Friday, July 27, 2018

CAP opposed to RM1b Federal Govt loan for Penang Transport Master Plan


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.” ..."