FROM the ambitious RM30 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to the Traffic Management Plan (TMP), the state is now bracing for more traffic gridlocks as the rollout of major infrastructure begins now.
From new highways to the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT), road users need to cope and be more patience with the anticipated congestion, with state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari calling on commuters to plan their travels well.
Zairil, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio in Penang, said that the construction pace will proceed as planned through major festive seasons, including Chinese New Year in February and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in March.
Since Covid-19 ceased as a pandemic, Penang has recorded an uptick in congestion during school and public holidays.
“These works cannot be postponed given the very tight construction schedule needed to achieve the LRT project’s completion target of December 2031,” Zairil informed the state legislative assembly sitting here.
He cited that the TMB will be applied to minimise the congestion during the construction phase of the LRT, which stretches 29.5km from the SIlicon Island reclamation island to the Komtar administrative centre with 21 station stops.
Responding to queries from Lim Guan Eng (Air Putih - PH), Zairil (Tanjung Bungah - PH), said that the state cannot differ from the construction phase though it is the festive period because any delays would trigger contractual penalties.
"The TMP during festive periods will be arranged carefully to ensure smooth traffic flow and road-user safety, taking into account the seasonal surge in traffic,” he said.
Road users are advised to monitor the Mutiara LRT project website and social media channels for TMP updates and traffic announcements.
They can also refer to online navigation apps for real-time traffic information.
Zairil added that construction works beginning in January will not involve any road closures at the initial stage.
The project has technically begun with some diversions installed and barriers erected along the construction route.
The construction works had already commenced following the issuance of the notice to proceed for the main civil works contractor Package 1 under the main contactor - the SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd in July.
It is a the much-awaited project, as it is designed to alleviate the present congestion, which has worsened after the pandemic ended.
The Mass Rail Transit Corporation, which manages the LRT in the Klang Valley, was appointed as the project delivery partner and Mutiara LRT owner by the Federal Government last year. - November 19, 2025.
