Penang’s proposed third link connecting Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland remains indicatively included in the draft Penang State Structure Plan 2040 (RSNPP 2040). The project could be either an undersea tunnel or a bridge spanning approximately 6.5 kilometers, as detailed in the draft plan released in August 2026 [1, 2].
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for the draft RSNPP 2040 today, reiterating that “they are still there. The agreement is still valid and we have already awarded the tender to the company,” regarding the third link [3]. However, he stressed that actual implementation depends on development schedules and planning by the government or private sector [1, 4]. Many development sites in the draft plan, including the third link, are shown indicatively and not finalized projects [1, 3].
The draft RSNPP 2040 aims to balance development between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, taking into account growth centers, peripheral areas, disaster risk, and sustainable development priorities [1, 2]. The plan also outlines development on Jerejak Island, with about 80 acres of privately owned land designated for development, while the rest remains a permanent forest reserve [1, 3]. Infrastructure utility projects may be allowed in forest reserves, but other development types are prohibited there [1, 2].
Chow urged the public, government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to scrutinize the draft plan and submit constructive feedback and proposals. “I want to stress that the draft plan is not a document we consider perfect. Instead, we are giving the public an opportunity to scrutinise it, provide feedback and suggestions and, where necessary, challenge proposals based on facts, expertise and the public interest,” he said [2].
He described the RSNPP 2040 as a strategic compass guiding Penang’s development and heritage preservation through 2040 and beyond, emphasizing a shared responsibility. “What we plan today will determine the face of Penang in 2040 and the generations after it, because Penang 2040 is not merely the state government’s vision; it is our shared future,” Chow remarked [4].
Government departments are encouraged to submit their approved major projects during the public consultation to ensure official inclusion in the RSNPP 2040 and avoid future confusion. “It is important for us to include any proposal at the respective departmental level if approval has already been granted by the ministry to implement certain projects, especially major projects. Provide this input during these public hearing sessions so that we can include these projects in RSN 2040,” Chow said [3].
Public participation will continue as the state solicits input on the RSNPP 2040 draft. The ongoing consultation will shape the final plan that governs Penang’s development through 2040.
