The Penang state government has thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for approving the RM25 million Mount Erskine underpass among several long-awaited projects under the 2026 federal budget.
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project which would connect Jalan Mount Erskine to Jalan Burma was among the strategic projects the state government had tabled to Anwar during an engagement on the 13th Malaysia Plan in March.
He added that nearly half of the projects proposed had been incorporated by Putrajaya into the 2026 budget.
Chow previously said that the underpass, which had come under heavy scrutiny by civil society groups over the years, was the “best option” to resolve traffic woes in the area.
The project is expected to involve a short underpass connecting Mount Erskine to Jalan Burma beneath the Gottlieb-Bagan Jermal cross-junction.
Chow said the state government was grateful for the budget allocations and hoped for early details on how the projects would be carried out so the state could make the necessary preparations.
Other projects under the budget include the widening of the North-South Expressway from Juru to Sungai Dua, a new integrated health complex in Seberang Perai Tengah, and a health clinic in Kubang Semang.
He said the government’s RM2.3 billion allocation to expand the Penang International airport was also welcome.
