The Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project and the expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA) are set to proceed simultaneously, a move aimed at minimizing inconvenience to the public and optimizing the use of resources. According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, initiating infrastructure works for both projects concurrently can save time and reduce disruption.
“By initiating infrastructure works for both the LRT alignment and the PIA expansion simultaneously, it can save time and reduce inconvenience. Therefore, the project owners must work together so they can schedule the works accordingly,” Chow Kon Yeow stated at a press conference.
The Penang LRT Mutiara Line project, which spans approximately 29 kilometres with 20 stations, including two interchange stations at Komtar and Penang Sentral, is a key component of the Penang Transport Master Plan. The project was officially taken over by the federal government from the state government in March, with Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) appointed as the developer and asset owner. The project will be implemented via an open tender process.
Preliminary civil and structural works for the LRT Mutiara Line project are expected to begin soon, with SRS Consortium invited as the selected tenderer for the first component of the project, stretching from Silicon Island to Komtar. The project has three main components: civil construction works for Segment 1, covering the alignment from Silicon Island to Komtar; Segment 2, which covers the line from Komtar to Penang Sentral; and a turnkey contract for system and carriage (coach) works.
The first phase of the LRT project will prioritize the segment linking Bayan Lepas to Komtar, which is critical for establishing a backbone for the LRT system on Penang Island. The second phase will connect the island’s George Town line to Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland. Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the importance of planning the entire Mutiara LRT project to ensure connectivity between both alignments.
The Penang International Airport expansion project, costing around RM1 billion, has recently commenced and is divided into three packages, expected to be completed by 2028. Both projects fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, with MRT Corp overseeing the LRT Mutiara Line and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) managing the PIA expansion.
The state government has been working closely with the federal government to ensure the project proceeds according to schedule without any issues. Meetings have been held with MRT Corp and the Ministry of Transport to discuss project details such as depots, land acquisition, and stations. The land acquisition process, involving state-owned, private, local authority, and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) lands for the LRT alignment, is progressing smoothly.
The Penang LRT project is expected to provide significant economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure development that reduces transport costs and travel time, thereby boosting foreign and domestic investments. Transport analyst Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid suggested that incorporating support networks like shuttle services and parking facilities would ensure the LRT system’s efficacy and contribute to green transportation and lower carbon emissions.
Sources:
- https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2378852
- https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2378852
- https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/09/on-track-with-penang-lrt-construction-from-december
