‘Tunnel inconsistent with DAP’s green stance’
Hawkeye, FMT
The Penang state government, which has been championing environmental issues, is contradicting itself by going ahead with the RM6.34 billion undersea tunnel project, said a political observer here.
Lim Boo Chang (pic), who is now a social issues commentator after stints in Gerakan, MCA and PKR, said the undersea tunnel, linking Gurney Drive here to Bagan Ajam in Butterworth, had caused much anxiety among local environment experts.
He said DAP had been championing environmental issues, such as objecting to the Lynas red-earth processing plant in Pahang.
“If one is an environmentalist, one will never vouch for such a project. The DAP is also against toll collection, yet it allows the developer to impose charges for those using the tunnel,” he added.
Lim said the lack of opinion on the issue did not mean that there was undivided support for the tunnel project.
“Penangites cherish heritage, culture and food but they are also mindful about their environment and a mega project of this scale will transform Penang,” he said.
He added that it might also enrage environmentalists who had been constantly arguing with the state authorities on preserving the island’s natural habitat.
Lim said more thought should have been given before the project started, adding that he is neither supporting Pakatan Rakyat nor Barisan Nasional on the issue.
Lim remains unsure if the project can qualify as an environment-friendly one.
He suggested that an independent consultant be appointed to conduct a feasibility study to avoid the project from becoming a politicised issue.
“The study must involve everyone affected, including the fishermen and the Penang Port, which has long wanted the Penang Channel to be deepened to boost its standing as a regional port,” Lim said.
