Jalan Teluk Kumbar street widening challenge strikes nearer to approval

The long-awaited improve of Jalan Teluk Kumbar from a two-lane to a four-lane carriageway is anticipated to considerably cut back visitors congestion in Penang’s Southwest District, particularly throughout peak hours.

Penang State Govt Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, said that the challenge has obtained preliminary approval from the Public Works Division (JKR) Malaysia and the Highway Department of the Ministry of Works underneath the thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK-13). Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless pending last approval from the Ministry of Financial system earlier than full implementation can proceed.

As soon as accomplished, the challenge is anticipated to enhance the Stage of Service (LOS) from the worst ranking of F to an optimum LOS A. It is going to additionally improve street security with fashionable design requirements and improved intersections. Journey instances between Teluk Kumbar, the Penang Worldwide Airport, the Bayan Lepas industrial zone, and the Second Penang Bridge are anticipated to be shortened.

The challenge includes widening a 4.2km stretch of street from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane twin carriageway, constructed to city U5 requirements. It is going to additionally embrace the reconstruction of Sungai Mati Bridge, upgrading of drainage close to SMK Teluk Kumbar, and enhancements to eight intersections.

Zairil highlighted that the improved connectivity might spur financial progress in Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau. Echoing this, Bayan Lepas State Assemblyman Dato’ Azrul Mahathir Aziz welcomed the challenge, which is focused to start in early 2026. He emphasised the pressing have to broaden the street from Bukit Belah to Puspakom to higher join with present highways reminiscent of these at Bukit Genting and Pekan Bayan Lepas.

Having persistently raised the problem since 2018, Azrul expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Balik Pulau MP Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik for his or her efforts in escalating the matter to the federal stage. He expressed hope for swift approval to make sure the challenge begins at once, noting its potential to learn 1000’s of street customers and stimulate socio-economic growth in southern Penang.