GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) says the state
government should not request for a RM1 billion soft loan from the
Federal Government to expedite the implementation of the Penang
Transport Master Plan (PTMP)."Yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government would consider requesting a RM1 billion soft loan from the Federal Government to allow the Pan Island Link (PIL) and light rail transit (LRT) projects to be implemented simultaneously to ensure that the people could enjoy the new facilities in five to six years.
CAP
president S.M. Mohamed Idris said today that the group was shocked
because Chow and his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, had assured the public
that the project would not involve public funds.
“Now a different story is being told. If this loan goes through, it may put at risk the state’s finances,” he said.
“There
are large economic and environmental risks associated with PTMP and it
is doubtful that some key projects linked to the plan can generate
revenue to pay for themselves.” ..."
