GEORGE TOWN - The Jalan Paya Terubong (Bukit Kukus) Twin Road Project here, which is believed to be the tallest in Malaysia with a height of 61.5 meters (m), started operating today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project, which was funded by the Penang City Council (MBPP), was to accommodate the state's rapid development due to the increase in traffic in the area.
After six years of going through various challenges, finally this project which is fully funded by the PBT (local authority) has been opened to traffic starting this morning.
"The project worth RM378.2 million promised by the state government takes into account the rapid development in this area which requires a road system to accommodate and meet the volume of traffic," he told reporters after officiating the road today.
The 3.8 kilometer (km) and 61.5m high road project across the hilly area is said to be the highest in Malaysia surpassing the Rawang-Serendah Highway (Rawang Bypass) which is 58.2 m high.
In total, the project is estimated to cost RM545.6 million along 5.5 km which connects three main routes, namely Paya Terubong (Jalan Thean Teik) -Bukit Jambul and Balik Pulau- Jalan Tun Sardon.
The route is an alternative for residents in the Paya Terubong and Air Itam areas to connect with the Bukit Jambul, Bukit Gambir, Balik Pulau and surrounding areas.
The project once sparked controversy when part of a structure under construction collapsed killing nine victims and injuring three in an incident in October 2018.
