GEORGE TOWN, August 19 — Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged the federal government to allocate funds for small-scale traffic relief projects, warning that congestion from ongoing mega developments could destabilise governments.
Speaking at the launch of the City Competitiveness Master Plan, Chow said Penang is entering a “nightmare of traffic jams” as projects such as the LRT and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway take shape, and that unresolved congestion risks deterring investors and tourists alike.
Chow pointed out that the proposed Mount Erskine underpass remains stalled despite land acquisitions and evictions already completed, highlighting the urgent need for federal support under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He added that while Penang welcomes transformative infrastructure like the LRT, interim funding for smaller projects could significantly ease bottlenecks and protect the state’s economic competitiveness.
The chief minister also stressed that mobility issues pose a real threat to Penang’s appeal, recalling how a key investor scouting Batu Kawan was trapped in a two-hour jam last week.
“Even with durians and nasi kandar, if visitors spend hours in traffic, it becomes a great disincentive,” Chow warned, calling on federal authorities to step in before gridlock undermines Penang’s reputation as an investment and tourism hub.
