The Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMMPP) has expressed its support for the road construction project to ease traffic congestion, which recently came under the spotlight when a local NGO opposed it.

NONEPKMMPP deputy chief Izham Omar Merican (left in photo) said the project would bring economic development to Penang and Seberang Perai Utara, and help uplift the economy of Penangites in both areas.

Izham, who was accompanied by several colleagues, said the project would also benefit all Penangites who live on the mainland, especially the Malay community who are the majority in the area.

“The project would ensure the Malay community experience the same level of development with others,” he told reporters at a press conference held jointly with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

NONE“We are confident that the project, especially the undersea tunnel, will not bring any adverse effect to the community who live within the area,” he added.

Izham was referring to the 6.5km Gurney Drive-Bagan Ajam undersea tunnel, the 12km road connecting Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang, a 4.2km Gurney Drive-Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass and a 4.6km Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu-Bandar Baru Air Itam bypass.

His support for the project comes hot on the heels of an alleged “spat” between Lim and the Consumers Association of Penang president SM Mohamed Idris.

Mohamed Idris questioned the state government over the lack of public consultation over the project. However, Lim has insisted that he had met the NGO representatives twice to clarify his views.

BN leaders, like state MCA Wanita chief Tan Cheng Liang has accused Lim of making personal attacks on Mohamed Idris because he did not endorse the project.

Meanwhile, Izham said he was confident of the state government’s pledge that all procedures and guidelines would be followed, including public consultation on the design and environmental effect study.

“If problems arise in the process, and if the project is found to be inappropriate, it should not be implemented,” he added.