Fireworks lit up the sky above the newly opened bridge. — Bernama photo
GEORGE TOWN: The government has agreed to name the second Penang bridge as Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the decision was made after receiving the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah.
“If there’s an awesome bridge like this and people mention it as second Penang bridge, there is no umph, no significance….
“With this built bridge and named (after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong), InsyaAllah (God willing), it will remain in perpetuity in the annals of Malaysian history,” he said when officially opening the bridge, here, Saturday night.
Describing the opening of the new bridge as a historic and important moment in the nation’s journey, the prime minister also announced that toll would not be charged on its users for one month.
Najib said the second bridge would not only be the country’s new icon or landmark, but would also be a catalyst for economic development and growth in Penang and the northern corridor.
He said the south route was chosen for the second bridge, aimed at developing areas like Nibong Tebal and Batu Kawan on the mainland and Balik Pulau on the island side of the state, with the impact also benefiting Kedah, Perlis and north Perak.
“This project was proposed by Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) in 1995 and when Tun Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) became prime minister, he had two choices – the north and south routes — and he chose south,” he recalled.
Najib said although there was a change of power in Penang in 2008, the project proceeded as it was for the benefit of the state’s people.
“There are times when we must rise above politics and this is the kind of spirit we should promote; there must be great ambitions for Malaysia.
“Therefore, it is important that whatever our political ideology, we should prioritise nation-building and Malaysia’s development,” he said. — Bernama