KenaSaman.com

GEORGE TOWN: The use of high-damping rubber bearings (HDRB) can help protect the second Penang Bridge from structural damage caused by earthquakes, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday.

Bernama reported that Abdullah, who visited the construction site here, said HDRB protected not only the structure, but also the content inside. "This technology is useful for construction and is regarded as critical.

"It can also be used in other critical construction projects," he said after attending a briefing on the construction of the bridge by Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd.

The second Penang Bridge, spanning 23.5km, will link Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland. Once completed, it will be the longest bridge in Southeast Asia.

The joint-venture project, by China Harbour Engineering Company and UEM Builders, began in 2008 and is expected to be completed in November 2013. Abdullah said the project was running on schedule.

Lee Keng Fatt reports that Abdullah said the landfill in Pulau Burung, near the second Penang Bridge, should be turned into a tourist site.

Abdullah said the proximity bet-ween the landfill and the bridge did not bode well for residents.

"The authorities should do something about it. There are ways to manage this.

"There could be other purposes for Pulau Burung.

"There are people who can turn waste into wealth."

The Seberang Perai Municipal Council in Nibong Tebal manages the landfill, which is in Pulau Burung, an island created by a canal linking Sungai Kerian and Sungai Tengah.

Fishermen living near the landfill said they had to bear with the stench and that their income was falling.

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