The Penang State Government has announced plans to proceed with the North Coastal Ring Highway (NCPR), an infrastructure project designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along the island’s northern coastal corridor and provide an alternative route to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang according to a Facebook announcement by Zairil Khir Johair, Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport .
The RM2.9 billion North Coastal Ring Highway to transform Penang’s northern transport corridor
“The NCPR is not just another road project—it is an essential investment in Penang’s future,” said Zairil Khir Johari. “We cannot allow the current conditions to continue putting lives, livelihoods, and economic growth at risk.”
The NCPR will span 10.61 km, including 8.41 km of land routes and a 2.2 km elevated coastal section, connecting Tanjong Bungah to Teluk Bahang. Once completed, the highway is expected to cut travel time between these areas from 30–45 minutes during peak hours to just 7 minutes.
Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2031. The appointed contractor, Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC), is finalising the project’s detailed design and updating the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a process expected to take about 18 months.
Currently, Jalan Batu Ferringhi serves as the only road connecting George Town to Teluk Bahang. The new highway will provide a much-needed alternative, reducing risks of gridlock and improving safety and accessibility.
“This project is part of our long-term commitment to ensuring that Penang remains a liveable, competitive, and resilient state,” Zairil added. “By investing in critical infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for new socio-economic opportunities in the northern coastal region and future-proofing our state for generations to come.”
