Four Chinese companies have expressed interest in constructing a proposed George Town-to-Butterworth sea tunnel — a third link that will connect Penang island and the mainland.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said discussions were at the preliminary stages and it was a long way to go before any decision could be made.
“So far, a total of four companies have expressed interest in the project.
“These companies are all from China and we do not know yet if they will all bid for the project when the tender is open,” he said, adding that the company would need massive financial backing for the project.
Commenting on his recent five-day trip to Beijing, Lim said he had touched base with the Export-Import Bank of China and other stakeholders involved in the proposed sea tunnel.
On criticism from Penang Port Sdn Bhd that a sea tunnel may affect expansion works, Lim said the project’s proposal was still in the early stages.
“We don’t even know if the project will really materialise but we are intent on trying to make it happen.
“When the project has reached that stage (of requiring feedback), we will ask for views from the port,” he added. - By The Star
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