The Penang government has defended its focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, arguing they are essential to address chronic traffic congestion, despite calls from critics for bus lanes and more affordable transit options.
State executive councillor for transport Zairil Khir Johari said flyovers and underpasses are essential for the proper dispersal of traffic, stressing that Penang’s challenge lies not in misplaced priorities but in years of underdeveloped infrastructure and spatial constraints.
“It’s easy to say let’s have more buses, but unless these buses are flying, they need to use the same roads as well,” he told FMT, warning that the construction of bus lanes without proper planning could worsen existing issues.
“These experts who say flyovers and underpasses don’t solve problems should also tell us what else can be done.”
Zairil was responding to criticism from activists and a transport consultant, who argued that the state was prioritising mega projects such as the LRT and underpasses and overlooking more cost-effective solutions.
Former economist Lim Mah Hui had warned that cutting back the LRT project to fit budget limits could turn it into a “white elephant” — a costly rail system that fails to meet commuter needs.
Zairil, however, dismissed the claim, calling Lim a naysayer whose previous criticism proved unfounded.
“(Lim) also said Spice Convention Centre would be a white elephant and that Penang had no need for a large convention centre.
“But due to overwhelming demand, even bigger centres have since been built. So I wouldn’t take what he says seriously.”
On concerns that Penang had ignored past planning advice, Zairil said the current Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) is based on the 2013 Halcrow Plan, which was “high-level and conceptual”.
“The PTMP is a more detailed and practical version that the state adopted and is now implementing.”
Zairil also dismissed concerns by transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan that flyovers and underpasses tend only to shift problems rather than solve it. Wan Agyl previously said that they would only work if paired with public transport upgrades and demand management.
The exco member said the Penang government is focused on improving the state’s transport network by delivering better roads, an improved public transport network, and new systems like the light rail transit (LRT) to efficiently shuttle commuters in large volumes.
Zairil said solving congestion was a real priority. “That’s why so many resources are being put into it.”
