George town: The state government of Penang has clarified that the undersea tunnel project remains active and is not considered abandoned, with ongoing study work currently in progress. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the project's current status during a recent state assembly sitting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow revealed that a presentation was received from the companies involved in the project at the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting held last Wednesday. The presentation aimed to review the issues raised and outline the necessary steps to address them. The project also includes the expansion of Penang Port, impacting the proposed alignment. Considerations, such as the height of a potential alternative bridge due to its proximity to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth Air Base, were highlighted as technical matters still requiring refinement.

Chow further noted that under the master agreement, the study work has not been completed, and the project cannot progress until all parties are satisfied with the proposed alignment design and financial arrangements. This statement was made in response to a supplementary question from Azmi Alang (PN-Telok Ayer Tawar) concerning the project's status.

On May 21, the state government had announced that it was evaluating a proposal to change the project design from an undersea tunnel to a bridge across the Penang Straits. State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari mentioned that the feasibility study, finalized in 2023, examined the viability of the new design, considering a bridge or other alternatives.

The 6.5-kilometre undersea tunnel, intended to connect Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, is a component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).