{
  "id": 1431556,
  "title": "Penang 3rd link stays in 2040 plan, says CM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/penang-3rd-link-stays-in-2040-plan-says-cm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T05:49:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/17/penang-3rd-link-stays-in-2040-plan-says-cm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow of Penang affirmed that the proposed undersea tunnel or third bridge linking Penang island to the mainland will remain part of the state's development plan until 2040. Speaking at the launch of the draft Penang Structure Plan 2040, Chow stated that the project's agreement with the appointed company is still valid. He added that despite the plan being indicative rather than definitive, the third link will proceed according to schedule if implemented. Penang currently has two bridges connecting the mainland and the island, while the proposed third link is part of a RM6.3 billion transport package. Of the three major roads in the package, only the Air Itam link has begun construction, with completion expected by April 12, 2024. The feasibility study for the proposed link was completed and approved in 2023 but faced potential conflicts with long-term expansion plans for the North Butterworth Container Terminal. The state chief minister also addressed former economy minister Rafizi Ramli's comments on Penang's limited land supply, emphasizing that the state would continue acquiring and rezoning rural areas for industrial and other developments.",
  "summary": "Chow Kon Yeow says the proposed tunnel or bridge remains in the draft Penang Structure Plan 2040, as the existing agreement is still valid.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Penang 3rd link stays in 2040 plan, says CM",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/penang-3rd-link-stays-in-2040-plan-says-cm-1434692",
        "published": "2026-08-17T05:49:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}