An estimated 0.5km-long underpass may be constructed from Krystal Point in Bayan Lepas to somewhere nearby the Kompleks Bukit Jambul to facilitate traffic flow and solve traffic congestion in the area.

The consultant of Hunza Properties Berhad is preparing to submit a planning permission to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for the underpass at the Bayan Baru roundabout.

“The planning permission is expected to be submitted by the quarter of the year.

“The underpass can facilitate traffic flow and solve traffic congestion in the area,” Hunza Group managing director Datuk Khor Siang Gin said.

It was reported that Hunza Properties plans to develop the RM8bil Penang International Commercial City (PICC) — a mixed development project comprising condominiums and serviced apartments, a shopping mall, retail outlets, hotels, a business process outsourcing (BPO) tower and a medical centre.

The PICC project will be developed over a 10-year period (estimated to commence next year) on a 17.54ha (43.35 acres) beside Jalan Tun Dr Awang in Bayan Baru.

“The PICC development is set to be a new landmark for the state. It will stimulate population and economic growth and provide job opportunities for the locals here,” Khor said when contacted yesterday.

The proposed site of the PICC would be located near the planned underpass.

Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the underpass could take between three and five years to materialise.

“We will have to wait for the developer to submit their planning permission before going into the details,” he told a press conference after visiting the Setia SPICE Convention Centre yesterday.

Chow said that the underpass for vehicles could assist in dispersing traffic to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

Earlier, Chow congratulated SP Setia Bhd for its Setia SPICE Convention Centre project, which is scheduled to complete by middle of next month.

“The council will be monitoring the traffic arising from the opening of the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

“Adjustment can be made to the traffic lights and if necessary, widening of certain stretch of the roads can be undertaken,” Chow said.

Family and children could enjoy the roof garden, the green space and playground after the project is completed.

Chow was visiting the project site together with MBPP mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail, several councillors and VIPs.

“Penang will soon have a very modern convention centre.

“The completion comes at the right moment with the state earning much recognition, be it as a tourist destination or a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) destination.

“We have been placed on the world map. What was lacking before this was a modern convention centre.

“I am glad that the project is completing after about six years since the idea came about,” he said.

According to SP Setia Bhd general manager (North) Ng Han Seong, the Setia SPICE Convention Centre is scheduled to be officially opened in either May or June this year.

Read More: TheStar.com.my