GEORGE TOWN – Residents of Tanjung Bungah and Batu Feringghi are raising alarm over the proposed North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) and are seeking a meeting with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, saying the RM2.4 billion project could have serious repercussions for the environment, safety, and quality of life on Penang island’s northern coast.
They are requesting the meeting to raise their concerns directly and to seek transparency on the project’s alignment, environmental safeguards, and impact on nearby communities.
In a letter sent to Chow on July 25, which was shared with Scoop, resident representatives Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson, Anas Soffy Abd Wahid, and Chrissy Hampton-Smith urged for a meeting to voice their concerns directly.
They said the road’s alignment and the way the project is being advanced have caused unease among residents living and working along the affected corridor.
Residents fear that the construction would carry far-reaching consequences for their properties, the fragile hillside ecosystem, local biodiversity, and the overall liveability of the area.
The trio also noted that residents have yet to see a detailed plan of the proposed route, which they say is crucial to assess how it might affect the areas behind their homes.
“We request to be shown the detailed plan of this route and be assured of how those responsible for the project will be safeguarding our health and safety, the structural integrity of our homes and the fragile ecological environment and biodiversity of this area of the Penang hills,” they wrote.
“Fundamentally, we believe that this project will have a detrimental impact on biodiversity along this sensitive area, as well as potentially harming human lives as we have seen before from landslides, slope failures and the destruction of water courses.”
They added that the NCPR would involve extensive hill-cutting in areas with slopes exceeding 25 degrees and elevations above 250 feet – zones classified as environmentally sensitive and crucial water catchments.
“We would like to know how (Chow) intends to mitigate these issues & if necessary, compensate for any untoward disasters & devaluation of property that may occur as a result of this project.”
Alternative solutions possible
When contacted, Duckett-Wilkinson told Scoop that letters were also sent on July 25 to Penang’s Department of Environment (DoE), Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Penang Green Council, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
The trio criticised the current form of the project, saying it “shows short-sightedness on the side of the state and contradicts the government’s commitment to maintaining quality of life, environmental protection, climate change and sustainability”.
They noted this comes as Malaysia is the sitting president of the third session of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
They proposed a small delegation of 10 to 15 individuals – including elected representatives from apartment complexes, residents’ associations, homeowners and ecological experts – to attend the meeting with Chow.
“Our intention is to engage in a calm, fact-based discussion that takes into account the long-term interests of all stakeholders, including the wider public,” they said.
“We hope that you will grant us this opportunity to be heard and to help chart a way forward that does not sacrifice Penang’s environmental integrity, community wellbeing, or public trust. We remain committed to cooperating in good faith and to seeking constructive, inclusive solutions.”
On February 27, Chow announced the NCPR would proceed after years of delay, with construction to begin next year. The road is part of the Penang undersea tunnel and roads initiative under the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
The highway is intended to reduce travel time between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang from 45 minutes to just seven. Construction is expected to take five years, with completion by 2031.
Chow said a revised alignment had been introduced to reduce the project’s impact on densely populated areas. However, he acknowledged that hill clearing is unavoidable, as 70% of the route cuts through hilly terrain. The announcement drew criticism from local NGOs, who argue the project promotes car-centric infrastructure at the expense of the environment.
Duckett-Wilkinson also told Scoop that more residents’ associations are getting involved.
“More resident associations are getting involved as time goes on. We are still gathering signatures and working to make residents more aware of what is being planned,” he said.
Scoop has reached out to the Chief Minister’s Office for comments. – July 31, 2025