Sahabat Alam Malaysia is shocked by the comments of Works Minister, Datuk Seri S. Samy Velu yesterday, saying that the second link would be realised and that Penang needed a third bridge in about another 10 years.

We are outraged by the Works Minister's obsession with more bridges for the island without any concern for the adverse impacts such projects will have on the environment and the quality of life for the people of Penang.

Already, there is much opposition for the proposed second link which is being pushed without any detailed Environmental Impact Assessment Report [ EIA ] being done.

It is a legal requirement that an EIA for the second link must be done and given the magnitude and significant impacts it will have, a detailed EIA is necessary.

Significant environmental impacts will include effects on the coastal ecosystem, the marine ecology including disturbances to the seabed and effects on the Penang Port. Further, with the generation of more vehicles onto the island and the widening of existing roads, there will be significant impacts on peoples' neighbourhoods and quality of life.

SAM is very concerned that the push by both the Federal and State Governments to go ahead with the second link will put undue pressure on the Department of Environment to approve the EIA without a full and thorough assessment of the environmental effects.

Public interest groups must be given ample opportunity to study and give feedback on the project and we are concerned that the EIA process may just be another token exercise.

Any EIA report must also explore all the other options available to deal with the alleged problem of traffic congestion on the present Penang Bridge. This includes a proper assessment of upgrading the current ferry system and introducing an integrated and sustainable public transport system for the island which is more environmentally sustainable and cost efficient.

SAM is opposed to the proposal for the second link including the idea of more bridges for the island as these are not sustainable options for Penang.

Further, we expect the estimated cost of the second link to be more than the stated RM 2.3 billion as this appears unrealistically low, given the proposal to construct undersea tunnels. Even the relatively simpler Penang Bridge cost around RM 1 billion around 20 years ago. The Malaysian tax payers will of course have to bear the brunt of having to repay the cost of such a huge venture.

SAM appeals to the Federal and State Governments to ensure that the EIA process will be genuine and transparent, with adequate time for public feedback and scrutiny. Given the public interest and controversy that has already emerged, we hope that the Federal and State Governments will not make the EIA process a mockery.

f S.M. Mohd. Idris
President