THE state government will carry out a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the revised North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) linking Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, with full public engagement to follow once the project’s final design is completed, says state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
“All necessary regulatory processes, including public engagement, will be conducted for the new alignment.
“We are not bypassing any requirements. The final design must be ready before the new EIA can proceed,” he told reporters at the State Legislative Assembly building today.
Zairil emphasised that the existing road conditions are no longer adequate to serve the needs of motorists.
“The current single-carriageway road — one lane up and one lane down, without a divider — cannot cope with rising traffic volumes, especially with increasing tourist numbers.
“Congestion worsens during incidents such as landslides or fallen trees. These situations also impede emergency services, with ambulances and fire trucks struggling to get through,” he said.
According to Zairil, who is the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, the recent landslides had forced partial road closures, with one lane expected to remain closed for up to four months.
“During school holidays, only one lane will be open for both directions, underscoring the urgent need for an alternative route.
“Residents cannot depend on a single access road. The government is doing its best to minimise disruption,” he added.
Responding to claims of insufficient public consultation, Zairil said that all required processes, including the previous EIA, Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and engagement sessions, were carried out in 2016.
“More than two-thirds of residents supported the project then. For the revised alignment, a new EIA and consultation process will be conducted to ensure transparency and compliance,” he said.
He also stressed that the project should not be politicised.
“Some opposition assemblymen reportedly supported protests, but this is public infrastructure for the benefit of residents,” adding that Teluk Bahang residents currently depend on a single road, and alternative access is crucial for the area’s development,” he said.
He said the state government is committed to completing the project responsibly, hopes the residents can have greater access to the tourism belt once the project is completed.
Also present during the media conference were Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo.
Story by Edmund Lee