Bayan Lepas LRT project: Gerakan worries if it's 'candy' handed out for state polls

GEORGETOWN - Parti Gerakan Malaysia (Gerakan) is worried if the people are being fooled in regards to the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction project, which is said to be expedited.

Gerakan vice president Datuk Baljit Singh said since the state election is around the corner, he is worried that the project is being used as a bait to fish for votes.

"I am worried that this project is just 'candy' used by the Unity government and the state government.

"It would be more devastating if the project fails, just like the undersea tunnel project," he said in a statement today.

Baljit said it would be better for the DAP government to solve several important issues that are currently happening in Penang, such as encroachment, land acquisition, ferry problems, floods, the locals' safety from foreigners, and the resettlement of local residents.

He also questioned how the state government said the Penang LRT project would begin in the middle of 2024 when there are many other major issues that have yet to be resolved.

"I believe once this project starts, many more issues will arise because the project involves many parties, including the residents' land, building structures, and most importantly, mosques and houses of worship.

"I hope thorough planning and research could be done before starting the construction and that it is not merely a sweet promise. The LRT will not help much in reducing the traffic congestion in Penang," he added.