The Penang manufacturing sector has thrown its support solidly behind the state's Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Speaking to the press today, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang branch vice-chairperson KK Hun said the state needed the PTMP to "move forward".

Hun advised local NGOs that object to the PTMP to think of "what is best for the majority".

As to whether the PTMP would obtain the approval of the federal government as transport matters fall under its jurisdiction, Hun urged all parties involved "to put aside your political differences" for the good of Penang.

"We are not politicians," Hun, who works with a manufacturing company in Bayan Lepas, said.

Hun claims to represent the voices of 340 members of FMM, saying that the Penang government last year consulted the group on their views of the PTMP.

To the business community at large, the PTMP, to cost some RM27 billion and expected to be completed by 2030, will bring development, investment and promote tourism.

However, outspoken local NGOs have questioned the social-environmental impact of the mega plan, saying it would not only affect the environment but would involve the demolition of houses and buildings.

Fishing communities have also raised their concerns over the PTMP, which involves reclamation activities in the island's southern post.

"We have seen the plan. It is very comprehensive; it also links the island to mainland," Hun said when met at Dewan Sri Pinang today.

'LRTs will solve transport woes of workers'

Copies of the PTMP, prepared by the state's delivery partner, SRS Consortium, are available for public feedback at the Penang Town Hall.

It is part of the documents on display to obtain public feedback for the Penang Structure Plan.

"Penang is always blamed for focusing too much on the island, so the PTMP can be a solution," he added.

Hun said the plan to have a light rail transit (LRT) in the free trade industrial zone is one of the reasons the business community supports the PTMP.

"We hope with the LRT, workers can plan their own travel to the FTZ for work. Currently, we rely on buses and they face daily traffic congestion in the area, so we hope the LRT system will include feeder buses, " he added.

"However, the location of where the LRTs should be can be further discussed as we want it to benefit most people," he stressed.

On the threats to livelihood and social impact posed by the PTMP, Khor Siang Gin (photo on right), the Penang branch chairperson of Fiabci, said, "It happens everywhere.

"However, we must think of the long term benefits of the plan for development, investment and tourism, and the need to make Penang more liveable."

Khor said the business community would continue to give its support to the PTMP, as it also has a seat in the Penang Transport Council.

"We will work with everyone to fine tune the PTMP so that it would be successful for all," he added.