CHINA EYES CONTRACT FOR 2ND PENANG BRIDGE


CHINA wants to build the proposed RM2.5 billion (S$1.1 billion) second bridge linking Penang to the mainland, Works Minister Samy Vellu said yesterday after talks with visiting Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian.

He said he told the Chinese delegation that further discussions on the 24km bridge linking Batu Maung in Penang and Batu Kawan on the mainland could be held after the project has been approved by the Cabinet. -- Bernama


I tot they want to build it around Tanjung Tokong?

:eek2:

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/luchtfotopenang1.jpg

Originally posted by Magician

CHINA EYES CONTRACT FOR 2ND PENANG BRIDGE


CHINA wants to build the proposed RM2.5 billion (S$1.1 billion) second bridge linking Penang to the mainland, Works Minister Samy Vellu said yesterday after talks with visiting Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian.

He said he told the Chinese delegation that further discussions on the 24km bridge linking Batu Maung in Penang and Batu Kawan on the mainland could be held after the project has been approved by the Cabinet. -- Bernama


I tot they want to build it around Tanjung Tokong?

Built in Tanjung Tokong....nolah...;)

where did u find this article???i read it in Chinese News Paper but i can't find the article in Star Paper....:bash:

Originally posted by Magician

CHINA EYES CONTRACT FOR 2ND PENANG BRIDGE


CHINA wants to build the proposed RM2.5 billion (S$1.1 billion) second bridge linking Penang to the mainland, Works Minister Samy Vellu said yesterday after talks with visiting Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian.

He said he told the Chinese delegation that further discussions on the 24km bridge linking Batu Maung in Penang and Batu Kawan on the mainland could be held after the project has been approved by the Cabinet. -- Bernama


I tot they want to build it around Tanjung Tokong?


tanjung tokong is the tunnel which is not gonna be built anymore. i heard the design will be out soon, in Jan if i'm not mistaken

TYW>this is the news i tell u this morning;)

Originally posted by Pablo

TYW>this is the news i tell u this morning;)

oh, ok

it's amazing the China gov hasn't put up too much of a fuss after the railroad contract got practically ripped outa their hands by MMC-Gamuda!!!

24 km...wow longer than the Penang Bridge. What will they called the second bridge????

How will it look like? It would be great if it looks like the World's longest bridge in China :)

Point to ponder.....Is it nessecary to built 2nd bridge? I prefer the Penang bridge to be widen to 8 lanes....and special lane for LRT.
:D

Originally posted by mams
Point to ponder.....Is it nessecary to built 2nd bridge? I prefer the Penang bridge to be widen to 8 lanes....and special lane for LRT.
:D

I would prefer a tunnel crossing like Hong Kong's, connecting Weld Quay to Butterworth. After all, isn't this the shortest distance between the island and the mainland? The ferries can then be used only for passenger traffic.

Originally posted by mams

Point to ponder.....Is it nessecary to built 2nd bridge? I prefer the Penang bridge to be widen to 8 lanes....and special lane for LRT.
:D

They r not going to widen the Penang Bridge to 8 lanes, they plan to add an extrat lane for Motorcyclist. the project suppose to be carry out begining of this year, but nothing come out???:bleep:

The goverment plan to built Monorail not LRT;)

Originally posted by baqthier

How will it look like? It would be great if it looks like the World's longest bridge in China :)

how does it look like???

surely not something tall for the 2nd link lah

Originally posted by glenj

I would prefer a tunnel crossing like Hong Kong's, connecting Weld Quay to Butterworth. After all, isn't this the shortest distance between the island and the mainland? The ferries can then be used only for passenger traffic.

that will disturb the traffic in the port. unless they wanna build it really deep

Originally posted by Pablo

They r not going to widen the Penang Bridge to 8 lanes, they plan to add an extrat lane for Motorcyclist. the project suppose to be carry out begining of this year, but nothing come out???:bleep:

The goverment plan to built Monorail not LRT;)

they should build the Penang Bridge 8 lanes in the 1st place. didn't plan properly.see, now so much problem :bleep:

Any latest news? ;)

The penang bridge is very congested. Hopefully they quickly built the second bridge. :)

Any latest news? ;)

the last time i heard the news was last year i think:(

Penang Bridge to get additional lanes

PENANG: Plans are in the pipeline to expand the 13.5km Penang Bridge to create additional lanes for cars and motorcycles, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

The bridge would be widened to include two new lanes for cars and special lanes for motorcycles.

Concessionaire Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd was asked to propose a design, he said, adding that the company had already briefed the ministry.

Declining to comment whether the proposed second bridge would be postponed in view of the expansion plan, Samy Vellu said a special paper on the proposed expansion would be submitted to the Cabinet, “but it will take some time for the paper to be ready.''

He said this at a dinner held in conjunction with the Tamil Primary Schools Empowerment Seminar organised by the Tamil Schools Governors' Board at a hotel here last night.

To avoid obstructing traffic flow, the new lanes would be constructed separately along the existing bridge and be “stitched” to the main structure during the final stage of construction, he added.

still possible to create an extra lanes for the current bridge?? will it attach well?? :?

still possible to create an extra lanes for the current bridge?? will it attach well?? :?

i'm a little sceptical at first when the talked about it a few years ago.

however, i think with modern technology, it is possible :)

Monday May 24, 2004

Koh puzzled by missing plans

BY ZARINAH DAUD

BUTTERWORTH: Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon is puzzled as to how original drawings and plans of the Penang Bridge could have gone missing.

He said yesterday he was ?amazed but not amused? to read reports on the missing drawings and plans, adding that someone could have kept them.

?A set was given to the Malaysian Highway Authority and another copy was given to the concessionaire company that operates the Penang Bridge. The state government does not have a copy because the Penang Bridge project was funded by the Federal Government.

?I will check with the Penang Island Municipal Council and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council on whether they were given a copy of the plans,? he said after launching the state-level Unity Week at SM Teknik Butterworth here.

He was commenting on a statement by Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu that the plans to widen the Penang Bridge from four to six lanes had hit a snag because some of the original drawings and plans were missing.

Samy Vellu had said the proposed additional lanes should not rest on the foundation of the existing structure because the authorities were uncertain of its ability to bear the additional weight.

Dr Koh said the authorities could contact the Hyundai Group from South Korea which was the main contractor for the Penang Bridge project.

He said several engineers who had worked with the late Prof Chin Fung Kee, the project consultant, were still around and he could help the Government trace them.

?We badly need the additional lane while waiting for the second link project to kick off. The bridge has reached its maximum capacity years ago and the concessionaire company should expedite construction of the extra lanes.

?I appeal to the Works Minister to use his power and urge the relevant parties to expedite the widening project which is part of the concessionaire agreement. The Penang Bridge is now heavily used, especially during the holiday season and peak hours,? he added.

The 13.5km bridge, built in 1985, was designed as a four-lane carriageway and the proposed widening plan would see the construction of two more lanes at the cost of about RM400mil.

The additional lanes would help ease congestion on the bridge for seven or eight years.

The other option is to build a second link which might cost between RM2bil and RM2.6bil.

Wah malu gila man! :D

How could plans for such big project goes missing :?

On the contrary I still had my house 1971 renovation plan with me .....:ohno:

Contractor: I have copy of bridge plans



BY ZARINAH DAUD


BUTTERWORTH: A Butterworth-based contractor has a copy of the Penang Bridge blueprint – reported to have gone missing – and he is willing to “share” it with the authorities so that the proposed plans to widen the bridge can go on. :lol:

Anthony Selaveraja, 47, has the blueprint of package 5A where the bridge's middle span is located and he said the original drawings and plans could help the Government.

He said Hyundai Engineering and Construction engineers gave him the blueprint after the bridge was completed in 1987.

“I felt sad when I read reports that the Penang Bridge blueprint had gone missing and plans to widen it from four lanes to six lanes had hit a snag.

“I am willing to share it because the bridge needs to be expanded to cope with the volume of traffic which is on the increase,” he said at his Bagan Ajam home here yesterday.






http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/5/30/nation/n_22selaveraja.jpg

VITAL PAPERS: Anthony showing his copy of the Penang Bridge blueprint and some photographs of the bridge at his home in Bagan Ajam in Butterworth yesterday.







Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said last week that plans to widen Penang Bridge had hit a snag because some of the original drawings and plans were missing.

Samy Vellu had said that the proposed additional lanes should not rest on the foundation of the existing structure because the authorities were uncertain of its ability to bear the additional weight.

Reacting to the news, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had said he was “amazed but not amused”, and added that the state government would help locate the blueprints from individuals who used to work on the bridge project.

Dr Koh also said Penang badly needed the additional lanes while waiting for a second link project to kick off.

Anthony said he worked for five years from 1982 building the Penang Bridge and that South Korean engineers and contractors had contributed immensely to the transfer of technology to locals.

“Their technology is one of the best in the world and Malaysian engineers acquired tremendous knowledge from this project.

“And that is why I am still keeping the blueprint. I want to show it to ourengineers so that they can learn something from this mammoth project.

“The detailed information may also guide those wanting to expand the Penang Bridge because among others, it gave details of soil condition at the middle span and how to overcome certain problems,” he said.

He noted that the engineers had already anticipated that the Penang Bridge would reach its maximum capacity in a short time and that was why the six lanes were provided for in the mid span.

The 13.5km bridge was designed as a four-lane carriageway and the proposed widening plan will see the construction of two additional lanes at an estimated cost of RM400mil.

With the additional lanes, congestion on the bridge would be reduced for the next seven or eight years.

The other option is to construct a second link, which may cost between RM2bil and RM2.6bil. The link, part tunnel and part bridge, will connect Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland.

still possible to create an extra lanes for the current bridge?? will it attach well?? :?


Of course it would attach well.....they dun use super-glue lar! :D

It is structurally attached BTW and manny bridges throughout the world uses this technique too. A notable example would be Auckland's Harbour Bridge which is originally a 4-lanes bridge but had been extended another 2 extra lanes in the 1950s! :eek:

But everything still depends on if the superstructure could support the additional weight or not so a structural study needs to be done and I am sur Penang Bridge could ;)

Contractor: I have copy of bridge plans

The other option is to construct a second link, which may cost between RM2bil and RM2.6bil. The link, part tunnel and part bridge, will connect Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland.

i wonder if they have changed the plans of the star is just being blur. the part tunnel part bridge plan(connecting Bagan Jermal, near gurney Drive and the mainland) was cancelled and replaced with a bridge(whole structure is a bridge) is Batu maung, linking to batu kawan. both of them will cost the same. if they build a bridge-cum-tunnel in Batu Maung and Batu Kawan, it would cost 3 times more as will be longer than the Bagan Jermal one.

So sia sui lost the plan

So sia sui lost the plan

waste of time also :bleep:

i wonder if they have changed the plans of the star is just being blur. the part tunnel part bridge plan(connecting Bagan Jermal, near gurney Drive and the mainland) was cancelled and replaced with a bridge(whole structure is a bridge) is Batu maung, linking to batu kawan. both of them will cost the same. if they build a bridge-cum-tunnel in Batu Maung and Batu Kawan, it would cost 3 times more as will be longer than the Bagan Jermal one.


:eek:......I didn't know they converted the bridge cum tunnel into an all-bridge design :? ....since when har? :D

:eek:......I didn't know they converted the bridge cum tunnel into an all-bridge design :? ....since when har? :D

since they changed the location of the bridge!! :bash:

like i've said, i dunno if they are changing the all bridge design to the half half design like the papers had mentioned or the reporters are blur:D

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0198_resize.JPG?6050
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/6619IMGP0199_resize.JPG?9184

So did he "hand in"($$$$) those copies? :D

So did he "hand in"($$$$) those copies? :D

no news lately :bash:

http://www.mmail.com.my
From The Malay Mail

UEM gets priority to build new bridge
Jose Barrock & Francis Fernandez

Nov 2:
UEM Builders Bhd, a Government-controlled construction and engineering concern, will be given the first right of refusal to build a second bridge linking Penang island to the mainland, if the Government decides to go ahead with such a plan, sources said yesterday.

Mail Money was told the Government is considering two possibilities ? to increase the number of lanes on the existing bridge from four to six, or building a second bridge to help ease the congestion on the existing 13.5km bridge. UEM Builders is the concession holder of the Penang Bridge, a concession held via Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd. Under the concession agreement, UEM Builders will manage, operate, upgrade and collect toll from the bridge until end May 2018.

In May, Mail Money reported that UEM Builders had submitted a proposal to the Federal Government to expand the Penang bridge at a cost of RM400 million. Following that proposal UEM Builders had also made a presentation to the Government on the said proposal.

The Government also decided to re-examine the economic viability of constructing the second bridge, linking Batu Maung on Penang island to Batu Kawan on the mainland, which could cost as much as RM2.6 billion.

It is further believed that UEM Builders or other units of the UEM family will be looked upon as the "preferred" contractor for the job. Other companies under the UEM Group of companies include PLUS Expressways Bhd, Kinta Kellas plc, Cement Industries of Malaysia Bhd, Pharmaniaga Bhd and Ho Hup Construction Bhd. UEM Builders is a unit of UEM World Bhd, which in turn is controlled by the UEM Group, which is a wholly-owned unit of the national investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Bhd UEM World was formerly known as Renong Bhd, once Malaysia's most-indebted group, which was taken over by the Government in 2001 when the company floundered following the 1997-98 financial crisis. Renong at that time was controlled by Tan Sri Halim Saad.

Halim, is trying to revive his fortunes through Seloga Holdings Bhd.

Bouygues keen to build Penang’s second bridge


BOUYGUES Construction Group of France is said to be interested in the development of a new second bridge linking Penang with the mainland.

Its representative in Malaysia, Infobid (M) Sdn Bhd, claimed that the French company has agreed to negotiate with the Malaysian Government on the project.

Infobid managing director G. Muralimohan said Bouygues Construction has almost 50 years experience in all aspects of innovative bridge making and roadworks.

“After months of negotiations with Bouygues during French President Jacque Chirac’s visit in Shanghai, China, Bouygues has agreed to commence negotiations with the Malaysian Government,” he said in a statement recently.

Should the Government go ahead with the plan, two possibilities are being considered.

Firstly is to increase the number of lanes on the existing bridge from four to six.

Secondly is to build a new second bridge altogether to help ease the congestion on the existing 13.5km bridge.

UEM Builders Bhd, a government-controlled construction and engineering concern, will be given the first right of refusal.

“Bouygues expansion in Malaysia shall be achieved by a partnership with Infobid as a local representative, and certain sub-contract work will be given to a consortium of qualified construction companies identified by the Malaysian Government.”

It added that negotiations are undertaken by Infobid with the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and are expected to commence after Hari Raya.

“The construction of the second link will alleviate the exisitng traffic conditions and provide enhanced business activity due to its strategic location and benefit the northern sector of Peninsular Malaysia,” Muralimohan said.

So that means they are going to do both... widening the existing bridge and construct a second link!!!

noler i dun think so.. the french company had propose some times ago.. so now widening or building the second bridge still under negotiation. nothing real comes out yet :(

A construction pic by Bouygues

If 2nd bridge is to be built...Penang forumers sure got homework to do..take weekly construction pics :D
http://kateko.bud.polsl.gliwice.pl/dydaktyka/zdjecia/re_island_bridge/bgpir5.jpg

^ where is that??

2nd bridge will be built in the next malaysian plan.....hopefully

Just read from somewhere in the web, stating that the government has decided to widen the penang bridge from 4 lanes to 6 lanes instead of building a second link that connect batu maung to batu kawan. Still not sure whether their decision is already finalised.

I wonder why Penang Bridge and NS Highway have only 2 lanes in each direction....

Just read from somewhere in the web, stating that the government has decided to widen the penang bridge from 4 lanes to 6 lanes instead of building a second link that connect batu maung to batu kawan.

^^^ It was in the local newspapers a few months back ;)

I don't read M'sian newspapers here in S'pore. Care to tell me why? :D

I don't read M'sian newspapers here in S'pore. Care to tell me why? :D


errr....I wasn't replying to you :D

Oops... :D

Can someone also answer my question? :colgate:

I wonder why Penang Bridge and NS Highway have only 2 lanes in each direction....


Additional lanes for any long distance highway is very very expensive. Additional lanes could translate to almost quarter if not half the cost of a new highway/bridge.

Certain stretches of the NS Highway have 3 lanes in each direction (high traffic areas) and there are plans to upgrade it to 4 lanes in each direction esp on the KL-Seremban stretch.

When the NS Highway and the Penang Bridge was built in the 80s, it was designed for the traffic then with an option to upgrade to more lanes in the future. No point building a highway which had 4 lanes in each direction when the usage is very minimal at most times ;)

If you notice, highways around Klang Valley usually have 3 or 4 lanes in each direction to cope with the city traffic as opposed to the NS Highway which only peaks during festive season. ;)

Samy Vellu: Second link to Penang not economically viable



KUALA LUMPUR: A second link between Penang island and the mainland, estimated to cost around RM2.7bil, is not economically viable but the state government’s request for it will be forwarded to the Cabinet, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

“There would not be any profit and toll collection (assuming it would be the same as the current rate of RM7) would not commensurate with the amount spent for the second bridge,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Early this week, Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had said the state government was still pursuing plans to build a second bridge.

He said the second bridge was needed as traffic on the Penang Bridge had reached a critical level.

Last September, the ministry said the Federal Government had agreed to widen the bridge from four to six lanes and that plans to build a part-tunnel-part-bridge 13km link had been deferred indefinitely.

The ministry, Samy Vellu added, would carry out the construction of the second bridge if the Prime Minister and the Economic Planning Unit approved and provided the allocation for it.

On the Middle Ring Road here, Samy Vellu said work to determine the crack widths and stress levels in the steel structure had been carried out since Nov 9 last year.

On plans to expand stretches of the North-South Expressway to six-lanes, Samy Vellu said RM900mil had been allocated for two stretches, Seremban - Air Keroh and Rawang - Tanjung Malim, and for the relocation of the Jelapang toll plaza.

He said there were discussions between the Treasury and PLUS, the expressway concessionaire, with the government paying a small portion for the expansion work, which is expected to ease congestion during festive periods, weekends and public holidays.

This thread had been running for a while now...
Did anyone notice that 'extention' is actually spelled as 'extension'? :D

This thread had been running for a while now...
Did anyone notice that 'extention' is actually spelled as 'extension'? :D


Opps! :D

I did the thread title hehehe......typo......actually even extension is technically wrong because we're talking about expansion! :D :D :D

Oops... :D

Can someone also answer my question? :colgate:

Wey, come to JB, JB got malaysia newspaper.

Friday, February 25, 2005

Second link ‘badly needed’

The RM2.7bil second link is badly needed as an alternative to the Penang Bridge as the congestion pro-blem on it was getting worse by the day, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers (FMM) Northern branch chairman Datuk O. K. Lee said yesterday.

He said the question of economic viability did not arise because when the Penang Bridge was first opened in 1985, the traffic volume then was so light that it was making losses.

“But look at the bridge today, it is making good money,” he said, citing the North-South Highway and the KL Inter-national Airport (KLIA) as other examples.

He was commenting on a statement by Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu that the second link between Penang island and the mainland was not economically viable.

Calling on the govern- ment to plan ahead, Lee said even if work on the second link were to start now, it would only be completed in four to five years' time.

“By that time, traffic volume on the Penang Bridge would have increased tremendously,” he added.

Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations of Malay-sia) president Datuk Seri Lim Gait Tong echoed Lee's views and said that investment ploughed into the second link can be recovered.

“We have to plan long term as the current bridge will not be able to cope with the traffic volume of the future,” he said, adding that as Penang becomes more developed, there would be more traffic movement, thus the need for the second link.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) however welcomed the decision not to go ahead with the project.

Its president S. M. Mohd Idris said CAP had not supported the project since it was first proposed due to its high cost and potential damage to the environment.

“We maintained that building of the new link will attract more traffic to the island and thereby worsen the traf- fic congestion and increase pollution,” said Mohd Idris, who called for an integrated public transport system instead.

In contrast, Fomca vice- president K. Koris said Penangites need the second link between the island and the mainland, whether the project was economically viable or not.

He said the Government should remember its moral and social obligations.

“The Government should not always think of only making profit.

“Providing infrastructure and subsidising the projects are some of the ways that they fulfil their moral and social obligations,” he said.

Koris also said he supported the building of the second link but it should be supported with an efficient public transport system.

judging by the pace it's going, i think we'll have to wait till the Penang Bridge collapses before they'll build the 2nd bridge :(

Walau..till now they still hven't expans the bridge. Or they still heven't find the diagram of teh penang Bridge:?:?:?

Walau..till now they still hven't expans the bridge. Or they still heven't find the diagram of teh penang Bridge:?:?:?

the contractor in Butterworth has the plan/diagram;)

the contractor in Butterworth has the plan/diagram;)

U read the news somewhere ???

U read the news somewhere ???


I posted the news last time mah......not contractor lah.....I think some engineer lah. ;)

It was in The Star big-big :D

I posted the news last time mah......not contractor lah.....I think some engineer lah. ;)

It was in The Star big-big :D

the article said contractor^^

when i was typing that message, i was also not sure weather he is a contractor or engineer:D

Oh sorry..cos it has been quite a long time i didn't really see all the threads liao..pls forgive me;):D

if from wat u all say, a contractor have the plan..That 1 i know already, just that i didn't read the reply by TYW probably, i tot he said some1 had found the plan, own by government 1:D That is y ask him where he heard the news :) Sorry

Contract to widen Penang Bridge: UEM gets the job
Updated : 13-06-2005
Media : Malay Mail
Story By : SHAREN KAUR



UEM Builders Bhd, which operates the Penang Bridge, will be given a contract valued as much as RM400 million by as early as September to widen the Penang bridge, people familiar with the matter said yesterday.

UEM had in May last year, submitted a proposal to the Government to widen the bridge, in return for extending its concession period for the bridge.

Its unit, Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd is the concession owner of the bridge which was built in 1985, as a four-lane road, linking the island and the mainland.

Under the existing terms, the UEM unit has the rights to manage, upgrade and collect toll from the bridge until May 31, 2018.

Mail Money was told that the concession period could be extended by as many as 10 years, if UEM were to undertake the extension job, using its own financial resources.

The plan is to widen the four-lane 13.5km Penang Bridge into six lanes. The existing four-lane Penang Bridge carries an average of 110,000 vehicles a day.

Last year, Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd had hired HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd (HSSI), one of the country¡¦s biggest consultancy firms, to come up with the design for the extension works.

It is further believed that HSSI had given two sets of proposal to Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd. Depending on which proposal is accepted by the UEM unit, the extension works will take between 18 months and 34 months to be fully completed.

The need to extend the bridge, intensified after the Government in April said it wasn¡¦t in favour of building a second bridge linking the northwestern island of Penang at a cost of RM2.6 billion.

i wonder how will the jam be when the bridge is being widened

silightly irrelavant news

Friday August 26, 2005



Operator: Penang bridge toll rise reasonable

BUTTERWORTH: The proposed toll increase from RM7 to RM8.50 for cars using the Penang Bridge is reasonable and timely, Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) executive director Datuk Mohd Nor Idrus said.

There had not been any increase in toll since the bridge was opened in 1985, he noted.

He said the proposal, which was submitted to the Government several months ago, was still being deliberated at federal level.

“The proposal is also based on our concession agreement with the Government.

“Besides, we have duly abided by the Government's earlier requests to defer the increase when we sought for a toll fare review in 1998 and 2003,” he said at the opening of PBSB's Merdeka month celebrations at the company's office here yesterday.

Mohd Nor said the agreement with the Government allowed the concessionaire to seek a review in toll rates every five years.

“But we leave it to the Government to decide. We can just propose; the decision is in the hands of the Government,” he said.

He, however, denied that the proposal had anything to do with the ferry fare increase from RM7 to RM7.70 on May 1.

According to State Local Government, Traffic Management, Information and Community Relations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, about 110,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

Saturday August 27, 2005



Only Govt can decide on toll Samy slams bridge concessionaire

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu is peeved at the announcement by the Penang Bridge concessionaire that it will increase the toll rates.

He said only the Cabinet could decide on the matter and the announcement by Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) only served to create confusion.

It could also have political repercussions, he said in a statement here yesterday in response to the PBSB proposal to increase the toll rates from RM7 to RM8.50.

“If this were to happen, the Government would have to deal with it and not the company,” Samy Vellu said.

PBSB executive director Datuk Mohd Nor Idrus had said the proposal for a toll increase was submitted to the Government several months ago and was being discussed at the Federal level.

Samy Vellu warned PBSB and other concession companies not to make premature announcements until the Cabinet had approved their requests.

“In the case of the Penang Bridge, the Cabinet has yet to make a decision,” he said.

Samy Vellu added that the Federal Government would allow a toll increase only after consulting the Penang Government.

“We have to understand the problems faced by the state government before making a decision,” he said, adding that he would meet Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon soon to discuss PBSB's request.

The Cabinet had rejected PBSB's request for a toll increase in 1998 and 2003 and agreed to pay compensation to the company for two years.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee said Samy Vellu's statement showed the Government could still reject the proposed increase.

“It looks like a one-sided proposal from the concessionaire and we are hopeful of good news from the minister,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association vice-president K. Koris felt PBSB had the right to reveal the proposed increase.

“There must be transparency so that people can fight for their rights.

“The Government still has the right to decide,” he said.

Penang Bridge good until 2013
Updated : 26-10-2005
Media : The Star


SUNGAI BULOH: There is a need for a second link to complement the existing Penang Bridge but it must be completed before 2013, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

He said the construction of the second link should also start by 2008, if acute traffic congestion in Penang is to be prevented.


'The Penang Bridge is expected to reach its (full) capacity by 2013 and it will not be able to handle the increased traffic,” he told reporters after launching a pre-festive PLUS road safety campaign at the Sungai Buloh overhead bridge yesterday.

He said the construction of the third lane on both sides of the RM1.25bil Penang Bridge, which opened in July 1985 as Asia's longest and the world's third longest bridge, would not be able to absorb the ad-ditional traffic.

The expansion work, which also includes the building of a special lane for motorcycles at a cost of RM402mil, is expected to be completed in March 2008.

Samy Vellu revealed that 110,000 vehicles were using the bridge daily now and with the additional lanes on both sides, the capacity would increase to 180,000 vehicles.

He said the ministry would seek an allocation from the Finance Ministry to appoint a consultant to draw up a detailed design of the new overhead bridge.

On the safety campaign, the minister said PLUS had prepared several measures to ensuresmooth flow along the North-South Expressway during the balik kampung rush for Deepavali and Hari Raya.

About 1.2 million vehicles were expected to use the expressway on their homeward journey and when they returned to work.

Samy Vellu said PLUS would open an additional 155 payment counters to cater to the increased traffic, adding that there would be 117 SmartTag and 187 Touch n' Go lanes for the festive period.

There would also be 119 auxiliary police teams to provide assistance to stranded motorists, he said.

“PLUS will also place emergency assistance teams and ambulances at 12 strategic areas round-the-clock between Oct 28 and Nov 7,” Samy Vellu said, adding that the cooperation of the police had also been sought.

He said the PLUS helicopter unit would also be conducting aerial surveillance to monitor the situation along the expressway between Oct 28 and Nov 6.

Now only they realise?

makes me wonder..by the time 2013..how is the L.O.S (level of service) at Penang Bridge.. hhm...

maybe by 2013... no car can use penang bridge anymore... because is for pedestrian walking

maybe by 2013... no car can use penang bridge anymore... because is for padestrian walking


I think you walk till gila man.......13km is no joke :D

I think you walk till gila man.......13km is no joke :D

not surprising... since so congested... so people might just dump their car and walk back... ahahah :bash:

Oh...hehehe......yea...walking can sometimes be faster :D

makes me wonder..by the time 2013..how is the L.O.S (level of service) at Penang Bridge.. hhm...

I think the LOS is already approaching near F now. By 2013 without widening at all, you can afford to have a comfortable breakfast in your car, while reading newspaper and walk around enjoy the panaroma and return back to your car.

maybe by 2013... no car can use penang bridge anymore... because is for pedestrian walking

Yes, by 2013, you dont need to walk sweat, you walk on a high speed travelator.

^^ whahaha....that bad meh? :D

I still remember driving thru the bridge and caught in traffic....at least it is a lot nicer than getting stuck on Federal Highway :D

^^ whahaha....that bad meh? :D

I still remember driving thru the bridge and caught in traffic....at least it is a lot nicer than getting stuck on Federal Highway :D

yes..at least nice view of buildings next to u and we can escape the traffic using the nearest exit..but cuaght in traffic at the bridge? boleh jadi gila oo..;D

^^ Hahaha....a suggestion to Penangites...stuck in jam? Go down take some pictures and post it here! :D

^^ Hahaha....a suggestion to Penangites...stuck in jam? Go down take some pictures and post it here! :D

car spotting :okay:

Or can have fishing rods ready for those angler wannabes.

Or can have fishing rods ready for those angler wannabes.


Yea......I think that would be a good idea! :D

^^ u guys :lol: also good for "girl spotting" too.. rite!? anyway.. i've never experience any traffic jam onda bridge before soo.. and u can do some bridge diving contest if ur bit bored cos ofda traffic... :)

http://www.llmnet.gov.my/images/Buku_jual/buku5.jpg

http://www.llmnet.gov.my/BM/Operasi/JPP/jpp2.JPG

^^ Beautiful dude!! realli like that pics! one ofda best penang bridge pics i've seen! :cool: i can imagine how hard it'll be to expan the bridge.. worth it or..?? or just build a second bridge instead..??

i think i'll just post these pics here, can't find the Penang Bridge picture thread. why are all the threads going missing lately??

from pbase
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/6100/penangbridge25so.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/95/penangbridge36fc.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/5551/penangbridge49jr.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/6727/penangbridge52cl.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/216/penangbridge61zl.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/1418/penangbridge77mh.jpg

:eek::eek2::eek2:...Good job TYW..:eek:

I passes by penang Bridge yesterday..terrify traffic jam along the road to the bridge:eek:that proabably the worst traffic jam on the Penang Bridge i have ever seen..:(
Like some of the forumers said, walking maybe faster than driving on the Bridge..
Judging from the traffic yesterday, i think walk to butterworth is faster than drive there..car need at leat 2 hours to cross the bridge.

Urgh Penang Bridge, I've been stuck on pretty bad jams on that bridge myself!!

I passes by penang Bridge yesterday..terrify traffic jam along the road to the bridge:eek:that proabably the worst traffic jam on the Penang Bridge i have ever seen..:(
Like some of the forumers said, walking maybe faster than driving on the Bridge..
Judging from the traffic yesterday, i think walk to butterworth is faster than drive there..car need at leat 2 hours to cross the bridge.

were the spotlights on?? :D

actually, i haven't got caught in a traffic jam on the bridge before:D i think coz mostly i cross the bridge during non peak hours

^^^..i passes by teh Bridge, i should day Udini Road, not cross the Bridge...furthermore, i pass by in the noon..not at night..

actually..i cross the bridge 2 months ago at night..but i think i dosen't see the light..maybe i'm just busy playing wiv my friends on the bus..:lol::lol:

^^^..i passes by teh Bridge, i should day Udini Road, not cross the Bridge...furthermore, i pass by in the noon..not at night..

actually..i cross the bridge 2 months ago at night..but i think i dosen't see the light..maybe i'm just busy playing wiv my friends on the bus..:lol::lol:

he he....i really thought you were on the bridge:D

well..i saw the light ..fantastic..very bright, but i guess some of the pics above are over expose;)
Great to c the Penang Bridge have its light back!!:D..In fact, it is nicer than the light which they lit up a few years ago..

well..i saw the light ..fantastic..very bright, but i guess some of the pics above are over expose;)
Great to c the Penang Bridge have its light back!!:D..In fact, it is nicer than the light which they lit up a few years ago..

yeah! most probably overexposed. the skies are so bright

almost like this..hehehehe:D
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/5551/penangbridge49jr.jpg

almost like this..hehehehe:D
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/5551/penangbridge49jr.jpg

aahhhhhh.....if only my pics can turn out like that....

Like Batman night signal! :D

Like Batman night signal! :D

the spotlights in E-Gate is even more similar! too bad i can't take a pic of it coz it moves too fast

Hahaha, i saw 2 huge spotlights tonight. One from E-Gate and the other frm Penang Times Square site. LOL

wow! Batman siting in Penang! another good idea for tourist attraction to Penang! :shocked:

Haha calling Batman...

then Penang will be Gotham City...

actually there used to be another spotlight in Paya Terubong. it is not so bright though. bad news is, it is not on for a few months already......

http://www.filecabin.com/uploads/1132325357-Jalan Udini (1).jpeg
^^traffic info board in Jalan Udini

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3535/penangbridge62ih.jpg
^^the jambatan

Second Penang bridge project revived
Updated : 08-12-2005
Media : New Straits Times
Story By : Lydia Gomez


Plans to build the RM2.6 billion second Penang bridge have been revived with a proposal from a company which said it does not need soft loans from the Government.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said he received a proposal recently from the company, which he declined to name.

"This is the first time a company is willing to finance the full cost of the bridge."

He said he will discuss the proposal with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi "soon".

The Government had put its plans for a second bridge on hold in April when the construction cost was found to be too high.

Instead, it had decided to widen the Penang bridge from four lanes to six with a two-metre road shoulder on each side.

Traffic on the bridge has reached critical levels, and Penang has barred slow- moving vehicles from the bridge at peak hours in the morning and evening.

An estimated 110,000 vehicles cross the island or back daily.

Another 15,000 vehicles are ferried to and from the mainland.

Samy Vellu also said Penang's other billion-ringgit road project, the Penang Outer Ring Road will be presented to the Cabinet for approval in the next two weeks.

The concession agreement will be signed after that and construction by Peninsular Metro Works Sdn Bhd is scheduled to start in January.

The RM1.02 billion ring road is expected to ease congestion from Tanjung Bungah to the Penang Bridge.

The 17km dual carriageway will have four toll plazas and eight interchanges.

hopefully the projects takes off after millions of years of delay.

I think the widening work for the Penang Bridge has started

U-turn in Prai to close for Penang Bridge expansion
Tuesday February 7, 2006


BUTTERWORTH: The U-turn to George Town near the Penang Bridge office in Prai will be permanently closed to traffic from tomorrow.

A PLUS spokesman said the closure was to facilitate the Penang Bridge expansion work.

“The upgrading work, which began in September last year, includes widening the toll plaza and bridge.

“It is expected to be completed by the end of 2008,” said the spokesman.

After the extension, a total 25 toll lanes would be available.

The spokesman said the U-turn back to Prai near the office would remain open to traffic.

“Those wishing to reload or buy Touch ’n Go cards at the Penang Bridge office can continue to do so but they will have to take the U-turn back to Prai and turn into the Bukit Mer- tajam exit. They can use Jalan Baru, Prai, to get back to the viaduct leading to the Penang Bridge,” the spokesman said.

On the temporary closure of the third lane on the Penang Bridge, the spokes-man said it was to facilitate maintenance work.

The stretch between Km4.3 to Km5.8 on the lane heading towards Penang island had been closed several days before Chinese New Year.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to bridge users,” the spokesman said.

He added that details of the proposed petrol stations near the toll plaza area were still being worked out.

Update on bridge works
Tuesday June 6, 2006
TheStar


PENANG: The second phase of the Penang Bridge expansion project involves the widening of the bridge.

Works are expected to begin in the middle of this month and expected to be completed in 16 months.

State Works, Public Ameni-ties and Transport Commit-tee chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah said the first phase involving the widening of the toll plaza would be completed in September.

He said the third phase involving the construction of roads from Jalan Perusahaan leading to the bridge would start next year.

“The whole process will take up to 33 months and the whole expansion of the bridge is expected to be completed by September 2008,” he said.

He said the expansion would see a new lane on each side of the bridge comprising a 2m-wide lane for motorcycles and a 3.5m-wide lane for other vehicles.

Koay said that the placing of screens along the bridge's central divider had helped to reduce accidents.

“With the screens, busy-bodies no longer stop on the opposite lane to take a look at accidents.

“People can no longer see what’s happening on the other side,” he said.

Hope to see real expansion work being carried out and not only talk talk in the newspaper.

The first phase of widening the toll plaza, the progress seem like very slow....i don't think they can complete it by Sept:(

-edited-

Inisiatif pembiayaan swasta untuk jambatan kedua, monorel

Oleh HAIRULAZIM MAHMUD

BALIK PULAU 11 Jun - Pembinaan dua projek mega di negeri ini, Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang dan monorel menerusi Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) berkemungkinan akan menggunakan kaedah Inisiatif Pembiayaan Swasta (PFI).

Setiausaha Parlimen Kementerian Kewangan, Datuk Seri Dr. Hilmi Yahaya berkata, kaedah itu yang diguna untuk projek mega lain termasuk pusat pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan di Putrajaya dilihat lebih menguntungkan dan tidak membebankan kerajaan.

“Di bawah PFI kita boleh guna program ‘build, list and transfer (BLT) seperti Putrajaya yang dibina oleh Petronas, tetapi apa-apa pun masih awal untuk diulas perkara ini,'' katanya kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan Majlis Gotong-Royong Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat dan Program Cintailah Sungai Kita di sini hari ini.

Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang sepanjang 24 kilometer yang akan menghubungkan Batu Kawan, Seberang Prai dan Batu Maung di sebelah pulau, dianggarkan bernilai RM2.7 bilion.

Empat syarikat termasuk dua dari luar negara membida bagi projek pembinaan jambatan kedua itu melibatkan dua syarikat tempatan iaitu Muhibbah Engineering Bhd. (Muhibbah), Arab Malaysia Bhd. (AMB) dan masing-masing satu syarikat dari China serta Korea.

Melalui

Projek monorel pula akan melalui kawasan-kawasan pelancongan utama di Batu Feringghi, kawasan perumahan Tanjung Tokong, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jelutong dan Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah di Gelugor, Bayan Baru sehingga Bayan Lepas yang menempatkan lapangan terbang.

Satu lagi jajaran ialah menghubungkan Pengkalan Weld-Paya Terubong di Ayer Itam dengan melalui pusat bandar di Komtar dan Jalan Datuk Keramat.

Sementara itu, Hilmi memberitahu, Kementerian Kewangan sedang mempertimbangkan permohonan kerajaan Pulau Pinang berkaitan pinjaman RM50 juta bagi membeli bas baru dalam usaha meningkatkan mutu pengangkutan awam di negeri ini.

“Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pengangkutan Awam dengan dana RM4.4 bilion hasil penjimatan subsidi minyak kini mempunyai RM100 juta dan kerajaan negeri ini adalah yang pertama memohonnya dan ia sedang dipertimbangkan,'' ujarnya.

UEM Group serah pelan dalam 3 bulan


UEM Group yang diberi tanggungjawab membina Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang akan mengemukakan pelan dan butiran terperinci projek itu kepada kerajaan dalam tempoh tiga bulan ini.




Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Eksekutifnya, Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin, berkata ini termasuk dari segi reka bentuk, kos serta sumber pembiayaan.

“Buat masa ini masih terlalu awal untuk kami mengemukakan butiran lengkap mengenai projek itu kerana ia masih diperincikan, termasuk kos sebenar yang akan terbabit,” katanya ketika diminta mengulas mengenai pembinaan jambatan itu yang bakal menjadi satu lagi pemacu kepada pembangunan ekonomi Pulau Pinang.

Beliau ditemui selepas majlis sesi dialog dengan Presiden Indonesia, Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono anjuran Kelab Perniagaan Kuala Lumpur, di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Mengenai sama ada kumpulan itu akan turut mempelawa rakan kongsi asing untuk melaksanakan projek itu, beliau berkata, ia belum ditentukan.

“Kami ada banyak opsyen melaksanakannya,” katanya.

Ahmad Pardas bagaimanapun menegaskan, UEM Group adalah komited melaksanakan pembinaan jambatan yang akan menghubungkan Batu Maung dengan Batu Kawan itu dengan sebaik mungkin.

Kerajaan, Rabu lalu mengumumkan UEM Group diberi tanggungjawab melaksanakan pembinaan Jambatan Kedua di Pulau Pinang menerusi Inisiatif Pembiayaan Swasta (PFI).

Konsesi untuk membina, mengurus, mengendali dan menyelenggarakan projek jambatan kedua itu akan diberikan kepada kumpulan itu kerana ia adalah pemegang konsesi bagi jambatan sedia ada, selain mempunyai kepakaran dan pengalaman dalam pembinaan prasarana seumpamanya.

UEM: Detailed plan for 2nd Penang bridge in 3 months


August 5 2006

THE UEM Group will submit a detailed plan to the Government on the second Penang bridge in three months, its managing director said.

The details will include the development structure of the bridge and ways to fund the project, Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin said.

The group was appointed by the Government to build, manage, operate and maintain the second Penang bridge on Wednesday.

The 24km second bridge, which will connect Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai to Batu Maung on the island, is estimated to cost RM2.8 billion. It is one of the mega projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Normally, firms would go for long-term financing for long-term projects and this means that UEM may sell bonds to raise funds.

UEM is also managing the existing Penang bridge.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Pardas said the firm is keen to participate in Indonesia's mega development projects, estimated to be worth some US$150 billion (RM552 billion), spread over the next five years.

The infrastructure projects include power, roads, telecommunications, harbours and ports.

"We have indicated that we would like to be there," he told reporters after the dialogue session with Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

By the time the bridge has completed i already old liao lo....haiz..:(
But, nvm la, at least has a new bridge to ease the traffic, and boom the economy;)

hope that this bridge can bring the fortune and luck and whatever good to Northen Corridor.....:okay:

New bridge, new hopes

By Marina Emmanuel and Audrey Dermawan
news@nstp.com.my


August 7 2006


SIXTY-year-old widow Hasnah Din has lived all her life in Batu Kawan on mainland Penang.

Her home in Kampung Masjid had no water or electricity until the 1990s, and going to school at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Tambun entailed a 3km bicycle ride, after which she would hop on to a ferry to get to Bukit Tambun.

"It was a tug-boat type of ferry," recalled the former rubber plantation worker, "and our other transport option was the sampan.

"We hardly left the area, and I would consider myself lucky to visit Penang island twice a year."

The same scenario was echoed by 30-year-old Noor Hapizah Hussein, who also had to cycle and take the ferry to school decades later.

"My parents worked at the rubber estate and Batu Kawan at that time was flanked by rubber and oil palm trees, with a few houses scattered here and there, so it was quite scary to go out at night," said the cleaner who works for the Penang Development Corp's (PDC) property arm, PDC Properties, in Batu Kawan.

Do these somewhat "difficult" times experienced by some 60 households on this former rubber and oil palm plantation spell a childhood which was far from happy?

Quite the contrary, said Batu Kawan village security and development committee chairman Aziz Wan Chik.

"Sure, you can say that we were a marginalised village some five decades ago because we lacked basic infrastructure and amenities, but we survived," said the 48 year-old enforcement officer who is attached to the State Religious Department in Jawi.

"We got our first 'sepak takraw' court in the 1980s, but we were very contented as kampung kids who grew up playing 'guli' (marbles), hide and seek, 'gasing' (top) and flying kites."

Aziz said the 600-plus population in 2004 has nearly doubled today, as a result of housing projects which are mushrooming.

"Not one had heard of Batu Kawan until the stadium was built in 2000. Thanks to the announcement that Penang's second bridge will link Batu Maung and Batu Kawan, we now consider ourselves blessed since the potential for development in this area will surely be great," he added.

Batu Kawan is currently home to the stadium, which can seat 4,000 people and will also serve as the future site for the Penang Equestrian Centre.

Well before the site of the second bridge was confirmed by the Federal Government, the Penang State Government, via the PDC, had embarked on Batu Kawan's development in the 1980s by acquiring some 2,000ha comprising oil palm and rubber plantations.

Since then, the area has become home to a host of seafood eateries and its population is made up of fisherfolk, plantation workers and civil servants.

While Aziz and Noor Hapizah are excited about the construction of the new bridge, which they say will spell prosperity for the people of Batu Kawan and its surrounding areas, Hasnah is unfazed.

"I am an old lady," said the mother of two, "and there is a marked difference to life then and now.

"This bridge is not for me, but more for the younger generation who, I am sure, will see better times ahead."

Title: Penang Bridge widening works

Description: Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) wishes to inform that Penang Bridge widening works from two lane to three lane dual-carriageway is currently in progress.
As such, the contractors have installed hoardings on both sides on the bridge beginning July 14 to ensure minimum disruptions to traffic. Therefore, all drivers are advised to drive carefully and follow all signages installed on the bridge. Drivers are also reminded not to slow down to view the construction works.


Duration: Widening works to be completed in 2008
Contact person: Corporate Communications Dept

Contact no: 03-7981-8000

Toll booths being constructed

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/848/dscn2625mp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pilling work at middle of the sea (i think)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/332/dscn2626dk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Nation/BT586061.txt/Article/
UEM working with Govt to speed up Penang bridge project
By Kamarul Yunus
ahmadk@nstp.com.my

September 13 2006

THE UEM Group should not face any problems in securing financing for construction of the RM2.8 billion second Penang bridge, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.

The company will only have to work on getting the best financing deal for the fast-track project, he said.

"I have spoken to UEM officials and we will carry on with the discussion to make sure the second bridge project is put on a fast-track so that the benefit will be given to many, particularly the Penang community," he told reporters after launching the UEM young executive scheme in Putrajaya yesterday.

Nor Mohamed said UEM is working hard with the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department to fast-track the project.

UEM group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin said the company is exploring ways to finance the project.

"It is still in the early stage to identify any specific ones. There are various combinations that we need to re-evaluate and there are many options," he said.

Last month, Ahmad Pardas indicated that UEM may sell bonds to raise funds for the Second Bridge project, which connects Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai and Batu Maung on the island.

The UEM Group was appointed by the Government to build, manage, operate and maintain the 24km second Penang bridge, one of the mega projects to be built under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010). UEM is also managing the existing Penang bridge linking the island and mainland Peninsular Malaysia.

Early this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said that the agencies involved will be revamped and that problems faced by Malays on the island are serious.

bomb the bridge before expanding it!!!


Thursday April 5, 2007


Thousands caught in jam after bridge closure

PENANG: Thousands of Penangites were caught in a massive evening jam when the Penang Bridge was closed for more than two hours after police received a call that there was a bomb on the bridge.

Many motorists heading towards the bridge after work were caught unaware and found themselves in a traffic bottleneck at the Bayan Lepas coastal road leading to the bridge on the island and Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

The bridge was closed to traffic at 4.30pm and only reopened at 7pm.

Traffic had to be diverted to the ferry terminals on both the island and Butterworth, causing George Town and Butterworth town to be choked with cars and motorcycles.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/5/nation/n_01penangbridge.jpg
Hundreds of motorcyclists lining up at the ferry terminal in Penang after the Penang Bridge (inset) was closed following a bomb hoax on Wednesday. The bridge was closed for more than two hours, but the streets of George Town and Butterworth were choked with vehicles as road users turned to the ferry service. The bridge reopened only at 7pm after a bomb squad declared it safe. - K.T. GOH and CHRIS LIM / The Star

Just hours earlier, a 10-wheel truck had broken down on the bridge before the middle span, causing a traffic crawl that stretched almost 15km to the Juru interchange near Auto City. The truck’s rear wheels had jammed and it took mechanics nearly five hours to get the vehicle moving again.

Around the same time the truck was removed, police at the state contingent headquarters operations room received a call saying that there was a bomb on the bridge.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said police then alerted Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and he gave the green light for the police to close the bridge.

“A six-man bomb squad was sent to the bridge immediately. They found a 0.3m-long, 10cm-diameter steel pipe,” ACP Azman later told a press conference at the Northern Region marine police base.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/5/nation/n_04bridge.jpg
Rare sight: The mid-span of Penang Bridge completely free of traffic. The bridge was closed for more than two hours after police received a call that there was a bomb.

The pipe, he said, was found wedged in the divider at the 3.9km point of the bridge on the Butterworth-bound side.

“It was suspected that the steel pipe contained explosives. Not taking any risk, the squad detonated it at 6.45pm at the site,” said ACP Azam.

He added that police had earlier informed RTM to announce on air that the bridge would be closed. Messages were later flashed on the electronic signboards advising motorists to use the ferry instead.

Arrangements were also made with the Penang Port authorities to increase the number of ferries to cater to the large number of vehicles heading for the ferry terminals.

Tempers flared on both ends of the bridge as traffic came to a standstill. Irate motorists voiced their frustrations after being stranded for nearly two hours.

Bomb scare at Penang Bridge

http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/20070405090107/insidepix1
An aerial view of the congestion on the roads leading to the Butterworth ferry terminal yesterday.

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Bridge was closed to traffic yesterday evening following a bomb scare.

The bridge was closed about 5pm after someone called the police and told them there was a bomb on it.

The closure resulted in massive traffic congestion on the island and the mainland.

Fuming motorists were left stranded for more than three hours.

On the mainland, the traffic jam stretched all the way from the bridge area to the Nibong Tebal toll plaza.
The situation was not any better on the island, as motorists were caught in traffic jams on roads leading to the bridge, including the Jelutong Expressway, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Datuk Keramat.

The bridge closure also saw many motorists making their way to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry instead.

As a result, the normally smooth-flowing traffic to the ferry terminal on the island and mainland became congested.



Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Azam Abd Hamid said police were notified of the threat about 4pm and the bridge was closed as a safety precaution.

He said the bomb disposal squad found a 30cm-long metal pipe, measuring about 10cm in diameter, on a bridge divider at kilometre 3.8 at 5.45pm.

"The squad then detonated the pipe at 6.40pm as we did not want to take any chances."

Azam, however, said it was too early to tell if the pipe contained an explosive device as investigations were still ongoing.

The bridge was reopened to traffic about 7pm.

:ohno:

Thank God nothing really happen there

^^ So...is a bomb hoax ah???

stupid person....the traffic jam into my housing area..:ohno:

and my aunty was caught in the jam. she came back like 9pm. she usually comes back around 6

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/5/nation/n_04bridge.jpg

Penang bridge with no car...valuable pic:D

Penang Bridge closure sparked by call by state exco Koay
Opalyn Mok
PENANG (April 5, 2007): The chain of events that led to the closure of Penang Bridge yesterday afternoon was apparently set in motion by a query from a bridge worker to a state executive councillor, and was not a bomb threat.
Datuk Koay Kar Huah, who is the exco in charge of public works, utilities and transportation, said today he received a call from a friend, who is a staff at the bridge, asking him whether it was true there was a bomb at the bridge.

Koay said this when asked by reporters about talk that it was his call to the police that led to the bridge's closure for two hours and 40 minutes that resulted in a gridlock for peak-hour commuters.

"I called up my staff to check it out and the staff then called the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to verify the information," he said in a joint press conference with Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Koh added that Koay's friend must have heard something about a bomb for him to make the call.

When pressed by reporters whether the call from the LLM gave enough details of what had transpired to help police assess the situation, Koh said regardless of what was said in the call, "police have to take such calls seriously as it involves public safety".

"Police recommended the bridge be closed because they didn't want to take the 1% to 2% chance of the threat being real," he said.

Deputy police chief SAC II Datuk Othman Harun, who was also present at the press conference, confirmed police received the call from an LLM staff.

"We have called the staff in for questioning," he added.

He confirmed a kangaroo bar was found wrapped in cloth and paper on the bridge and that it did not contain explosives.

However, he could not confirm whether the bomb hoax was linked to an explosion in a coffee shop in Taman Seri Rambai early this morning.

"We have sent the bar found on the bridge and the explosive substances in Taman Seri Rambai for further analysis," he said.

Earlier, Koh announced two new steps for future emergencies.

"The first step is that a communication and coordination path will be created between all agencies involved," he said.

The second was to expand the communication network beyond radio to include factories, government agencies and schools to reach more bridge users.

He added that these steps would also reduce the incidence of rumours being spread.

Koh said the bridge's CCTV system would also be further upgraded.

He said the police would immediately take action in the interest of public safety, as they did yesterday, in response to any future incident.

stupid person....the traffic jam into my housing area..:ohno:

So..ur home near Penang bridge?? Good la...everyday can see the longest bridge in Asia...

We really need the second bridge!

So..ur home near Penang bridge?? Good la...everyday can see the longest bridge in Asia...

ya..my house quite near to Penang Bridge;) But cant c the bridge:D

We really need the second bridge!

agreed!! anything happening on the bridge like a car breakdown will reduce the traffic in the whole state to a standstill:ohno:

^^ wow.. that dramatic? even if they start now.. people will still hav to wait for years for it to complete.. even if PORR is build now.. they'll still never solve the traffic problem(i think).. theres just too many cars on that tiny island i think..

This proves that how badly Penang needs another alternative route to the Mainland... a second bridge? an underwater driveway?...

Even if we line up the ferries from island to mainland, it still cannot cope with the huge traffice volume.

WE NEED SECOND LINK!

Pls don't just show us some ground breaking ceromony for the 2nd bridge then seem to be nothing really happen to the construction of the bridge!

Maybe this incident is the catalyst for them to built the second bridge faster:D

Hope so;)

I would like to see Penang got underwater tunnel...

Well, where will be the 2nd Penang Bridge?? Near the 1st one ah??

Even if we line up the ferries from island to mainland, it still cannot cope with the huge traffice volume.

WE NEED SECOND LINK!

Pls don't just show us some ground breaking ceromony for the 2nd bridge then seem to be nothing really happen to the construction of the bridge!

I reckon u need more than just the 2nd Link. A well-planned public transport system, such as a combination of bus, rail and ferry between the mainland & Penang Island will be crucial to tackle the worsening traffic. Without an efficient public transport, the no. of car on road will keep increasing. How many link u can build? 3, 4, 5, or 10? Traffic woes need to be tackled from 2 directions: demand & supply. Supply more roads to cater to the demand and at the same time, switch more road users to public transport to reduce the demand on the road space. Logical?

cheers

I would like to see Penang got underwater tunnel...

Well, where will be the 2nd Penang Bridge?? Near the 1st one ah??

the original plan for the bridge was a half bridge and half tunnel. however, it is too expensive and many disliked the location. it is located at the north channel, near Gurney Drive.

so now the 2nd bridge will be at the south channel, near the airport. it will cost the same as the tunnel bridge but it will be much longer.

I reckon u need more than just the 2nd Link. A well-planned public transport system, such as a combination of bus, rail and ferry between the mainland & Penang Island will be crucial to tackle the worsening traffic. Without an efficient public transport, the no. of car on road will keep increasing. How many link u can build? 3, 4, 5, or 10? Traffic woes need to be tackled from 2 directions: demand & supply. Supply more roads to cater to the demand and at the same time, switch more road users to public transport to reduce the demand on the road space. Logical?

cheers

this is what is planned for Penang:

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/9233/rajah13134sk.jpg

but the problem is when are those projects are going to be carried out? the contractor for PORR is bankrupt, the 2nd bridge... maybe another 10 years, monorail never seem to start construction and the list goes on. it is all talk and talk only:ohno:

another problem is that the public transport system is so unreliable it seems not to exist! so most of the Penangites have thier own motorcycle/car. in fact, the ratio of number of vehicles to population in Penang is 1:1. so unless the public transport system is really good, no Penangites will be convinced to use public transport. and about public transport, it is also talk only, no action. hope the Rapid Penang will be a success though...

Wah so interactive... how many years do we need to wait?

1000 years?

Wah so interactive... how many years do we need to wait?

1000 years?

as the structure plan says, 2005 to 2020 years:lol: :lol:

as the structure plan says, 2005 to 2020 years:lol: :lol:

Hmmm...by tht time everyone at here getting old liao...:D:lol:

No need to wait la...dream tonight:yes:

by vortex_kl

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1921/20567628604663f8a07ouu6.jpg

^^ Cool...the best shot, angle and view of Penang Bridge!!!

Btw...can you spot the UFO?? :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic32604.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic22663.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic21221.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic00503.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/image001.jpg

Gosh!! it's like the traffic jam in Bangkok or something...

These photos prove that a lot of people staying in Butterworth... betul?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic00503.jpg


I saw those cars follow the lines not the lanes...

Btw...the god bless for the ambulance.

These photos prove that a lot of people staying in Butterworth... betul?

Butterworth, Sungai Petani, and Kulim.

Ppl that plant a bomb dont call in a bomb treat.
explosion will happen when you least expected.

Why people dont like World Peace? hahaha

woops...it seems that there will be monorail line crossing the straits....

extreme engineering = more $$$$ = more corruption = further delayed huh?!!!:bash:

this is what is planned for Penang:

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/9233/rajah13134sk.jpg

but the problem is when are those projects are going to be carried out? the contractor for PORR is bankrupt, the 2nd bridge... maybe another 10 years, monorail never seem to start construction and the list goes on. it is all talk and talk only:ohno:

another problem is that the public transport system is so unreliable it seems not to exist! so most of the Penangites have thier own motorcycle/car. in fact, the ratio of number of vehicles to population in Penang is 1:1. so unless the public transport system is really good, no Penangites will be convinced to use public transport. and about public transport, it is also talk only, no action. hope the Rapid Penang will be a success though...

^^ Certainly it would involve some extreme engineering to build a monorail track across the sea??? The cons aside, lets imagine travelling on the monorail watching Penang Bridge? :D

^^ Certainly it would involve some extreme engineering to build a monorail track across the sea??? The cons aside, lets imagine travelling on the monorail watching Penang Bridge? :D

Good idea...I olweys tot of riding a monorail viewing the Penang Bridge. Cool!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/PabloFa/pic22663.jpg


Wah......drive like cowboy town only :eek:

What is that purple Wira, that MyVi and that Mercedes C-Class doing? :?

Wow, those drivers got nerves of steel for sure! Heading to opposite direction on a busy traffic...

Penang Bridge widening work on track :)
Saturday October 6, 2007
By DERRICK VINESH
TheStar


PENANG: Almost 45% of the piling work for the RM585mil Penang Bridge widening project has been completed.

And main contractor UEM Construction Sdn Bhd is confident of completing the entire project by late next year.

UEM Builders Bhd managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh (pic) said the bridge would have four lanes on each side including exclusive motorcycle lanes.

He however said there would be no divider to separate the motorcycle and car lanes.

“This is to enable easier traffic movement and facilitate faster clearing of vehicles that stall on the bridge,” he said.

Under the project, the existing two-car-lanes on the island-bound and the Prai-bound carriageways would have an additional 3.5m wide lane each.

There would also be a 2m-wide motorcycle lane on both carriageways.

Ridza said the mid-span structure on the bridge would remain unchanged, noting that the particular stretch already had three lanes for cars on both carriageways.

“When widened, the bridge will not have any lay-bys for vehicles to stop for sight-seeing,” he told The Star.

Ridza said that so far 248 of the total 580 piles had been laid, adding that piling in a ma-rine environment was highly challenging.

“The entire area is underlain with marine sediments, which make it more difficult to carry out the foundation work.”

Ridza said about 500 local and foreign workers were involved in the widening project, carried out between midnight and 6am to avoid peak traffic hours.

Penang Bridge's Third Lane Ready By Aug 2009
October 23, 2007 23:16 PM


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- A third lane on the either side of the Penang Bridge is expected to be completed by August 2009, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu says.

He said the lane would probably be designated for heavy vehicles to overcome congestion on the bridge.

Speaking to reporters in Seri Kembangan today, he said that in the meantime, heavy vehicles would still be allowed to use the Penang Bridge even during peak periods.

Any plan to ban heavy vehicles from using the bridge would adversely affect business activities, he said. "After studying the proposal, we have decided to reject it and retain the existing rules," he said.

Congestion on the Penang Bridge would also be overcomed when the second bridge was completed, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Bridge piling works to be completed by March
Sunday October 28, 2007
TheStar


BUTTERWORTH: Piling works for the expansion of the Penang Bridge will be completed by March next year.

UEM Builders managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh said the piling works were progressing based on schedule and had not affected the bridge structure.

“We will not tolerate the safety of bridge users and the environment while undertaking the piling works.

“We want to allay any fears that the piling works are causing the bridge to sink.

“The tolerant level for any settlement to occur during piling works is not more than 5mm,” he told reporters at the company’s Hari Raya open house at SK Batu Kawan, near here, yesterday.

Ridza said work to build the casting yard for the second bridge in Kuala Sungai Tengah near Pulau Burung had also started.

He said about 80ha of land for the second bridge piling works had been cleared while load test to check and confirm soil condition had also been completed.

“All in, we have completed between 4% and 5% of work for the construction of the second bridge,” he added.

Ridza said the company projected that the construction cost for the RM4bil bridge would escalate due to rising costs of building materials and petrol and gas which were dictated by world economy.

He added that the company would work on the second bridge project within the budget.

by sptension

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2150531804_048bc8eacb_o.jpg

^^^ what's going on here?

^^I think they just change the cables......that's all......
because I remember they said the midspan will not be expanded as currently it already has three lanes

^^ that's right! just changing the cables. i've seen that a couple of times ;)

It's been months..owh i miss penang. How's the piling works goes on the island and mainland site on the existing bridge.

i propose we change this thread title to "Second Penang Bridge Constructions and Updates on Expansion Works on Penang Bridge"

This was taken last month...is this related to the existing bridge expansion?

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8200/dsc00055uq7.jpg

^^ Yupe u r right. ;) wish they complete it as soon as possible.

Bridge work ahead of schedule
Friday January 4, 2008
By YENG AI CHUN
TheStar

The RM585mil Penang Bridge widening project is now about 47% completed. A Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) spokesperson said yesterday that the project was ahead of its expected schedule of completion by 5%.

“The project is expected to be completed in Aug 2009. There were some piling issues but they were resolved last month. We do not foresee any major issues cropping up further,” he said when met at the Penang Tourism Hospitality Committee’s welcoming reception at Penang Bridge toll plaza yesterday.



http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/1/4/north/bridge.jpg

Widening plan: A file picture of piling work being carried out.



It was reported that the project had originally been scheduled for completion in September this year but was delayed because of geo-technical problems due to beam installation works.

The spokesperson said there was a possibility that the widening project would be completed earlier than scheduled if no major issues cropped up along the way.

Under the widening project, the existing two car lanes on the island-bound and the Prai-bound carriageways would have an additional 3.5m-wide lane each.

There would also be a 2m-wide motorcycle lane on both carriageways.

About 500 local and foreign workers are involved in the widening project, carried out between midnight and 6am.

the only project that excite me most from penang..

Bcoz it's the only one that really done right!

^^ Hm! :cool:

by srididie

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/2177237647_692c2c548c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/2177236987_d0d594a8ab_b.jpg

by sptension

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2150531804_048bc8eacb_o.jpg

by cassandra_gracia

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2114283776_4ebf2bc9d3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2109198867_5a81c55794_o.jpg

by yuphei

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2026400569_da3124b079_o.jpg

by sassysyeda

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2064922838_f47fa1694d_b.jpg

by NabihahSallih

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2360/2030769492_a3bddfcf72_b.jpg

Cool!

Nice pics.

^^ yeh cool! just like how they do the whole thing! :cool:

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/4/1/13/f_03m_2a4af47.jpg

2008/01/18

Bridge work halted to tackle fishermen's woes

http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2135367/insidepix1
Technical issues linke Piling work on the have forced a halt to work to stop on the second Penang Bridge is halted temporarily.


KEPALA BATAS: Work on the second Penang bridge project was recently halted to address problems affecting the livelihood of fishermen in the area.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon yesterday said the piling works for the second crossing had affected the environment and subsequently, marine life.

He said although the state wished to expedite its construction, many issues, including technical ones, had surfaced.

"Work on the bridge had to be temporarily stopped because we had to settle the fishermen's problems," he said at the launch of the state-level integrity month at Dewan Millennium.

Koh said the move to halt piling works reflected the state administration's concern for issues affecting the people even if it was at the expense of slowing down development.

A steering committee, set up by the federal government to fast-track the construction of the second crossing from Penang island to Seberang Prai, was looking into the issue.

The high-powered committee, headed by former Works Ministry director-general Tan Sri Zaini Omar and chaired by Koh at the state level, also includes three state executive councillors, representatives of concessionaire company UEM Builders Bhd and the project's main contractor, China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd.

Koh said the committee met on Tuesday to discuss the issue and find ways to address the loss of income by the fishermen and prawn breeders.

not surprised. I wonder how will they rectify the problem...halt works waiting for ikan to come back and breed in the area then start work again, only to be stopped again because they ikan lari sekali lagi...in the end...never built at all..instead of bridge the pilings will be turned as tukun. Thanks to fisherman.

delay until when? timeframe. Why cant they just be more transparent.

BODOH BETUL.

PGCC SCALED DOWN AND DELAYED.SECOND BRIDGE ALSO DELAYED....Penangites, so sensitive. Sometimes they made major adjustment just to benefit minority stakeholders.

Expected, and disappointed, because we've been waiting for years for them to change.

I thought they should have study the impact of the works towards the environment at the first place.
Stupid, Stupid!

tak payah buat la semua tu!
dah org penang taknak
goblog betul
bila penang mau jadi setaraf kl ni?

lagi 10-20 tahun PENANG akan kalah dgn JB. :devil:

lagi 10-20 tahun PENANG akan kalah dgn JB. :devil:

Maybe but not necessary...:):):)

aiyoo.. nnti Ikan lari lagi!

Work on second Penang bridge to resume soon


Penang Chief Minister says the the bridge will be completed on schedule and open to the public by 2011

By Audrey Dermawan, Marina Emmanuel and Sharen Kaur Published: 2008/01/19

WORK on the second Penang bridge has not been stopped, but has been delayed for a few months to address issues regarding fishermen in the area, Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon said yesterday.

"We are taking necessary measures to address the problem. I want to stress that the work has not been stopped, but only been delayed for a few months," he said.

Koh said despite the delay, he believes the bridge will be completed on schedule and open to the public by 2011.

Meanwhile, head of the task force for fast-track implementation of the second crossing project, Tan Sri Zaini Omar, said work should start to pick up again when certain equipment for dredging arrives before the end of the month.

"We were not able to get the equipment to fully comply with the requirements of the Department of Environment," Zaini told Business Times.

Zaini, who is the former director-general in the Works Ministry, said the project is expected to be completed on schedule by early 2011.

"We should be able to catch up with the work and remain on schedule," he said.

Zaini said the impact of the project on the livelihood of fishermen were being looked into.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for UEM Builders Bhd said the delay does not impact the entire bridge project as only the dredging work on the sea area has been stopped.

The land portion and other related works are still ongoing, the spokesperson said via email.

"With the cooperation of all parties and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the sea (dredging works) will commence before the end of the month," the spokesperson said.

Port builder and bridge construction firm China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd is the main contractor for the iconic 24km bridge project, which will link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.

Upon completion, the bridge, which will comprise 294 piers and 9,364 sections, will be the longest in Southeast Asia.

lagi 10-20 tahun PENANG akan kalah dgn JB. :devil:

hmmm it doesn't matter
as long we can compete with our neighbouring country such as Thailand,Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia
at least we live in Malaysia
i love Malaysia and all the states
no discrimination!

I'm proud to be Malaysian!

taknak la jadi jb, penyangak penuh. biar menang pun takpe. mmg kerajaan dok pulun IDR pun, takmau bagi orang johor marah sebab jambatan senget cancel. Penang ni tinggal nama ja.

300% correct...:nocrook:

Bridge piling works to be completed by March
Sunday October 28, 2007
TheStar


BUTTERWORTH: Piling works for the expansion of the Penang Bridge will be completed by March next year.

UEM Builders managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh said the piling works were progressing based on schedule and had not affected the bridge structure.

“We will not tolerate the safety of bridge users and the environment while undertaking the piling works.

“We want to allay any fears that the piling works are causing the bridge to sink.

“The tolerant level for any settlement to occur during piling works is not more than 5mm,” he told reporters at the company’s Hari Raya open house at SK Batu Kawan, near here, yesterday.

Ridza said work to build the casting yard for the second bridge in Kuala Sungai Tengah near Pulau Burung had also started.

He said about 80ha of land for the second bridge piling works had been cleared while load test to check and confirm soil condition had also been completed.

“All in, we have completed between 4% and 5% of work for the construction of the second bridge,” he added.

Ridza said the company projected that the construction cost for the RM4bil bridge would escalate due to rising costs of building materials and petrol and gas which were dictated by world economy.

He added that the company would work on the second bridge project within the budget.

Penang Bridge's Third Lane Ready By Aug 2009
October 23, 2007 23:16 PM


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- A third lane on the either side of the Penang Bridge is expected to be completed by August 2009, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu says.

He said the lane would probably be designated for heavy vehicles to overcome congestion on the bridge.

Speaking to reporters in Seri Kembangan today, he said that in the meantime, heavy vehicles would still be allowed to use the Penang Bridge even during peak periods.

Any plan to ban heavy vehicles from using the bridge would adversely affect business activities, he said. "After studying the proposal, we have decided to reject it and retain the existing rules," he said.

Congestion on the Penang Bridge would also be overcomed when the second bridge was completed, he said.

-- BERNAMA

by D' Lymans

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2202852285_a9d6d7fb2b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/2202852383_469d489f60_o.jpg

by goldwings_pg2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/2214851026_03448129cb_b.jpg

fuh.. looks busy.. :cool: thx for the updates nazrey! :cool:

No decks on new Penang bridge :cry:


By M Shanmugam
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

The Second Penang Bridge will not have viewing decks as originally planned, a move that will cut its total cost, estimated at about RM4 billion, by some RM200 million.

Sources say a special taskforce that was mandated to fast-track the project has suggested that the deck be omitted because it will likely add to congestion on the bridge. As an alternative, the bridge is likely to have an elevated middle span, quite similar to that on the existing bridge.
Also, the bridge will have a 45-year concession, one of the longest contract for an infrastructure project in the country. This is because there are constraints as to how much toll can be imposed on the second bridge. The charges have to be similar to those of the existing bridge and Penang ferry services.

According to sources, although the viewing deck would serve as a platform from which people can enjoy the scenery, it could adversely affect traffic flow on the bridge because of limited parking space on the deck.
"The parking slots that the deck can accommodate are limited. They will be quickly filled up and traffic will spill over and eventually cause congestion on the bridge," says a source.

The viewing deck was one of the highlights of the Second Penang Bridge when the plan was unveiled last year during the project's ground-breaking ceremony by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The cost savings from the viewing deck will only form a small portion of the total cost of the bridge, which has not been finalised yet. The cost of constructing the bridge above water will form some 70% of the expenditure, something that is expected, considering the demanding piling and dredging works required. China Harbour Construction Co is responsible for the design and construction of the portion of the bridge above water.

UEM Builders Bhd, the local company awarded the project and concession of the bridge, is responsible for the roads and overhead bridges leading to the bridge. It is learnt that the cost of building these is now expected to be much higher than anticipated. The estimate made about a year ago was said to be less than RM500 million but now the figure being talked about is almost RM1.5 billion.

"How could the cost have gone up by so much in a year? The higher cost will eventually impact the concession holder, which is UEM," says a source.
The bulk of the bridge will be financed by a soft loan from the Chinese government, amounting to US$800 million (about RM2.6 billion). The rest will have to be borne by the government or the concessionaire.

Tan Sri Zaini Omar, the head of a special taskforce set up to speed up the project, says the total cost of the project has not been determined yet.
"However, the contractors have started work, which will go into full swing after the Chinese New Year. If at all there are problems, whereby the contractors are no longer on the job, they will be paid for whatever job done. I know that not many dare do it this way but it will fast-track the job," he says when contacted.

On the changes in the design, Zaini says the conceptual plan is being finalised.
It has been reported that there are differences of opinion between China Harbour and UEM on the design of the bridge and structures used to build it. Their disagreement over design is said to have caused the delay in the project. This is said to be among the reasons that prompted the government to set up the taskforce in 4Q2007 — to oversee the work. The taskforce comprises representatives from the Economic Planning Unit, Treasury, Penang government and the Ministry of Works.
According to reports, the 24km bridge is slated for completion by mid-2010. Zaini is confident of completing the bridge on schedule despite the recent hiccups.

Recently, the project hogged the limelight when the Department of Environment (DOE), an entity controlled by the state government, issued a stop-work order as it was not happy with the dredging that was being carried out. The mud from the dredging was supposed to have been dumped at Pulai Kendi.

Zaini says the DOE wants the Chinese contractors to instal equipment on the tugboats so that it can ensure they dump the mud in Pulau Kendi.
"This is being done. But irrespective of that, work on the bridge is ongoing. There are many components that are ongoing, such as test piling," he says.

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

Very sad news!

why sad? it makes sense. From the start i always wonder how on earth they came out with the crappy viewing deck design that will surely defeat the main purpose of building the bridge - to solve congestion. Just imagine thousands of cars hogging the bridge lanes on weekend nights and public holidays.

its ok but i hope the second bridge will be nicer than the 1st bridge!!

it's ok for me...and I think the scenery from Penang Second Bridge is not nice as compared to current bridge. The view from current bridge is cool as we can see all the skyscapers on the island...maybe the buildings we can see from second bridge are only factories in Bayan Lepas.

but I think a nice bridge tower is more important :)

lagi 10-20 tahun PENANG akan kalah dgn JB. :devil:

My friend from JB told me that traffic jam in Penang is worse than JB nowadays, probably "second" worst after KL...

I remember former Transport Minister Tun Dr. Lim Liong Sik said "traffic jam is an indication of development"...does that mean Penang is more developed than JB?

For me...no way. Traffic jam is an indication of how ineffective the city planning is...

its ok but i hope the second bridge will be nicer than the 1st bridge!!

hah! i doubt that.. :lol:

Contractors appointed for second Penang Bridge

By YEOW POOI LING

PETALING JAYA: UEM Builders Bhd has appointed about 40 subcontractors and 30 consultants for the construction of the second Penang Bridge, a company spokesman said.

“As the project progresses, we will definitely engage more local contractors to participate in this prestigious project,” he said in an e-mail reply to StarBiz.

The spokesman said the participation of local contractors, especially bumiputras, was in line with the Government's policy to develop its own pool of contractors and entrepreneurs.

The construction of the bridge, which would link Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai, was awarded to a joint venture between UEM Builders and China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd last year.

The bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2011, will comprise 294 piers and 9,364 sections.

It will be the longest in South-East Asia.

The spokesman said rising prices of raw material like steel bars, concrete and diesel would put pressure on construction costs.

My friend from JB told me that traffic jam in Penang is worse than JB nowadays, probably "second" worst after KL...

I remember former Transport Minister Tun Dr. Lim Liong Sik said "traffic jam is an indication of development"...does that mean Penang is more develope than JB?

For me...no way. Traffic jam is an indication of how ineffective the city planning is...

I agree and that mean KL is the most uneffective city in malaysia in term of planning in public infrastructures. Am i correct?

No decks on new Penang bridge :cry:

According to sources, although the viewing deck would serve as a platform from which people can enjoy the scenery, it could adversely affect traffic flow on the bridge because of limited parking space on the deck.
"The parking slots that the deck can accommodate are limited. They will be quickly filled up and traffic will spill over and eventually cause congestion on the bridge," says a source.



yup, it makes sense.....a platform which cause much troubles than functions...

My friend from JB told me that traffic jam in Penang is worse than JB nowadays, probably "second" worst after KL...

does that mean Penang is more develope than JB?

For me...no way. .


And since when JB overtook penang?It remains to be seen my fren..Property prices, HDI , PPP and GDP per head wise, johor and the city is far behind still.

yup, it makes sense.....a platform which cause much troubles than functions...

Yeah they should use the allocation of the viewing deck to construct an additional lane rather than having to widen it again in the future

i'm wondering, the extension lane for the penang bridge is for car or motor? I saw the extension lane near to the toll there...it is so small that can only fit motor.

i'm wondering, the extension lane for the penang bridge is for car or motor? I saw the extension lane near to the toll there...it is so small that can only fit motor.

yup, you are right. i think there must be something wrong out there.
Or maybe they will have to realign the existing two white lines which mean the lane will become narrow.

it's good news that those testicles are removed. they are not only asking for trouble by building those platforms but also looks ugly architecturally.

an elevated mid span is a much better option. since there are a few marinas proposed in Penang i think that an adequate hight clearance for those yachts and boats is necessary.

i wish that the span will look better than the current bridge but judging by the financial situation right now, i don´t think it will turn out spectacular.

i'm wondering, the extension lane for the penang bridge is for car or motor? I saw the extension lane near to the toll there...it is so small that can only fit motor.

it is supposed to be for cars and motorbikes. well, it is supposed to be as wide as the mid span, which is already 3 lanes per way. maybe that part is not ready yet??

but actually i've not seen it yet so... :lol:

Second Penang bridge on track, says managing director

KUALA LUMPUR: About 4% of the construction work on the second Penang Bridge project has been completed.

UEM Builders Bhd managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh said the 22.5km bridge linking Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island was on track for completion in 2011.

“We have completed marine soil investigation, marine test piling, marine load tests as well as land survey and soil investigation,” he told a media briefing yesterday.

Ridza also said the group had completed 80% of the bridge engineering and expressway engineering design.

“You may not see the actual physical work being done on the site now but we are working hard.

“We have completed 15% of the dredging and preliminary works,” he said, adding that 50% of the casting yard had been done.

In addition, about 80% of the site had been cleared for the project, he said.

On escalating raw materials cost, Ridza said the group was still in discussions with the Government.

“The cost of constructing the bridge is estimated at RM4bil but we are trying to minimise the cost,” he added.

guys...OF COURSE PENANG IS MORE DEVELOPED THAN JB...it's funny when people can even imagine that JB is more developed than penang....jb is in the initial phase of progressing towards a developed city....congestion is an indication of development and also an indication of improper road plan but then again almost every developed city has congestion and they have acceptable reasons...Penang is small with small roads so it's understood...moreover penang is developed in almost all sectors...IT tourism property infrastructural....etc...and being a small island with high population it's acceptable if it's congested to certain extent...but at least penang has plans to make highways to solve this problem...it's slow but at least it's working..now JE is pretty much helpful..when PORR comes then it will solve more..then 2nd link will almost solve completely...now talk bout kl and selangor...it is stupid to be congested with so much of expensive highways around...big land...wide roads...other public transportations like monorail,lrt,rapidKL,....smart tunnella...but still kl and selangor are badly congested...but even this is acceptable cos it's klang valley and influx of population overpowers the infrastructural preparations like roads and highways...BUT NOW WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT JB THAT MAKES IT CONGESTED..NOW THIS IS WHERE U CAN'T FIND A SOLID ACCEPTABLE REASON TO BE CONGESTED...AND IT IS STUPID IF JB IS CONGESTED.....pls analyse facts properly before making a point...there are many things involved.....

actually bout the viewing platform...i was impressed as it was a unique idea and concept...but after reading u people's feedback...i agree as well.....i reckon that it's a good idea but sorry to say because of malaysian attitude of littering and lepaking for hours.....the platform is gonna be another dumping area as they will lepak in the platform with ciggarettes and packed beverages ...etc....it is just so foreseable hows the scenario gonna be when many peopla esp bikers rempits park their bikes and fairly high amount of cars parked there maybe even double park and just chill there for hours and mess up the place and also the sea(of course they will dump into the sea) and at the same it will definitely cause unnecessary congestion and mess there...it's just so imaginable....oh goodness now i'm so sure that i don't want the platform already........

...now talk bout kl and selangor...it is stupid to be congested with so much of expensive highways around...big land...wide roads...other public transportations like monorail,lrt,rapidKL,....smart tunnella...but still kl and selangor are badly congested.......

:lol:, ya really stupid!
All the highway here and there, pay toll here and there, after toll still jammed.
3 lanes also jammed. :lol:

Cepco eyeing RM200mil job for Penang Bridge

KUALA LUMPUR: Concrete Engineering Products Bhd (Cepco) is confident of securing a contract worth about RM200mil to supply marine piles for the second Penang bridge project.

Cepco’s marine piles were successfully tested for the bridge project in July 2007, managing director Leong Kway Wah said.

“However, there is no indication yet. We have yet to hear if we are going to get the contract,” he said after the company AGM yesterday.

He added that Cepco was also eyeing jobs from projects to be rolled out under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the various economic development corridors.

Leong was positive on the prospects for Cepco as the company was one of two players in the spun concrete piles market.

Cepco currently has an order book of about RM80mil that would keep the company busy for five to six months.

On new export markets, Leong said the company was in talks with parties in Canada.

“We have received enquiries from Canada on supplying materials for the construction of an indoor stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics,” he said.

He said the award of the contract would be confirmed by the end of this month.

At present, the company already exports concrete piles to Iran.

“Currently, we have an existing order to supply marine piles worth RM15mil for an ongoing project in Iran,” he said.

Leong said revenue contribution from exports contributed 15% to total group revenue.

“We would like to increase our export market share but have to consider the problem of logistics especially with the increase in the price of fuel, which has impacted transportation cost,” he said.

On the rising price of raw materials like steel and cement, Leong said that this would affect the company’s bottom line as the company was not able to transfer the cost to customers fast enough.

He said Cepco’s strategy would be to anticipate the higher prices and factor them into its prices as well as to source for cheaper raw materials from external suppliers.

CONCLUSION IS SIMPLE....penang have ways for better progress in developments..penang is very fit for any kind of development...penang is a hotspot....the only problem is penang is quite messed up not in a bad way but in a good way...but penang is not screwed up or not f**ked up.....it's just a lil messed up with too many different minds and ideas among penangites...penangites are also a lil sensitive because they love the state very much and they want to take care of it...so they become extra careful with everything which takes place in penang...so too many different feedbacks from public tend to clash....too many people being at cross-purposes...so the projects will get either delayed or delayed or delayed or delayed forever....or won't happen at all....haha...cute and funny penang...but always GREAT PENANG...in simple word penang is like very 'intricate' or 'complex'.. very small but very complex...too many different things taking place....it's like too many car in a road-the traffic moves slowly even if it's a very good road....or it's like too many internet user the connection becomes busy n slow even if it's a very good connection...hahaha i'm lecturing..excuse me.....in kl orang tak kisah apa apa pun...macam zombie autopilot....in a way it keeps things going but eventually bad result comes....all i hope is penangites , government and ngos and also developers and other authorities and public shud work together....should not oppose anything abruptly...should discuss with each other in a more professional and formal way....so good solution can be produced and good outcome is always there....they should stop the very obnoxious way of opposing , protesting , insulting , spreading emotional opinion which can differ from people to people..blogspots and forums are being used too much to critisize based on personal feelings about certain project...critisizings or opinion should be based factual stuff not emotional factors...for example people have used the word 'tombstone' to describe the 37 towers of PGCC..that is definitely not necessary and is not advisable as it can evoke an emotional disturbance among the concerned ones as it can change one's view on a project..legitimate reasons should be used not absurdities for example many years back there was a plan to build an underwater tunnel as the second link...people protested based on many reasons and one of it wuz TO SAVE PLANKTONS......for those penang lovers we want penang to be in good shape all the time but we shouldn't let it fall backwards as well where development is important and it should go hand in hand with a good atmosphere and surroundings...so let us all work in harness on keeping the 'pearl of the orient' in a good shape and at the same time don't let it rot with no more improvements and developments in many different sectors. give way for development and maintainence as well...we just have to monitor....no place on earth can be as special as Penang....PENANG FOREVER...

Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/30/nation/20795599&sec=nation

Penang plans to scrap vehicular ferry service
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) will scrap the vehicular ferry service between Penang island and Seberang Prai once the expansion of the Penang Bridge is completed in September next year.

PPSB chief operating officer Mohd Niana Merican Abd Kadir Merican said the remaining four vehicular-cum-passenger ferries would continue to operate despite suffering operating losses.

He said the company also planned to operate a speedboat ferry service as it was cheaper and efficient.

“The speedboat idea was mooted three years ago. Travel time between the island and mainland on speedboats will only take eight to 10 minutes compared with 20 minutes using the ferry,” he told reporters at the launching of free tuition classes for 141 of the port’s staff members at Wisma Perkeso in Seberang Jaya yesterday.

PPSB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Finance Ministry after its corporatisation on Jan 1, 1994, has been incurring an annual loss of RM12mil operating the ferries. It also manages the port.

Mohd Niana said the company was losing about RM200 on each ferry trip, adding that the operating cost was RM600 while revenue collected was RM400.

He said the bridge would have three lanes on each side and a special motorcycle lane when the expansion work was completed.

“It will be able to accommodate the huge traffic volume and as such, we will be able to scrap the vehicular ferry services and reduce our losses,” he added.

In November last year, PPSB held talks with the ministry to take over the maintenance of ferry services. PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar had said that it had also requested for fuel subsidy and buying of catamarans to complement the ferry services.

Ahmad also said the Government should emulate Hong Kong where the municipality handled maintenance while the port management focused only on giving better services to port users.

He had also said that PPSB had to fulfil its social responsibility and could not simply increase the ferry fares to recoup losses.

Agree. The picture with the spotlight is so beautiful. Wonder how much electricity it use.

Second bridge pact signing by month-end

PETALING JAYA: Parties involved in the construction of the second Penang bridge are close to finalising the cost of doing the project, with an agreement expected to be signed by the end of this month.

It is now believed that the 24km bridge will cost about RM4bil, higher than the original estimate of RM3bil to RM3.5bil.

Sources said the increase was mainly due to the rising price of construction materials, from steel to cement as well as fuel, over the past few months.

The new bridge is targeted to be ready by early 2011. Preliminary dredging work is ongoing at the site.

The project was awarded to UEM World Bhd by the Federal Government. UEM is also the concessionaire for the existing bridge linking Penang to the mainland.

Last year, UEM’s construction arm, UEM Builders Bhd, formed a joint venture with China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) to construct the new bridge.

“We are pleased to note that the second Penang bridge project is currently progressing smoothly and CHEC is still working with us on the project,” a UEM Builders senior spokesman said.

CHEC has a 51% stake in the joint venture with UEM holding the rest.

This was after the Export-Import Bank of China agreed to provide a loan of US$800mil to fund the project at a 3% interest over a repayment period of 20 years.

However, the project’s price tag could be lowered if national oil firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) would be able to provide funding.

It was estimated that cheaper financing for the project would result in interest saving amounting to RM1bil.

In a related development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted by Bernama after meeting Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Putrajaya yesterday as saying that Petronas would not fund the project because all its revenue was passed to the Federal Government for development expenditure and subsidies.

Lim had earlier proposed that Petronas help fund the project to lower the cost.

Meanwhile, Lim said the Federal Government had no problems cooperating with the Opposition-led Penang government in implementing planned development projects in the state.

It was unclear whether this would include the proposed Penang monorail, which is supposed to be undertaken by a consortium that includes Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd and Scomi Group Bhd.

Federal govt to work with Penang on Second Link

The Federal Government has agreed to co-operate with the new Opposition-led Penang Government in completing the Second Link or second Penang Bridge project, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

Lim, who met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here on Thursday, said Abdullah had told him that the Federal Government had no problems in co-operating with the Penang Government in implementing its planned development projects.

"We in Penang will also do whatever is necessary to speed up and ensure the project is completed on time," said Lim, who spent more than 30 minutes with Abdullah.

He said Abdullah hoped to keep the cost of the bridge project, which had escalated from RM2.7bil to RM3bil, low so that motorists would not be burdened by high toll rates when the project is completed in 2011.

Lim said he had submitted a letter containing suggestions and proposals on more allocations and development programmes for the state to the Prime Minister.

"It is the hope of the Penang people that all development projects by the Federal Government will continue in the state," he said, adding that both of them exchanged views during the meeting.

To a question, he said, "He is my Prime Minister and I have come here for the first time on behalf of the people of Penang (to discuss state matters)."

He said his misunderstood statement on the New Economic Policy issue was also raised during the meeting.

To further clarify and put the matter to rest, Lim said that he planned to act against a particular newspaper for allegedly misinterpreting his statement made on March 11.

To another question, Lim said, the move to introduce open tender by the Penang Government was a directive of the Treasury.

"It is to ensure transparency and when we try to comply we are faulted for it," he said.

by The Star

UEM Builders signs RM183m deal with govt

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: UEM Builders Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) has signed a RM183.1 million term loan facility agreement with the federal government to part finance additional works on the Penang bridge.

UEM said under the agreement signed yesterday, the loan tenure was 150 months from the first drawdown and interest was at a fixed rate of 6% per annum.The agreement was signed pursuant to the execution of a supplemental agreement to the concession agreement dated Sept 30, 1993, between PBSB and the government on Aug 30 last year.

by shwaen

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2478003243_64b6bda3b5_b.jpg

Wah......drive like cowboy town only :eek:

What is that purple Wira, that MyVi and that Mercedes C-Class doing? :?

The heading for ikan bakar... haha

by mingthein

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/2483456194_83e6a3b6cf_o.jpg

Penang freight forwarders anxious about proposed bridge restrictions
by Regina William
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


PENANG: The Penang Freight Forwarders Association (PFFA) is hopeful that alternative solutions would be looked into to ease the worsening traffic snarl on the Penang Bridge instead of the proposal to ban heavy vehicles during peak hours.

Expressing concern about the proposal by Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB)l, PFFA senior vice president Krishnan Chelliah said the ban would have long-term and tremendous impact on ocean and air freight shipments which use the bridge to get to the port and airport.

The proposal is expected to be forwarded to the federal government for approval and, subsequently, the ban may last up to two years.

“We welcome the initiatives undertaken by PBSB to expand the bridge, which will help ease the daily traffic nightmare on the bridge until the second bridge is completed. However, there must be alternative solutions to overcome this problem instead of banning heavy-moving vehicles during peak hours.

“For instance, just look at the cars which use the bridge daily, most are with single occupants. Perhaps there should be initiatives to start a park-and-ride facility to reduce the number of cars on the bridge,” Krishnan told The Edge Financial Daily.

Former Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu had rejected a similar proposal submitted by the PBSB last year.

However, there have been renewed efforts for a ban on the heavy vehicles in addition to the existing ban on slow-moving vehicles on the bridge during peak hours.

There are about 130,000 vehicles plying the 23-year old bridge daily which reached its maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles in 2000.

Expansion works on the bridge, which began December 2005 and due to be completed in August 2009 costing RM585 million, have resulted in even more traffic congestion on the bridge, with lanes being made narrower to facilitate expansion works.

“We understand the concern that heavy vehicles going slow on the bridge create an artificial jam, especially with works on the bridge, but banning heavy vehicles is not the answer.

“If there are restrictions on the Penang Bridge access for heavy vehicles, shipments will surely be delayed and there is a possibility industries in Kulim and Penang would resort to using KLIA or even Singapore to ship their products,” Krishnan warned.

He added that the state government has been positive and responsive towards the plight of the PFFA and others in the industry.

A meeting has been scheduled on May 20 between the stake holders including the state government, PBSB, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Ministry of Tranport, chambers of commerce, Malaysian Highway Authority and other relevant agencies to seek an amicable and viable solution to the problem.

It is learnt that the partial ban on heavy vehicles on the bridge has been proposed from 6.30am to 9am and 5pm to 8.30pm. The ban on slow-moving vehicles including tractors, forklifts and excavators from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm has been in place since 2004.

Penang calls for speedier bridge construction


GEORGE TOWN: The state government has pressed the federal government to push for speedier construction of the Second Penang Bridge.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said investors here were keen to find out the progress of the work.

"They have shown interest by investing in the state and they want to know when the bridge will be completed," he said.

Lim said the federal government had not kept the state government informed on the progress of the RM4.3 billion project.

"It has been more than a month since we last heard from them," he said.

Speaking to reporters after chairing an executive councillors meeting yesterday, Lim said preliminary works on the bridge had been completed.

This includes the survey and engineering design, soil investigation and site clearing.

Lim welcomed the decision by the federal government to find ways to overcome the shortage of gas supply to industries here.

"It is important that the federal government reacts to the issue quickly.

"We know that a solution may not be immediate but we can at least see light now," he said.

On the call by the Penang Heritage Trust to the state government to review the controversial RM1.2 billion Gurney Paragon project at Gurney Drive, Lim said little could be done as the project had been approved by the Penang Island Municipal Council.

Penang freight forwarders anxious about proposed bridge restrictions
by Regina William
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


PENANG: The Penang Freight Forwarders Association (PFFA) is hopeful that alternative solutions would be looked into to ease the worsening traffic snarl on the Penang Bridge instead of the proposal to ban heavy vehicles during peak hours.

Expressing concern about the proposal by Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB)l, PFFA senior vice president Krishnan Chelliah said the ban would have long-term and tremendous impact on ocean and air freight shipments which use the bridge to get to the port and airport.

The proposal is expected to be forwarded to the federal government for approval and, subsequently, the ban may last up to two years.

“We welcome the initiatives undertaken by PBSB to expand the bridge, which will help ease the daily traffic nightmare on the bridge until the second bridge is completed. However, there must be alternative solutions to overcome this problem instead of banning heavy-moving vehicles during peak hours.

“For instance, just look at the cars which use the bridge daily, most are with single occupants. Perhaps there should be initiatives to start a park-and-ride facility to reduce the number of cars on the bridge,” Krishnan told The Edge Financial Daily.

Former Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu had rejected a similar proposal submitted by the PBSB last year.

However, there have been renewed efforts for a ban on the heavy vehicles in addition to the existing ban on slow-moving vehicles on the bridge during peak hours.

There are about 130,000 vehicles plying the 23-year old bridge daily which reached its maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles in 2000.

Expansion works on the bridge, which began December 2005 and due to be completed in August 2009 costing RM585 million, have resulted in even more traffic congestion on the bridge, with lanes being made narrower to facilitate expansion works.

“We understand the concern that heavy vehicles going slow on the bridge create an artificial jam, especially with works on the bridge, but banning heavy vehicles is not the answer.

“If there are restrictions on the Penang Bridge access for heavy vehicles, shipments will surely be delayed and there is a possibility industries in Kulim and Penang would resort to using KLIA or even Singapore to ship their products,” Krishnan warned.

He added that the state government has been positive and responsive towards the plight of the PFFA and others in the industry.

A meeting has been scheduled on May 20 between the stake holders including the state government, PBSB, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Ministry of Tranport, chambers of commerce, Malaysian Highway Authority and other relevant agencies to seek an amicable and viable solution to the problem.

It is learnt that the partial ban on heavy vehicles on the bridge has been proposed from 6.30am to 9am and 5pm to 8.30pm. The ban on slow-moving vehicles including tractors, forklifts and excavators from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm has been in place since 2004.

Yes, that ban can solve the congestion problem once and for all.
It can eventually make more business move out from Penang Island, then make fewer people travel to Penang Island for work. Then make the PORR, second bridge, monorail and many housing project redundant since more people going elsewhere to look for job and make Penang Island a dead town.

Maybe we need to better public transport system or plan to reduce the need for private vehicle(Urgently)?? This proposal shows that the situation is going out of control.. The have no better solution but to cut of a limb?

PENANG BRIDGE ENLARGEMENT
by Claude BARUTEL (http://www.flickr.com/photos/claudebarutel/2498970656/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2498970656_c62bf18024_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2498143177_a034c8ecdd_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2498141603_184f72bf6d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2498968866_80e116d49e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2498140939_aceb3e1351_o.jpg

Questions for everybody.

1. Which is cheaper/expensive?: A. To build a new bridge. B. To add 8 lane to existing Penang bridge.

2. Which is faster/slower to archieve? : A. To build a new bridge. B. To add 8 lane to existing Penang bridge.

3. Which major user group need to use the link to arrive to Penang Island? A. Prai/BM. B. Residence in Batu Kawan

4. Which major user group need to use the link to arrive to Peninsula Malaysia? A. Residence from Tg Tokong, Georgetown, Gelugor. B. Residence from B.Lepas, Batu Mauh, Balik Pulau

The questions are to discuss whether or not building a new bridge make sense to current situation, and can it solve current situation. If it cater for future needs, why don't first fulfill current needs.

If a person die in 2 days, why send in medicine next week?

PENANG BRIDGE ENLARGEMENT
by Claude BARUTEL (http://www.flickr.com/photos/claudebarutel/2498970656/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2498970656_c62bf18024_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2498143177_a034c8ecdd_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2498141603_184f72bf6d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2498968866_80e116d49e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2498140939_aceb3e1351_o.jpg



Nice picture, so far no one have post second bridge development photo. Anyone can do that??

I am not Penangite, however I would like to give my comments...

I think the Penang Bridge could only be extended to 6 lanes, if I am not mistaken...and even with the expansion, look at Penang's vehicle registration plate, which is easily surpass Perak, Kedah but Penang state is very small...so, even if any expansion being done to the first bridge, with Penang's vehicle registration which is probably no.4 in Malaysia, the expanded bridge will not able to cope with vehicle number...

A new bridge will provide an alternative to the first bridge, should any accident happen and make the first bridge cannot be used, then there's another bridge that can be used...

Any infrastructure project, should be built not only to cater current demand, but future demand as well, so that any upgrading work will be easier because of the foundation being prepared earlier will able to cope future expansion easily without huge addition on cost, just like some projects, KJ Line, currently 2 car trainset, can be upgraded to 4 cars or the rail viaduct near the PTP port, Johor which currently single track, but obviously can be upgraded to double track easily but the viaduct is wide enough for that expansion...

But I think Penang should focus in not just building more bridges, it should try to do something to get people off their own car, for example improved public transport whether by bus or rail...

Just comment from outsider :)

You are right TWK. If I got my statistics right, every month there's an average of about 4000 new private passenger car registration in Penang state alone. I do agree to having the second bridge, although I think there have to be some sort of rapid mass transit across the channel.

Penangites do have another alternative though, it's just not developed to the fullest - Ferry. I have been reading on rapid ferries on the internet, and I don't understand why these couldn't be introduced in Penang faster. The technology is there, the money isn't really a problem, what's stopping them?

I am not Penangite, however I would like to give my comments...

I think the Penang Bridge could only be extended to 6 lanes, if I am not mistaken...and even with the expansion, look at Penang's vehicle registration plate, which is easily surpass Perak, Kedah but Penang state is very small...so, even if any expansion being done to the first bridge, with Penang's vehicle registration which is probably no.4 in Malaysia, the expanded bridge will not able to cope with vehicle number...

A new bridge will provide an alternative to the first bridge, should any accident happen and make the first bridge cannot be used, then there's another bridge that can be used...

Any infrastructure project, should be built not only to cater current demand, but future demand as well, so that any upgrading work will be easier because of the foundation being prepared earlier will able to cope future expansion easily without huge addition on cost, just like some projects, KJ Line, currently 2 car trainset, can be upgraded to 4 cars or the rail viaduct near the PTP port, Johor which currently single track, but obviously can be upgraded to double track easily but the viaduct is wide enough for that expansion...

But I think Penang should focus in not just building more bridges, it should try to do something to get people off their own car, for example improved public transport whether by bus or rail...

Just comment from outsider :)


I totally agree that we need to cater for future growth. My concern is that if we only have limited resources, then what should we focus(gomen no money la, material price hike la).

I agree also for the needs to encourage efficiency in transport flow. Just compare our PrivateVehicle/Population ratio compare to city like singapore and hong kong.

Gomen will have big crisis if keep on spending money in subsidy petrol instead of improving public transport to reduce reliance on escalating priced fuel. Given the situation in public transport now, many including me, rather drive own vehicle, and getting reliance on it, many will be very angry if gomen take away the fuel subsidy. Its hard to implement but even harder if delay.

Well, a little controversial but I personally think we need to do away, or at least reduce the oil subsidy, thereby increase the oil price and then use the money to seriously revamp the public transportation.

You are right TWK. If I got my statistics right, every month there's an average of about 4000 new private passenger car registration in Penang state alone. I do agree to having the second bridge, although I think there have to be some sort of rapid mass transit across the channel.

Penangites do have another alternative though, it's just not developed to the fullest - Ferry. I have been reading on rapid ferries on the internet, and I don't understand why these couldn't be introduced in Penang faster. The technology is there, the money isn't really a problem, what's stopping them?

Dude, money is the problem. Penang port doing business but not charity, they only provide that service if it is profitable. Unless our gomen use tax payer money to provide service, then the service will be available regardless profitable of not.

The number of private vehical rising is not because the petrol and the car are cheap, its not the people are getting richer. Its the disappointment and lost of faith on our current public transport system.

You are right TWK. If I got my statistics right, every month there's an average of about 4000 new private passenger car registration in Penang state alone. I do agree to having the second bridge, although I think there have to be some sort of rapid mass transit across the channel.

Penangites do have another alternative though, it's just not developed to the fullest - Ferry. I have been reading on rapid ferries on the internet, and I don't understand why these couldn't be introduced in Penang faster. The technology is there, the money isn't really a problem, what's stopping them?


Gomen will have big crisis if keep on spending money in subsidy petrol instead of improving public transport to reduce reliance on escalating priced fuel. Given the situation in public transport now, many including me, rather drive own vehicle, and getting reliance on it, many will be very angry if gomen take away the fuel subsidy. Its hard to implement but even harder if delay.

Well, lots of people from other states travel to Penang for holiday, and causing jam on bridge especially during school holiday...

But, yes, these people do help Penang's economy in tourism, so we need to create an alternative for people from outside Penang (like me) to travel to the state easier and negate the need of car, especially for single traveller or in small groups...

Projects such as :

- Electrified Double Tracking Project (Ipoh - Padang Besar)
- Penang Sentral
- Fast ferry
- Rapid Penang

If we can combine these project and have it on-time in completion....

Right now, Rapid Penang already exists, while the EDT from Ipoh-Padang Besar construction already underway and its going...

The other two, Penang Sentral and fast ferry, I hope these two can be done asap....

Imagine if the four projects can be completed, it is possible to see a person who is living in Klang Valley, can travel to Penang (Butterworth) on new electric train that will take 3 hours (KL Sentral to Butterworth)....then arrive at Penang Sentral, from Penang Sentral, that person can take fast ferry to Weld Quay, then..take Rapid Penang bus to his preferred destination on Penang Island....

Thus, travel to Penang from KL using public transport will be easier and less frustrating....

Of course, the second bridge will spread traffic away from the first bridge, thus congestion can be reduced on the bridge...but on the island, there's a need of better intra-island public transport to reduce the use of personal vehicle on the island...

Just imagine the possibilities....

Well, a little controversial but I personally think we need to do away, or at least reduce the oil subsidy, thereby increase the oil price and then use the money to seriously revamp the public transportation.

Haha, I agree too, but i afraid when they reduce the subsidy, they use the money to re-paint putrajaya or send few more to space, end up we all maybe should resort to use bicycle. Goog for the environment and health tool... hhahaah..

I welcome opposition's ambition to check and balance, but i do not believe Anuar's promise on forever subsidy on fuel price is sustainable(majority want it, so maybe use to gain voter tickets). Gradually i think we need to do away and improve the public transport.

Well, the reason I say money isn't the problem is that Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. is part of the Finance Ministry. Just look at how our government (federal) spends money - sending a doctor/model into space? Any amount of money wouldn't justify it. There are more examples.

Secondly, currently the second bridge cost has ballooned to RM 4.6 Billion from RM 2.5 Billion (see from first post of this thread). I do not doubt for a bit there are inflation and rise in building material cost. However, I do not think the price could almost double. I still think the project should be tendered openly. Even RM 1 Billion to entirely revamp the Ferry system should be enough.

And yes, frankly I outright disagree with increasing the fuel subsidy when Anwar suggested it. If anything needs to be subsidised, it's public transportation. I blogged (http://www.whatthetoot.com/toot/i-am-back) about it long ago.

Well, the reason I say money isn't the problem is that Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. is part of the Finance Ministry. Just look at how our government (federal) spends money - sending a doctor/model into space? Any amount of money wouldn't justify it. There are more examples.

Secondly, currently the second bridge cost has ballooned to RM 4.6 Billion from RM 2.5 Billion (see from first post of this thread). I do not doubt for a bit there are inflation and rise in building material cost. However, I do not think the price could almost double. I still think the project should be tendered openly. Even RM 1 Billion to entirely revamp the Ferry system should be enough.

And yes, frankly I outright disagree with increasing the fuel subsidy when Anwar suggested it. If anything needs to be subsidised, it's public transportation. I blogged (http://www.whatthetoot.com/toot/i-am-back) about it long ago.

My bad, if prove that Penang Port is wholy own by the gomen, we should Toot him... BTW, penang port own by gomen or UMNO? If own by UMNO then it is not the gomen, coz even we change the gomen, UMNO still own it.

It's a wholly owned subsidiary of Ministry of Finance Malaysia, losing RM 12 million a year running the ferry, but earns RM 310 Million a year (revenue), with a net profit (after taking into account the unprofitable ferry) of RM 32 Million running the entire port.

Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar is one of the many UMNO goons in Penang. He also the chairman of Penang Port, and they are delaying this project. Even the temporary express bus terminal took months for "finishing job"

Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/26/nation/21362030&sec=nation

Nor: Second bridge work is on track


BUTERWORTH: Construction work on the second Penang bridge is on track and it would be completed in 2011 as scheduled, said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

“The project is on-going and we will hold on to the 2011 completion date,” he told newsmen after handing over house keys to tsunami victims in Kuala Muda here yesterday.

The RM4.3bil bridge, which will link Batu Maung on Penang island and Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai Selatan was scheduled to be ready on Jan 1, 2011.

However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced on April 22 that the bridge would be delayed by nine months due to land acquisition, design and rising costs.

This prompted talk that the Federal Government was reviewing the project with an intention of scrapping it.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was also present at the event yesterday, said that the bridge would play a vital role in attracting foreign investors to the state.

“Early this week, a Japanese company that has invested RM1.2bil here expressed its concern about the completion of the bridge.

“We hope with the help of Tan Sri (Nor Mohamed), we can give them an assurance that the project would be carried out and thus attract more foreign investors to the state.

I hope they just keep quiet( no need to appear in newspaper) and start to construct.
They always blah blah on the MSM and later nothing turn out.

'Bridge will be ready by 2011'
By : Audrey Dermawan




BUTTERWORTH: The government will stick to its 2011 deadline for the completion of the Second Penang Bridge, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.

He gave an assurance that the RM4.3 billion project, linking Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai Selatan and Batu Maung on the island, would be implemented as scheduled.

"Work is currently in progress. We will stick to the 2011 deadline," he said after presenting house keys to the 2004 tsunami victims in Kuala Muda here yesterday.

Some 400 people received the keys to their new homes.

Nor Mohamed was responding to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who said at the same event that the bridge project was important to attract foreign investments, following a RM1.2 billion pledge by Japanese-based Ibiden Co Ltd last week.

He said prospective investors had asked about the bridge project and wanted an assurance it would proceed as planned.

Work on the 24km bridge, scheduled to be opened by January 2011, has been delayed by nine months.

Nor Mohamed, the Tasek Gelugor MP, said the federal government spent about RM33.68 million on the construction of the new homes and another RM9.4 million on the land.

Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Finance Ministry Inc, built the homes.

Each home cost RM45,000 but beneficiaries only paid a third of the amount. They also received RM1,000 each as moving expenses.

Present were Penaga assemblyman Datuk Azhar Ibrahim and SPNB chairman Datuk Azian Osman.

Well, the reason I say money isn't the problem is that Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. is part of the Finance Ministry. Just look at how our government (federal) spends money - sending a doctor/model into space? Any amount of money wouldn't justify it. There are more examples.

Secondly, currently the second bridge cost has ballooned to RM 4.6 Billion from RM 2.5 Billion (see from first post of this thread). I do not doubt for a bit there are inflation and rise in building material cost. However, I do not think the price could almost double. I still think the project should be tendered openly. Even RM 1 Billion to entirely revamp the Ferry system should be enough.

And yes, frankly I outright disagree with increasing the fuel subsidy when Anwar suggested it. If anything needs to be subsidised, it's public transportation. I blogged (http://www.whatthetoot.com/toot/i-am-back) about it long ago.

Good to hear that someone agreed that oil is too cheap here. The problem with the people in Malaysian are they want it cheap. Everytime the petrol prices increased, you will reached sms or email protesting about it. They don't understand that the longterm cost will be greater. People are still wasting petrol. In my office alone, there are 6 lady using SUV and a number of guys driving cars over 2.0 liter. They keep complaining each time there is a price increase in the petrol. They have money to purchase big car but complained about the price increase. The more people waste petrol the more money are needed to subsided it.

I agreed that the public transportation should be subsided. I don't agree with Anwar as I believed that he is just try to win more votes. He just want to be the PM that's all. I cannot image how Anwar will handle the subsidy issue when he become the PM soon. Bankrupt our country! He is the one that keep increasing the interest rate during the 1997 crisis. Luckly he was stopped. A lot of us suffered from paying the interest.

A lot of people don't under that the subsidy should be reduced. During the election time, I can hear a lot of people cursing the Government about the petrol price. Luckly for it as the DAP managed to benefit from it.

Let see how the new subsidy plan.

Going off topic here, but they (as in the current government) should have anticipated the oil price increase and should have invested in public transport and implement a roadmap to slowly do away with the subsidy. It's sad that the only long term planning our current government seems to be capable of doing is the Vision 2020.

International crude oil price is already at USD 133/ barrel. That's RM 2.72/ L of crude oil, not refined petroleum. Why not encourage the import of more fuel efficient hybrids and/or modern diesel car?

^^

To run modern diesel car, you need better diesel quality, if not, fumes can still be seen from these cars...

I think, Petronas should agressively add more NGV stations so that it will encourage more people to use NGV and our country should increase the planting of jatropha to kickstart biodiesel business as soon as possible, because crude palm oil price these days makes it hard to commercialise palm oil based biodiesel...

Maybe our nation can consider cash subsidy as well...