Financial Constraints Believed To Be Behind Delays In Penang Bypass Project, Says Chow
GEORGE TOWN: Financial difficulties involving the developer and concessionaire are believed to be among the main causes behind delays affecting the Package 2 bypass road project linking Lebuhraya Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu to Ayer Itam in Pulau Pinang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said claims suggesting the project had taken 14 years to complete were inaccurate, stressing that the actual construction contract was only awarded in 2020.
According to him, the project remains ongoing and is currently expected to be completed by April 2027.
“The contract was only awarded in 2020, so it is inaccurate to claim the project has taken 14 years to complete. The project is still progressing and the completion deadline is now set for April 2027,” he said after launching the “Oh Malaysiaku” music video in George Town today.
Construction Work Continues Despite Delays
The project had recently attracted criticism after some parties alleged that it was among the state government’s delayed infrastructure projects.
Based on the project timeline announced previously, the bypass initiative was first awarded in 2013, followed by RM46.2 million allocated for feasibility studies in 2015. The project was officially launched in 2019, while physical construction only began around 2021.
The approximately six-kilometre bypass road is understood to involve construction costs amounting to RM851 million.
Initially targeted for completion in 2025, the project timeline was later extended by another two years until 2027.
Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged that delays had occurred but stressed that construction activities are still progressing.
“There are delays, but the project has not exceeded its final deadline. Construction work is continuing,” he said.
Financial Issues Seen As Main Cause
Further elaborating on the matter, he said financial challenges faced by the concession company were likely the primary reason behind the slower-than-expected progress.
“I believe the delays are related to financial issues involving the concessionaire,” he said.
At the same time, he dismissed suggestions that the Covid-19 pandemic remains a major factor contributing to the slowdown of the project.
The bypass road project forms part of broader efforts to improve traffic flow and ease congestion in George Town, particularly along routes leading towards Ayer Itam and nearby surrounding areas.
