Pulau Tikus serves as a vital gateway connecting the northwest of Penang Island to George Town and the eastern and southeastern regions of the island.
Anyone who has traveled through our constituency knows the daily struggle: six major arteries—Jalan Kelawai, Jalan Utama, Persiaran Gurney, Jalan Mount Erskine, Jalan Gottlieb, and Jalan Burma—are paralyzed by congestion virtually every day of the year. This gridlock doesn’t just waste time; it stifles our economy and diminishes our quality of life.
The Pan-Island Link 1 (PIL1) project offers a compelling solution. By creating a new thoroughfare from Jalan Gottlieb through six strategic interchanges to the southeast, we can effectively redistribute traffic flow across the island.
This won’t just benefit Pulau Tikus; it will ease congestion throughout George Town and along Lebuh Raya Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, extending all the way to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.
The Economy Ministry’s consideration of PIL1 comes at a crucial time. If approves, we must ensure its implementation includes thorough environmental assessments and proper mitigation measures. Our goal is to maximize positive ecological and social impacts while minimizing any potential drawbacks.
But what makes PIL1 truly innovative is its potential as a green infrastructure project. We envision dedicated lanes for buses and cyclists, creating a multi-modal transportation corridor that serves all Penangites.
By incorporating electric and hydrogen-powered buses, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously addressing our traffic problems. Consider this: less time spent in traffic means fewer idling vehicles, directly translating to reduced carbon emissions.
To ensure long-term sustainability, implementing a climate fee for PIL1 users can also be considered. This green financing model is an investment in our future, funding both the operation of eco-friendly buses and the maintenance of dedicated cycling and bus lanes. The PIL1 can be a comprehensive sustainable transportation solution.
The worsening traffic congestion on Penang Island requires immediate and decisive action. PIL1 presents a viable solution to this pressing issue as a green infrastructure project.
Pulau Tikus and the wider Penang Island deserve an infrastructure that not only resolves traffic congestion but also paves the way for a greener future.
Joshua Woo Sze Zeng
Pulau Tikus Assemblyman
