KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The government will ensure that the Second Penang Bridge (JPP2) is complying with all the relevant requirements and safety standards before it can begin operations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, at present, safety inspections were being carried out to ensure safety of motorists.  

“Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah), the JPP2 is almost complete.   We expect it to begin operations early next year,” he said in his new Facebook status.

The JPP2, measuring 24 kilometres, including 17 kilometres above the sea, was designed with focus on environmental sustainability.  The RM4.5 billion bridge is the longest in Southeast Asia and is expected to reduce 25 per cent of traffic congestion on the first Penang Bridge.  Meanwhile, in his latest tweet, Najib said he was proud with the encouraging performance of the national junior hockey team despite losing at the semifinals in Hockey Junior World Cup 2013.

Yesterday, the team lost 1-3 to France via penalty shoot-out in the semifinals at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, India.— Bernama