No green light for Penang Sky Cab proposal

The Penang Government's proposal to implement a cable car project known as Penang Sky Cab did not get the green light from the Penang Port Authority (LPPP) for fear it might affect port activities.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was decided by LPPP after the state government sought its views in respect of the proposal.

"We have informed that we do not agree (to the state government) because the alignment (Sky Cab route) proposed could affect the route or the port nearby.

"We have stated our stand, if they want to go through with the project, they need to comply with specific conditions set by the Marine Department," he told reporters after a working visit to Penang Port here Monday.

The Sky Cab is one of the projects under the RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), in addition to the construction of a 6.5km stretch of undersea tunnel and three expressways.

Meanwhile, on the construction of the undersea tunnel, Liow said the ministry had not received any report on the matter.

"Certainly, the Federal Government wants to know what the state government wants to do, whether the tunnel will affect the port and seabed. We have no direct information on the proposal to build the tunnel," he said.

In another development, Liow gave an assurance that the federal government, through LPPP would ensure that the ferry service would continue to be strengthened for the sake of passengers.