SRS CONSORTIUM Sdn Bhd, which consists of three major construction players, was awarded the main civil and structural works contract for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line, with an operational target of December 2031.
The 29.5 km-long Mutiara LRT, which will cost over RM10 billion, is owned by the government-linked operator, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), which is also the developer and asset owner.
MRT Corp in a statement cited that this milestone marks a significant step in constructing Penang’s first LRT line, reinforcing the government’s commitment to commence the project now.
It also translates to the leading role that SRS will play in the current infrastructure development of the state, especially with the role of two prominent local developers besides a giant in Gamuda.
SRS Consortium, a 60:20:20 joint venture among Gamuda Bhd, Loh Phoy Yen Holdings Sdn Bhd, and Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd, was previously appointed by Penang as the Project Delivery Partner for the Penang Transport Master Plan in 2015.
Gamuda Berhad, as lead partner, brings with them a proven track record in the construction of rail infrastructure having been involved in the MRT Kajang and Putrajaya Line Projects.
Under the contract, SRS Consortium is the main contractor for civil and structural works for the first segment of the LRT Mutiara Line project.
This segment spans from Penang South Reclamation Island to Komtar, the seat of the state administration some 29 km away.
Signing the contract on behalf of MRT Corp was Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim. Representing the SRS Consortium was Datuk Ir Ha Tiing Tai, Deputy Group Managing Director, Gamuda Berhad.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
Loke said that the government also affirmed Bumiputera participation in the mass project, underlining that 40% of sub-contracts will be distributed to Bumiputera companies.
In addition, priority will also be accorded to Penang-based companies in sub-contracting works to create significant employment opportunities and grow the local supply chain in the state.
The Mutiara Line comprises three main tender packages.
The second package, the Civil Main Contract for Segment 2, covers the extension of the alignment from Macallum to Penang Sentral, covering 6 km, including a 3.2 km sea-crossing bridge with navigational spans for vessels accessing Penang ports.
The tender for Segment 2 is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025.
The third package, the Systems Turnkey Contract (STC), encompasses the design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of railway systems.
The tender opened on December 13, last year.
Submissions are due by April 14 with a second tender briefing scheduled for today in Kuala Lumpur.
This package has garnered strong interest from both local and international companies.
Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim, CEO of MRT Corp said, “The various main package contractors will be managed directly by MRT Corp. The direct project management approach allows us to enhance coordination, interface and integration works.
“MRT Corp is committed to delivering infrastructure projects that enhance mobility, enrich communities, and drive sustainable socio-economic growth.
“The LRT Mutiara Line offers multiple avenues for MRT Corp to deliver value to the rakyat. Through this project, we will drive job creation, increase socio-economic multipliers, develop local technologies, and boost the local supply chain,”.
The LRT Mutiara Line Project is a pivotal component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), representing a total alignment of 29.5km with 21 strategically located stations, including a provisional station at Silicon Island, which is currently under reclamation by SRS.
The line will enhance connectivity across key destinations such as Penang International Airport, Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, SPICE Arena, Georgetown, and Penang Sentral, ensuring seamless travel for both commuters and tourists. - January 14, 2025.
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