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GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s Light Rail Transport (LRT) dream will begin to take shape in December with a groundbreaking event, with the first station to be built in Lebuh Macallum.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke is said to have approved a date to get the 29km Mutiara Line landmark project off the ground.
The alignment starts from Penang Sentral on the mainland before crossing the channel to Lebuh Macallum.
From there, the multibillion-ringgit line will pass through Komtar, Bandar Sri Pinang, Sungai Pinang, East Jelutong, The Light, Gelugor, Jalan Universiti, Sungai Dua, Sungai Nibong, Bukit Jambul, SPICE, Jalan Tengah, the Free Industrial Zone, Free Industrial Zone South, Sungai Tiram, the Penang International Airport, Permatang Damar Laut and Silicon Island, which will serve as a depot.
A component of the Penang Transport Master Plan, the Penang LRT will have 20 stations, including two interchange stations at Komtar and Penang Sentral in Butterworth, with completion slated for 2030.
It was reported recently that project developer Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) might opt for a rubber-tyred metro system to save on operations and maintenance costs.
With annual ridership projected at between five million and 42 million passengers, the Penang government is counting on the mammoth project to ease chronic traffic congestion in the state.
The Gamuda-led group SRS Consortium is currently finalising terms and conditions for the civil works package, which will cost about RM7.6bil.
Gamuda is planning to bid for the electrification and signalling works, worth about RM1.2bil.
The project has three main components: civil construction works for Segment 1, covering the alignment of Silicon Island to Komtar; Segment 2, which covers the line from Komtar to Penang Sentral, and a turnkey contract for system and carriage (coach) works.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association honorary national secretary Yeoh Seng Hooi said the LRT project would also provide more jobs, with skilled locals to benefit.
“The spillover effects will benefit subcontractors and those providing goods and services for the project.
“Infrastructure development, which reduces transport costs and travel time, will boost foreign and domestic investments,” he said.Transport analyst Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid said incorporating support networks like shuttle services and parking facilities would ensure the LRT system’s efficacy.
He said transit-oriented “last-mile” development around LRT stations would contribute to green transportation and lower carbon emissions.
In June, Loke said he hoped that physical work could commence before the year’s end.
He also revealed that the LRT’s alignment had been finalised.
He said this was done after discussions with all parties and that the Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with the passenger station starting from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Penang Sentral.
On March 29, Loke announced that the Federal Government had taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government, with MRT Corp appointed as developer and asset owner.
Schemes to ease future congestion causing traffic trouble in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Traffic on Penang island is often monstrous, especially at peak hours, with narrow roads and many industrial areas.
With five major transportation projects taking off almost in tandem this year, the nightmare is going to get worse for Penangites – at least until the projects are completed.
The Bayan Lepas area – where most factories are, Air Itam – the most densely populated area on the island, and Jalan Utama – the main thoroughfare leading to the seaside areas of Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah and Telok Bahang, are especially notorious for their jams.
However, these are also the places where the projects, meant to ease the island’s perennial traffic woes, are being built.
The RM851mil Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project is almost 50% ready but is causing massive jams in the Bandar Baru Air Itam area.
The four other projects that are expected to clog up nearby roads are the land reclamation project of Silicon Island in Batu Maung, the RM1.5bil Penang International Airport expansion, the Federal Government-funded Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) – all in the Bayan Baru-Bayan Lepas area – as well as the RM245mil Penang Hill cable car project at Jalan Kebun Bunga.
For the next few years, motorists will have to bear with not just worse jams but also the inconvenience, noise, dust and vibrations.
The jams in Air Itam are already a major headache which Penangites have never experienced before.
“It can take me about 30 minutes to pass the traffic light junction at peak hours, when it should take just five minutes,” said hotel manager M. Muniandy, who lives in Air Itam.
“Two lanes at the junction were taken away to build the elevated road and now cars are lined up for between 2km and 3km just waiting for the light to turn green.
“I’ve never had such a bad time driving before.”
Muniandy was referring to the junction at Lebuhraya Thean Teik and Jalan Angsana, the main thoroughfare of Bandar Baru Air Itam.
Once it is completed, the Air Itam bypass will allow residents to have an uninterrupted hillside route all the way to the expressway near the Penang Bridge without having to cut through the city.
This will reduce the current 40-minute drive between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to less than 10 minutes.
For now however, residents are dealing with intense bottlenecks and long queues at junctions.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman said that the traffic impact assessments of these mega projects were each created in “silos”.
“They are done piecemeal, in a disjointed manner. It is a town-planning nightmare.
“We face unprecedented traffic congestion because of the shortsighted planning for long-term projects, some of which we continually assert are unnecessary,” she said.
Other stakeholders argue that while these mega projects are good for Penang in the long run, state authorities need to plan them out more carefully.
GUH Holdings Bhd’s Datuk Seri Kenneth H’ng said that besides intolerable jams, the severe shortage of public parking space is another daily headache.
“A new factory in Bayan Lepas is under construction right next to ours and because of that, the local authority has removed the roadside parking lots.
“Employees now suffer from a severe lack of public parking. They end up being forced to park illegally where they are regularly fined,” lamented the chief executive officer of the electronics, properties and utilities group.
To help his employees, H’ng’s firm provides special allowances for them to park at a nearby shopping complex early in the morning and a shuttle bus to take them to and from the factory.
“Because one factory is being built, the shopping complex’s parking facility is under strain, our company must bear extra cost and our employees also have to come out with money for ehailing rides to get back to their cars if they miss the shuttle.
“Poor planning causes far-reaching inconveniences to many.
“We need the authorities to plan construction work with all due diligence because the jams and parking problems erode the quality of life in Penang,” H’ng said.
The state government, meanwhile, has appealed for public cooperation and patience while these projects are carried out.
“The government cannot do it alone. We need the people’s full cooperation,” said state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
One short-term solution the authorities are hoping will help is to station traffic policemen at critical junctions affected by these projects during peak hours.
Zairil said each of those projects has a detailed traffic management plan to reduce the impact of construction work on motorists.
“Every project will have a traffic management plan, but there will still be inconveniences. So we must all be patient and plan our commutes because the public infrastructure being constructed will eventually solve the traffic problems.
“Whenever there is major construction anywhere in the world, there will be short-term traffic consequences,” he said.
He said a new committee on road congestion and safety has been formed by the federal Cabinet and its first meeting will be held early next month with Penang traffic being on the agenda.It will be chaired by the secretary-general of the Transport Ministry, he added.
The construction of Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) project will begin by the fourth quarter of this year, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister added that the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project has been officially taken over by the Federal Government and is estimated to take six years, with completion slated for by 2030.
“We hope that within six months, the negotiations with SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd can be concluded.
“Following that, we expect physical works can start at least by the fourth quarter this year,” he told reporters at the ministry’s office on Friday (March 29).
The contracts for the LRT project have been divided into three main components – Silicon Island to Komtar contract (Segment 1), Komtar to Penang Sentral contract (Segment 2) and turn-key systems and rolling stocks contract.
Loke said SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd has been offered the Segment 1 contract based on the Single Sourcing Request for Proposal mechanism.
Meanwhile, the other two remaining contracts will be offered on an open tender basis.
“The offer (to SRS Consortium) was made based on the request by Penang state government which had appointed SRS as the Project Delivery Partner of the Penang Transportation Master Plan, which comprises the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, through an open tender in August 2015.
“SRS has also studied the technical early designs while acquiring approvals for the Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment and conditional Skim Kereta Api,” he said, adding that the costs were also borne out by SRS.
Loke added that the Cabinet has agreed to appoint MRT Corp as the developer and asset owner of the new train line.
He said that the rolling stock operations depot and transit-oriented development projects will be conducted by MRT Corp together with the state government.
“The new strategy aims to generate extra non-fare revenue to be reinvested for train maintenance in the future,” he added.
Stretching about 29km, Penang LRT Mutiara Line, will be equipped with 20 stations which include two interchange stations in Komtar and Penang Sentral.
The construction of Mutiara Line, Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) project, will be according to schedule despite a minor amendment to the original plan.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said everything would be carried out on time, adding that there is no need for the resubmission of the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
“The slight amendment to the track is meant to accommodate the line extended to Penang Sentral on the mainland from Penang island via an elevated track above the sea.
“Once we have updated the data on the LRT alignment, we will need to engage all the relevant agencies through workshops.
“The amended alignment, once finalised, will then be provided as an addendum meant for the necessary approval.
“All these will be done in the next three months. The main component of the alignment is still intact,” he said after giving Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin a briefing on the RM10bil project during the North Zone Madani Rakyat programme at the Sungai Nibong Pesta site in Penang.
It was earlier reported that the Penang government had planned to hold a workshop with stakeholders to finalise the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project following minor amendments to the original plan.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was quoted as saying that the workshop was expected to be held within a week or two so that further work involving the transformative infrastructure project could be carried out.
In the latest report released by MRT Corp, the alignment will begin from Penang Sentral on Penang mainland to the proposed first station on Penang island – Macallum.
From Macallum, it will pass through Komtar, Jalan Gurdwara, Solok Sungai Pinang, Sungai Pinang, Jelutong Timur, all the way to Silicon Island.
Two proposed stations – Bandar Sri Pinang and Sky Cab – along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, which were seen in the original plan, have since been taken out of the picture.
On March 29, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the Federal Government officially took over the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project from the state government, with MRT Corporation appointed as the developer and asset owner.
The procurement of the project is divided into three main components, which are civil construction works for Segment 1 which is the alignment of Silicon Island to Komtar; works for civil construction for Segment 2 which is the line from Komtar to Penang Sentral and a “turnkey contract” for system and carriage (coach) works.
Also present at the briefing were Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.
Station names are provisional and subject to confirmation.
Moving Towards a Modern Penang
The proposed BL LRT line will cover a distance of 29.9 km, forming the main North-South rail backbone on the island. As the first LRT system in Penang, the BL LRT line will provide direct airport transit from Penang International Airport to major destinations on the island. The line will begin at Komtar and ends at the upcoming Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Smart City.
29.9km in length;
27 stations;
First LRT line in Penang;
Passes through high-demand areas like Komtar, Macallum, Jelutong, LCC Terminal and Bayan Lepas FIZ.
THROUGH BL LRT, WE CAN:
Travel efficiently without getting into traffic congestion
Travel safely and be more cost effective
Increase productivity and personal time. Less time on the road means more time for family, work and leisure
Move towards greener Earth. Light rail consumes less energy per passenger than cars and thus, less carbon footprint
As dramatic as it may sound, this scenario may exactly describe what some drivers have unfortunately experienced.
According to data from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, there is at least one case of vehicle fire in the state each week.A recent incident involved a bus with eight passengers that caught fire in Jalan Tandang here on Oct 1.
Another case had an electric vehicle (EV) parked in Jalan Puchong Jaya burst into flames on Monday.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in both instances.
In the event of a car fire, Automotive Workshop Industry Operators’ Association secretary Anisah Mohammad said it is best to prioritise personal safety by keeping away from the vehicle.
“There is a risk of explosion in EVs, and it is important for firemen to use specialised extinguishers to neutralise the lithium-ion battery fluid as water should not be used.
“Fire and Rescue teams have specific protocols and safety measures in place to extinguish such fires.
“It is advisable for vehicle owners or users to distance themselves from the vehicle, take photos and videos as evidence, and file a report with the relevant authorities for insurance claims,” she said.
Anisah said vehicle fires from cars powered by internal combustion engines could originate from hot components such as the power steering oil, engine oil or gear oil.
“If any of these oils leak when the engine is running and come into contact with the exhaust, it can ignite, leading to a fire.
“This is the primary cause of vehicle fires.
“Another issue that contributes to car fires is the maintenance problem, specifically with oil hoses and petrol leaks.
“Newer cars, especially those from the year 2010 and onwards, are more prone to car fires due to numerous electronic parts,” she said.
“Hybrid cars and EVs are particularly susceptible to fires caused by the battery cooling system.
“The expansion of the battery due to excessive heat can result in sparks, leading to a fire,” she added.
Anisah also noted that performance modifications on vehicles are okay as long as the owner understands its function, and the mechanic has the necessary knowledge and expertise.
“Vehicle owners should only allow mechanics who are recognised with a certificate, diploma or degree in the field of automotive, hybrid cars and EV technology, to handle such modifications,” she said.
She also called on vehicle owners to be aware of safety precautions, such as equipping their vehicles with proper fire extinguishers.
In the event of a car fire, you will be likely in shock and panicked, as they don’t happen nearly as frequently as car collisions. However, a car fire is just as deadly, so it’s worth knowing what to do in the event of a car fire.
Causes of car fires
Unfortunately, the majority of car fires are started deliberately, either by arson, by criminals trying to cover their tracks or committing insurance fraud. Only 35% of car fires are accidental, stemming from manufacturing issues and fixes that may have accidentally been done wrong. Sometimes a car fire is down to the lack of basic car maintenance, so make sure you’re getting regular servicing on your car and complete MOTs when they are due.
Dealing with a car fire
When a car fire starts, it’s vital you act quickly before you’re overcome with smoke and can’t evacuate the building. Vehicle fires spread rapidly, so follow these steps in the event of a fire:
Pull over immediately and switch off the engine, this stops the flow of fuel, which is highly flammable.
Get yourself and passengers out of the car and as far away as possible.
DO NOT return to the vehicle for possessions, the vehicle might explode at any moment.
Call 999, or if you have left your phone in the car, flag down another motorist and get them to call the emergency services for you.
Stay aware of your surroundings whilst you wait for help, you might have stopped next to a busy roadside and it’s important you stay away from moving traffic. If you’re with kids stay extra vigilant and keep an eye on them.
You may have the instinct to try and put out the fire yourself, but unless you have the right fire extinguisher, you may be causing more damage than good:
Opening the hood of the car will let more air reach the flames, which will in turn fuel the fire.
Do not put water on the flames, the water might wash the burning petrol away to other areas where it will cause further problems.
If it’s crucial you attempt to put the fire out without the proper fire extinguisher, earth and sand are a good way of suffocating the fire.
Here at Protect & Detect, we pride ourselves on delivering a fully comprehensive fire alarm installation service and an extensive range of fire extinguishers to keep you and your family safe. To enquire further about our fire extinguishers or any other services, give us a call or request a callback using our form.
Geely and Tesla..and conducive ecosystem provide support
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right path to become an electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse in South-East Asia with the government aggressively promoting a conducive EV ecosystem, supported by strong business commitment shown by two world-renowned automotive companies, Geely and Tesla.
Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain said the entry of China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, or simply Geely, and United States-headquartered Tesla Inc into the Malaysian market serves as a clear indication of the country’s relevance in the regional automotive landscape.
He said the two auto makers, with their vast global experience and access to leading technologies, could introduce new ideas and ways of doing businesses to the local automotive sector, such as high-tech research and development (R&D) in new products that might not be currently available in the country.
“For example, electrification means a change in vehicle components, with more focus given to battery manufacturing and other specialised components for EVs.“We would also see the industry adopting new skillsets and infrastructure suited to varying degrees of electrification – from mild hybrids to fully electric vehicles – besides reskilling or upskilling the automotive workforce, whilst opening up new opportunities for innovation, R&D and high-value manufacturing of components,” he told Bernama.
He added that with the right government support, infrastructure and policies in place, Malaysia is well positioned to be a regional hub supporting the global growth of EVs given its strategic positioning and favourable economic conditions.
Malaysia is a major electrical and electronics manufacturing hub in South-East Asia; therefore, he said, automakers and automotive investors can seamlessly leverage on this capacity to secure their supply chains for growing their production of next-generation vehicles.
The components sub-sector can be capitalised on to service the whole automotive value chain, covering semiconductors, sensors, automotive electronics, transceivers, batteries, and vehicle assembly.
Mohd Shamsor said with more than 40 brands in the domestic market currently, the entry of new players would undoubtedly add greater excitement to the market and generate more interest among consumers.
Besides, it would also create a buyer’s market by providing more choices and increasing competitiveness, keeping all automotive players on their toes and resulting in better services and offerings for consumers.
“Malaysia may be new to the EV industry, but with the solid support of the current government and progressive national policies coupled with fast-growing consumer uptake, we foresee rapid holistic growth in our local EV market.
“New players in the EV space will lead to greater competition, which in turn will spur more investments from automotive players and improvements in the quality of products and services offered,” he pointed out.
Additionally, Mohd Shamsor said, with more EVs, including the completely knocked down models, coming into the country, there would also be new business opportunities for the vendors.
Meanwhile, Icats University College pro vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shazali Abu Mansor said EV is still considered as a niche market for the domestic automotive landscape, and that strong demand and supply are equally important for the industry to penetrate the Malaysian market at a meaningful rate.
He said as Malaysia manages its competitive advantages according to world standards, major adjustments in the structure of employment, tax, and subsidy allocation are inevitable in the journey towards creating critical mass.
“In some prominent EV countries, carbon tax is implemented to encourage both consumers and manufacturers to shift towards more environment-friendly vehicles.
“Malaysia used to be an agriculture and commodity-based country, but now the economy boasts robust manufacturing and service sectors, and is going to be a high-tech nation by 2030.
“We must move on and make way for new changes,” he reckoned.
