a potential site for reclamation in the Penang State Structure Plan 2040 does not signify a commitment to the project.

Zairil stated that the area was selected for potential future reclamation based on geographical and hydrological assessments. However, the decision to proceed with the project or its timeline remains under the state government's discretion. He echoed a similar stance on the Middle Bank area, which was previously identified for reclamation but never implemented.

Zairil, also representing Tanjong Bunga State assemblyman, emphasized that any significant reclamation project in the northern part of Penang, including Batu Ferringhi, must address traffic congestion issues first. The final draft of RSNPP 2040 reportedly proposes new reclamation areas along the northern coast of Penang, with the "Penang Gateway" project potentially boosting tourism, services, trade, and property development sectors.