Penang BN Youth has expressed shock over the ‘drastic increase’ of some RM2.22 billion in the cost of an integrated road project that will include an undersea tunnel between the island and the mainland.

NONE Information chief H'ng Khoon Leng ( right in photo ) has demanded an explanation from Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, as the project is slated to cost RM6.3 billion.

Claiming that the chief minister had announced an initial cost of RM4.08 billion in 2011, he asked if the difference is “a form of commission for Lim and his administration”.

"If he fails to (explain), then we will take it that companies and individuals including Lim (himself) have been paid commission," H'ng told a press conference yesterday.

He also accused Lim of misleading the public into believing that the state government had succeeded in reducing the cost from an initial RM8 billion through an open tender exercise.

The project, scheduled for completion in 2025, includes a 4.2km bypass from Gurney Drive and Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu; a 4.6km bypass between Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Bandar Baru Air Itam; a 12km paired-road from Jalan Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang; and the 6.5km Penang-Butterworth sea tunnel.

The tender has been awarded to Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd, a special purpose vehicle comprising four companies with a total paid up capital of RM4.5 billion, according to Lim.

Deflecting criticism of the project, Lim has insisted that it will benefit the people.