Disgruntled resident groups opposing the Penang Outer Ring Road project are questioning why the state government is insisting on pressing ahead with the proposed highway despite intense opposition from the public.

Anti-Porr Committee coordinator Linda Lim said other projects such as the mega-incinerator in Puchong, Selangor was relocated after a protracted public outcry.

The incinerator the biggest of its kind in the world has since been moved to Broga, Semenyih after affected residents campaigned aggressively against it.

"But Penang leaders seem to have decided that they want to carry on with the Porr project. They are adamant in not listening to us," Lim lamented to malaysiakini when contacted in Penang today.

"This has made us very suspicious," she added.

Independent transport consultant Ganesh Rasagam said the people were also concerned about government's accountability and transparency in the project.

"People want to know what are the benefits of Porr to the state as huge amounts of money are being spent," he told malaysiakini .

"The government must explain clearly how this project is being managed," he added.

Only good for eight years

One justification of the state government to proceed with the Porr project is the increasing number of vehicles on the island.

According to statistics, the ownership of cars and motorcycles has been increasing at an average rate of 9.5 per cent and 7.2 per cent a year respectively.

The total number of private vehicles registered in the state doubled between 1985 and 1995. This has resulted in urban traffic congestion, with increased delays in travel times, higher rates of injury and death from traffic accidents, as well as environmental degradation.

However, according to the Halcrow Penang Urban Transport Study Report in 1997, Porr is expected to only solve the island's traffic problems for eight years.

To be completed in 2007 and spanning 17.8km, Porr is a federal government project costing RM1.02bil, making it the country's most expensive highway.

It is estimated to affect more than 150,000 islanders or over 20 per cent of the state's population, including some 200 dwellings 76 private houses, 70 government quarters and some 100 squatter homes temples, shrines and cemeteries.

Gov't members in trouble

Feeling the heat too as a result of the Porr project are two MCA representatives who are part of the ruling Gerakan-led Barisan Nasional coalition in the state after they abstained from voting against an opposition motion in the recent state assembly sitting to defer the project.

The duo Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi), left , and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat) are now facing disciplinary action from their party.

Commenting on the matter, Linda said the debate on the Porr issue has degenerated into a MCA-Gerakan power struggle but "Penangites are the real victims".

"The real issue has been taken out of context. And taking action against the two will make matters worse as people are going to question what is more important to the government the people's needs or party's interests?" she said.