By now, motorists are supposed to be zipping about on the spanking new highway spanning from Teluk Kumbar to Pekan Genting in Balik Pulau, Penang.

abandoned highway project in balik pulau penang 250609 Unfortunately, the brakes have been hit on the project and a video taken by citizen journalist Jimmy Leow last month revealed the sorry state of affairs.

The structure now stands in disjointed, unfinished sections.

A signboard states that it is a Barisan Nasional project, contracted to private firm Bulkers Corporation Sdn Bhd.

It was also stated that the highway would be completed on Sept 3, 2008. However in March that year, voters had shown BN the exit from the island state.

Apart from being an eyesore, the uncompleted project - which is sited next to a busy road - posed a safety risk for motorists.

Readers of journalist Anil Netto's blog commented that the project has been abandoned for more than two years and it was estimated that the government allocated RM58 million for it.

Citizen journalist and blogger Chan Lilian responded on the blog that several citizen journalists (including her and Leow) has met PKR's Balik Pulau MP Mohd Yusmadi to discuss the matter.

However, the issue - just like the highway - remained unresolved.

Click here to watch the video .

Click here for reaction from Public Works Department .

Video contributed by Malaysiakini-ICFJ citizen journalist Leow Beng Hock