The Penang government has poured cold water on the alternative transport master plan proposed by NGOs, saying it is impractical and will increase road congestion.

Penang executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow said the at-grade tram system that Penang Forum mooted in its “better, cheaper, faster” master plan may only solve "a little bit of transport issues".

"But even then it would only probably cater to 40 percent public transport mode share, the 60 percent of private cars will still be stuck on Penang island, and everywhere you go,” Chow said at a press conference today.