GEORGE TOWN, March 1 ― The opening of the Penang Second Bridge (JK2PP) just after midnight, has been eagerly awaited by the local residents as they feel the federal government project will improve their economy, besides reducing the travel time between the mainland and island side of the state.
Opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the new bridge which provides an alternative route to reach the island, is much welcomed by the people of Penang as they see it as a big benefit for them.
Mohd Saad Ismail, 53, a seafood stall operator in Teluk Tempoyak, a small coastal village on the island, and only about one kilometre from the new bridge, said the existence of the second bridge would draw more seafood lovers to his stall.
“The opening of the second bridge will help raise the income of those in the downstream industry like myself, as it will be easier for the public, especially seafood lovers, to patronise the food stalls in Teluk Tempoyak.
“From our stalls, visitors will be able to see the second bridge which will also look more beautiful at night with the lights on,” he said.
Fatimah Khasim, 39, feels that the people in Penang are lucky to have two bridges linking the mainland to the island side.
She said the opening of the second bridge would provide more comfort for residents and visitors as there would be less traffic congestion on the first bridge.
“Besides being another tourist attraction, the existence of the new bridge will help uplift the local residents' economy and provide more job opportunities,” said Fatimah, who sells drinks, in Batu Maung.
Tour agency employee, Lee Poh Sim, 36, said the opening of the second bridge would draw more visitors to Penang, with Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Aman and the surrounding sea providing a beautiful backdrop to the bridge.
“The second bridge is an attraction itself, especially in the design, and I believe it will be another icon for the state,” said Lee.
Retired civil servant, Md Hussein Shariff, 56, said with the new bridge, he was more optimistic about buying another house in Batu Kawan or Sungai Bakap on the mainland as an investment for the future.
Hussein, who resides in Bukit Gedung, here, had thought of buying a house on the mainland before, but after thinking of the distance and the cost, he scrapped the idea.
“I live in my own house here but since many of my family members and friends are in Batu Kawan, I feel this is the right time to buy a house there. Moreover, I just retired yesterday,” he said.
Anthony Joganathan, 65, who lives in Relau, Balik Pulau, on the island, is also thinking about investing in property on the mainland, especially in Batu Kawan.
The Adventist Hospital employee said it would not be a waste to buy property in Batu Kawan as the area would be a focal point after the completion of projects in the surrounding areas in future.
Industrial trainee Eason Leong, 24, who lives in Nibong Tebal on the mainland, said he would feel safer to travel on the second bridge as it provided separate lanes for motorcycles.
Leong said he would be a permanent user of the second bridge as he would be working at the same electronic plant on the island after completing his practical training there in May. ― Bernama
