PENANG has recorded up to 23,000 public responses over the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which began its rollout earlier this year.
With roadworks being carried out along the LRT route on the island now, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed that 23,000 people had posted comments and recommendations at the special booths for public responses.
He said that according to Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), the project owner of the Mutiara LRT, 8,000 people had given their feedback over the project.
The booths were set up after the project owner decided to adjust the alignment slightly from the original proposal.
The public inspection exercise, which began on February 24 and runs until May 24, encourages residents to review and comment on the proposed extension of the LRT line to Seberang Perai, its alignment, station locations and other related matters.
Designated information booths have been set up across Penang, including Komtar, Penang Sentral and the Butterworth KTM station, as part of the public inspection exercise.
The earlier railway scheme approval was obtained under the state government, providing for a route from Komtar to Silicon Island, before it was then extended to Butterworth's Penang Sentral.
However, subsequent amendments were made, including provisions related to a depot at Penang Sentral, the redesignation of the Silicon Island depot from a main depot to a provisional depot, as well as arrangements involving the Pesta Pulau Pinang site depot.
Chow also said that the tender for Package 2, which involves rolling stock (trains) and other systems, has been postponed.
“Although it is important, it does not affect civil works under Package 1. Before Package 1 is completed, work on Package 2 cannot commence – how can tracks be laid even when pillars have not been erected?
“I believe the slight adjustment to the schedule will not pose a problem, as the substructure and superstructure works must be completed first. The stations also need to be ready before the rail system, electrical system, signalling system and rolling stock are installed. Those stages are still some way off,” he said.
Chow said that the Package One contractor needs to know the requirements of the Package Two contractor to ensure work can be carried out efficiently.
The RM16.8 billion Mutiara LRT line is targeted to be completed by December 2031. - March 17, 2026.
