GEORGE TOWN, March 3 – The Penang undersea tunnel project is undergoing a major redesign as its original alignment conflicts with Butterworth Port’s expansion plans and a recreational park, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The state government has granted Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd additional time to refine the design and conduct a fresh feasibility study.
This redesign may determine whether the third link will remain an undersea tunnel or be converted into a cross-channel bridge, a decision that will be finalized upon completion of the feasibility study. The RM6.3 billion project, first proposed in 2011, also includes three major paired road projects, with only one—the Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway link—currently 73% complete.
Chow emphasized that the project’s timeline depends on the availability of reclaimed land earmarked for contractor payments, adding another layer of complexity to its implementation. Additionally, the state has yet to submit the project to the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) for review, as adjustments to the alignment are still in progress.
With the feasibility study expected to take several months, stakeholders await further clarity on whether Penang’s third link will be realized as originally envisioned or adapted to meet evolving infrastructure and environmental considerations.
