Latest news with #TransportandDigitalCommittee
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Soil depression at Jalan Batu Kawan, remedial measures taken by PDC
BATU KAWAN: A soil depression was detected yesterday at P149 Jalan Batu Kawan, specifically at the junction connecting the road to a newly completed bridge, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. He said the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the project contractor. However, immediate remedial measures were taken by PDC upon receiving public complaints. 'PDC promptly carried out premix patching to raise the road level and installed warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents involving road users,' he told Bernama when contacted. He said the contractor will proceed with excavation work to determine the root cause of the soil depression before implementing permanent repair measures, which will involve the use of additional materials such as geotextile, basal reinforcement, and other necessary strengthening methods. 'These actions are essential to ensure long-term road stability and to prevent future soil depression. All repair costs would be borne by the contractor because the project is still within the defects liability period (DLP,' he said. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said a team of seven members from the Batu Kawan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was sent to the location after the department received a call regarding the soil depression. On arrival, the team found that a soil depression had occurred, but there were no victims involved. Immediate action was taken to close off the affected area and ensure no vehicles were allowed on the compromised section of the road,' he said. The incident gained public attention yesterday after a social media post went viral, showing images of the soil depression along the main road near the Batu Kawan bridge. The post also highlighted visible cracks on the concrete structure dividing the road. Firefighters were seen at the location, placing safety cones and taking precautionary measures to secure the area for road users.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Soil depression at Jalan Batu Kawan, remedial measures taken
BATU KAWAN: A soil depression was detected yesterday at P149 Jalan Batu Kawan, specifically at the junction connecting the road to a newly completed bridge, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. He said the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the project contractor. However, immediate remedial measures were taken by PDC upon receiving public complaints. 'PDC promptly carried out premix patching to raise the road level and installed warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents involving road users,' he told Bernama when contacted. He said the contractor will proceed with excavation work to determine the root cause of the soil depression before implementing permanent repair measures, which will involve the use of additional materials such as geotextile, basal reinforcement, and other necessary strengthening methods. 'These actions are essential to ensure long-term road stability and to prevent future soil depression. All repair costs would be borne by the contractor because the project is still within the defects liability period (DLP,' he said. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said a team of seven members from the Batu Kawan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was sent to the location after the department received a call regarding the soil depression. On arrival, the team found that a soil depression had occurred, but there were no victims involved. Immediate action was taken to close off the affected area and ensure no vehicles were allowed on the compromised section of the road,' he said. The incident gained public attention yesterday after a social media post went viral, showing images of the soil depression along the main road near the Batu Kawan bridge. The post also highlighted visible cracks on the concrete structure dividing the road. Firefighters were seen at the location, placing safety cones and taking precautionary measures to secure the area for road users.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Zairil withdraws defamation suit after activists retract unfounded allegations
GEORGE TOWN: State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari today withdrew his defamation suit against activists Ravinder Singh and Khoo Salma Nasution, following their retraction of allegedly defamatory remarks made during the 2023 Penang State Election. Zairil confirmed the withdrawal at the Penang Sessions Court, stating that all parties acknowledged the allegations were unfounded. 'The case has reached its conclusion at the Penang Sessions Court today. Both defendants have retracted their statements and expressed sincere regret over the matter. 'As a result, I have agreed to withdraw my suit against them. May this serve as a lesson to always verify your facts before making unfounded allegations and irresponsible claims,' Zairil said in a statement posted on Facebook. In a joint statement, Ravinder and Khoo acknowledged that their allegations were unfounded and expressed regret for any embarrassment, inconvenience, or reputational harm caused to Zairil as a result of their statements and any ensuing misunderstandings. 'The parties are unanimously of the opinion that bringing the matter to a close is in the best interest of all concerned. Khoo and Ravinder have removed the recording from their respective social media accounts and further undertake not to republish the same,' the statement read. According to the statement, on Aug 5, 2023, a recording was uploaded by Khoo on her X account, depicting an interaction between herself and Ravinder during a civil protest against the Penang South Reclamation project. The same recording was subsequently shared on Ravinder's Facebook page on Aug 22, 2023. The recording referenced Zairil's role as a member of the Penang government and alleged that a familial connection influenced the appointment of the project delivery partner for the reclamation project.
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Zairil Withdraws Defamation Suit After Activists Retract Unfounded Allegations
GEORGE TOWN, June 5 (Bernama) -- State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari today withdrew his defamation suit against activists Ravinder Singh and Khoo Salma Nasution, following their retraction of allegedly defamatory remarks made during the 2023 Penang State Election. Zairil confirmed the withdrawal at the Penang Sessions Court, stating that all parties acknowledged the allegations were unfounded. 'The case has reached its conclusion at the Penang Sessions Court today. Both defendants have retracted their statements and expressed sincere regret over the matter. 'As a result, I have agreed to withdraw my suit against them. May this serve as a lesson to always verify your facts before making unfounded allegations and irresponsible claims,' Zairil said in a statement posted on Facebook. In a joint statement, Ravinder and Khoo acknowledged that their allegations were unfounded and expressed regret for any embarrassment, inconvenience, or reputational harm caused to Zairil as a result of their statements and any ensuing misunderstandings. 'The parties are unanimously of the opinion that bringing the matter to a close is in the best interest of all concerned. Khoo and Ravinder have removed the recording from their respective social media accounts and further undertake not to republish the same,' the statement read. According to the statement, on Aug 5, 2023, a recording was uploaded by Khoo on her X account, depicting an interaction between herself and Ravinder during a civil protest against the Penang South Reclamation project. The same recording was subsequently shared on Ravinder's Facebook page on Aug 22, 2023. The recording referenced Zairil's role as a member of the Penang government and alleged that a familial connection influenced the appointment of the project delivery partner for the reclamation project.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for integrated, holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. 'With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.
