GEORGE TOWN, April 17 -- Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has called for the RM300 million cable car project to be put on hold until all concerns about the project were addressed.

SAM president Meenakshi Raman said that despite Penang Hill being an ecologically sensitive area, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the project was approved without public knowledge or engagement.

She added the project would also affect others places such as Botanic Gardens and its surrounding areas, due to the tree cutting, traffic and noise pollution.

"What about the Social Impact Assessment and Traffic Impact Assessment?" she asked.

She also said there was also no blueprint that specified the allowed and planned developments in the area.

"A...