Dare to imagine a groundbreaking feat of engineering right here in Penang. It is the Penang Undersea Tunnel. This ambitious project promises to redefine connectivity between the island and the mainland. This 7.2 km tunnel aims to link George Town and Butterworth. Once completed, the Penang Undersea Tunnel will mark a historic milestone. It will be Malaysia’s first undersea tunnel. Also, it will be only the second in Southeast Asia after Singapore’s Marina Coastal Expressway.
The Penang state government is undertaking this project. Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd serves as the main contractor. With a staggering cost of RM6.3 billion, it is the largest privately funded public works project in Penang. The tunnel plans include a toll plaza. It also includes a railway reserve for a future Penang LRT.
The Penang Undersea Tunnel project has generated both excitement and controversy. One issue involves alleged bribery. In 2018, a senior executive director confirmed payments of RM22 million to two individuals. This sparked investigations and legal charges. A businessman was accused of cheating Consortium Zenith Construction of RM19 million.
Another controversy revolved around leaked documents. In 2019, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin published articles alleging corruption. These articles implicated high-profile figures. They alleged kickbacks amounting to hundreds of millions. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission launched investigations. They even filed a police report over the leaked documents.
The Penang Undersea Tunnel project includes several interchanges. On the Butterworth side, the Bagan Ajam South Interchange connects to the Butterworth Outer Ring Road. On the Gurney Drive side, the Gurney Drive Paired Road Interchange links to Persiaran Gurney.
The project consists of four components. These include three toll-free roads on the island. It also includes the tolled tunnel. The three main highways include the Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang paired road. Others are the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and the Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway paired roads.
The tender process began in November 2011. Sixty companies participated. Consortium Zenith BUCG won the bid. The project’s total cost is RM6.3 billion. This covers feasibility studies, detailed design, land acquisition, and construction. The state compensates the SPV with land swaps. They also grant a concession to operate the tunnel, including toll collection, for at least 30 years.
Some question the necessity of the Penang Undersea Tunnel. Critics argue it will worsen traffic congestion in certain areas. Despite debates, the Penang Undersea Tunnel remains a significant infrastructure project. It promises to reshape Penang’s landscape. It also aims to improve connectivity for years to come.