Malaysia’s Second Penang Bridge makes history-

Opened recently, the Second Penang Bridge (formally named the Sultan Abdul Halim Mua’dzam Shah Bridge) is expected to provide a boost to tourism and industry in northern Malaysia. With a total length of 24 km and a length over water of 16.9 km, it is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. Connecting Batu Maung in Penang Island with Batu Kawan in peninsular Malaysia, it has a two-lane dual carriageway and a dedicated 3 metre lane for two-wheelers, which will reduce travel time between the island and the mainland to 20 minutes. Finally, it will also ease traffic on the First Penang Bridge, especially during peak hours.

Dr I.M. Taib, Managing Director, Jambatan Kedua Sendirian Berhad (JKSB), the company that implemented the project, highlights the significance of this project: “The bridge, which is to the south of the First Penang Bridge, will provide a new access route to the people of Penang. The decision to develop the second bridge at the given location has socio-economic benefits, not just economic benefits. We have also considered various environmental factors while undertaking the project.”

Furthermore, due to its location in an area of high seismic activity, the bridge has been outfitted with high damping natural rubber bearing (HDNRB). Thus, it will be able to withstand earthquakes whose magnitude exceeds 7.5 on the Richter scale. Apart from being the first bridge in Malaysia to have seismic expansion joints that allow for movements during an earthquake, the bridge is also the longest in the world to be installed with HDNRB.

Financing matters

JKSB, a wholly owned company of the Ministry of Finance, was responsible for the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of the bridge. The concession period for the project is 24 years.

The company developed the bridge at an estimated cost of RM 4.3 billion that was primarily funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the Export-Import Bank of China. The loan agreement, of RM 2.7 billion, was signed between Malaysia and China in July 2007. The loan that has an interest rate of 3 per cent per annum will be repaid over a period of 20 years. The Malaysian government covered the remaining cost of RM 1.6 billion.

In addition, bridging facility, amounting to RM 500 million, was signed with Bank Pembangunan in 2011 for works under Package 1. This sum was needed primarily because of a delay in finalising the contract document. The loan disbursal by the Export-Import Bank of China could only be done after the signing of the contract agreement with JKSB.

Paved with obstacles

The entire construction work that was divided into nine packages (see Table for details) was not entirely smooth sailing. Initiated in November 2008, the project was originally scheduled to be completed in May 2011. The following are factors that led to the delay:

  • The handing over of the project site at Batu Kawan to CHEC Construction (M) Sendirian Berhad was delayed by five and a half months due to issues related to compensation for local fishermen and cockle breeders.
  • The developer discovered hairline cracks on all piers that had been developed under Package 1.
  • A commercial dispute with Package 1 subcontractors led to incidents of blockage and barge collisions, as reported by the subcontractor under Package 2.
  • In June 2013, a section of an approach ramp collapsed, further delaying the scheduled commercial operation. Work on the affected stretch could resume only in August 2013, causing a delay of almost three months.
  • JKSB had fixed the variation of prices clause only for cement, steel, and diesel.

 

What lies ahead

Because of the rapid growth in the number of vehicles in the region, the projected traffic flow is expected to be realised, thus justifying the investment. The bridge is expected to be used by 80,000–100,000 passenger cars per day.

The toll rate that will be fixed by the government is expected to range from RM 7 to RM 10 per trip. The toll rate at the first Penang Bridge is RM 7 per trip. There are two toll plazas under the project. The first is the integrated toll plaza (operated by PLUS Toll Plaza), while the second is the 28-lane Bandar Cassia toll plaza (also known as the PB2X toll plaza that will be managed by JKSB). The toll plaza building has been accorded a “Gold” rating by the Green Building Index – a first in Penang.

Nonetheless, managing traffic on the two-lane carriageway, because of the presence of two-wheeler traffic, will pose a tough challenge in the days ahead. Thus, safety is a concern that lingers over this bridge; it remains to be seen whether this architectural feat will be able to stand the test of time.