GEORGE TOWN: With the lifting of a stop-work order yesterday, the sea dredging for the second Penang Bridge can resume. 

State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said UEM Builders Bhd and its contractors had complied with the Department of Environment's requirements.

The DOE had issued the order in December because they had failed to install a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system on their barges so their movements could be tracked via satellite.

The head of the task force for fast-track implementation of the second crossing project Tan Sri Zaini Omar was quoted as saying that the delay was because they were not able to acquire the equipment that fully complied with DOE requirements.

The stop-work order only affected the dredging work in the sea. Work in other areas is progressing smoothly.

Port builder and bridge construction firm China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd is the main contractor for the iconic 24-km bridge, which will link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.