THE RM16.8 billion Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has gathered pace in its construction phase despite concerns over the global economy and the socio-politics of the country.
Project owner and the main delivery partner - Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) said that a series of key delivery milestones were achieved.
It marked steady progress in the development of Penang's first metro rail system, whose construction presence is felt in many parts of the island.
As the asset owner and project manager, MRT Corp continues to lead and drive the coordination of engineering design, construction planning, land readiness and railway systems implementation to ensure the project progresses in accordance with the schedule.
MRT in a statement cited that a major focus of the project at this stage is the completion of detailed construction drawings for Civil Main Contract 1 (CMC1), covering critical infrastructure elements including pile caps, piers, viaducts and stations from the now under reclaimed Silicon Island to the state administrative complex of Komtar in George Town.
To enable construction activities to commence progressively, MRT Corp has been issuing construction reference drawings to the contractor while detailed designs continue to be finalised.
Land acquisition for the project also continues to progress well through close collaboration between the Federal Government, the Penang State Government and the relevant agencies.
To date, 93% of the total land acreage required for the CMC1 package has been made available for construction activities.
Another significant milestone has been achieved at the reclaimed Silicon Island, where soil investigation works have commenced, paving the way for future depot construction activities in this key section of the alignment.
Following the handover of the Pesta site in Sungai Nibong by the state government in April 2026, MRT Corp has completed the removal of old structures and the necessary site preparation works, enabling construction activities to commence.
With civil works continuing to advance across multiple fronts, MRT Corp is also actively managing the interface between the civil construction works and railway systems to ensure both workstreams progress in an integrated approach.
It has awarded a turnkey contract to the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Theta Edge Berhad joint venture (MRCB–Theta Edge JV).
The appointment will enable detailed design of the railway systems to proceed in parallel with the ongoing civil construction programme, ensuring both components remain aligned towards overall project delivery.
MRT also extended its appreciation to Penangites for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the construction period.
"We remain committed to carrying out the works responsibly while minimising disruption wherever possible," MRT said. - August 7, 2026.
