Third Penang bridge, undersea tunnel remain indicative in draft RSNPP 2040 — CM Chow

PENANG, 18 AUGUST 2026 —

Third Penang Bridge, Undersea Tunnel Remain Indicative in Draft RSNPP 2040 — CM Chow

GEORGE TOWN (Aug 17): The proposed construction of Penang’s third bridge or an undersea tunnel from Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam remains included indicatively in the draft Penang Structure Plan (RSNPP) 2040 (Review).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the proposals were retained in the planning document as the agreements related to the projects remained valid and subject to the stipulated development schedule.

“I am referring to the tunnel or bridge because we have already awarded the project to the company involved. Similarly, many development sites or zones are included only indicatively,” he told reporters after officiating the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for the draft RSNPP 2040 (Review) here on Monday.

The proposed 6.5km undersea tunnel, linking Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). The third bridge and tunnel options were first introduced under the PTMP, which aims to improve connectivity between Penang Island and Seberang Perai.

On the development of Jerejak Island, Chow said about 80 acres of land there were privately owned, while the remainder remained gazetted as a permanent forest reserve.

“Infrastructure utility projects may still be considered in forest reserves, but not other forms of development. What has been announced involves privately owned land and does not affect the permanent forest reserve on Jerejak Island,” he said.

Chow said the draft RSNPP 2040 was designed to ensure balanced development between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, as well as address the needs of growth centres and peripheral areas. The plan also incorporates disaster risk planning to formulate policies and development strategies for the state’s future.

The draft RSNPP 2040, which outlines the state’s strategic direction for physical, economic, social, and environmental development up to 2040, is open for public consultation until Sept 9. Chow urged all stakeholders, including ministries, government departments, local authorities, the private sector, academic institutions, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations, and the public, to review the document and submit feedback.

“I want to stress that the draft plan is not a document we consider perfect. Instead, we are giving the public an opportunity to scrutinise it, provide feedback and suggestions, and, where necessary, challenge proposals based on facts, expertise, and the public interest,” he said.

Related: Penang