With over 10,000 people watching, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday officially opened the Second Penang Bridge, which was later renamed as the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge.
The 24km dual-carriage bridge - of which 17km is above the sea and seven kilometres over land - will stimulate the economic growth of the state, particularly the industrial zone at Batu Kawan.
Apart from reducing congestion on the existing Penang Bridge, the new bridge, mooted by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and realised by Tun Abdullah, will narrow down the social and economic development gap between Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland.
Najib in his blog on Wednesday expressed his joy and hopes on the launch of the Second Penang Bridge, which according to him it will act as a medium for more economic activities around the northern region.
The premier believes an efficient transportation system is one of the most important components of growth. As such, Najib said, the government has set continuous plans to improve public transportation and infrastructures – LRT, MRT, improvements in railway connectivity, highways around Peninsula and East Malaysia – to ensure social mobility for all Malaysians.
Najib also foresees that the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge will eventually become a national icon much like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.
Built at a cost of RM4.5 billion, the northern region can now look forward to shifting their economic focus from agriculture to industry. This shift, Najib said, is expected to provide some 65,000 job opportunities created by the development projects surrounding the bridge.
The bridge – connecting Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland – will also serve as an alternate crossing to Penang, greatly easing congesting and in turn tremendously boosting the income potential and quality of life of the people in the surrounding areas.
Najib said, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge is in itself a modern day engineering marvel. Spanning 24 kilometres it is the longest bridge in South East Asia. It is also the longest bridge in the world incorporating High Damping Rubber Bearing (HDRB) in its seismic isolation system.
Another innovative feature is the emphasis on environmental friendliness in the design and construction of the toll plaza serving the bridge. It carries a Gold rating of 80 percent on the Green Building Index (GBI). This measure is aimed at promoting energy efficiency, internal environmental quality and sustainability in operating the Toll Plaza.
Astro Awani
Wed Mar 05 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.