00:00 The proposal to run Penang's LRT line underground within the city limits has been met with cautious
00:05 optimism by experts.
00:08 Though agreeing that it's a good step in improving public transport while conserving Georgetown's
00:12 heritage, they warned it could pose an engineering challenge.
00:16 Lim Tian Heng, a former chief engineer in charge of the Penang Transport Master Plan,
00:20 said tunnelling work in the city could weaken the structure of heritage buildings.
00:24 A good example was the excavation of the Heng Ying Mo project, the basement, during the
00:32 1980s.
00:33 Cracks appeared to many of the surrounding heritage buildings.
00:36 However, Penang Institute's Ong Siew Woon said the hassle is worth the trouble as it
00:41 would save the state from having to acquire land above ground at hefty prices.
00:46 Building a rail line might be bothersome while they are being made.
00:49 So it's important to expect this and plan ahead.
00:52 If we plan well and keep a close watch, we can solve the problems.
00:57 Meanwhile University of Sainsbolesia's Farhan Sadullah said the undersea connection between
01:01 the island and Suburban Pride is a good idea as a reliable public transport link is needed
01:05 to improve mobility.
01:07 He also said there wouldn't be significant issues since both rail and road networks can
01:12 run through the same tunnel.
01:14 Penang had previously agreed to the Transport Ministry and MRT Corp's proposal for some
01:18 of its LRT stations to be underground and later connecting to Suburban Pride through
01:23 a cross-channel link.
01:25 Jason Desmond, FMT News.
01:26 (upbeat music)
