MALAYSIA Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd has opened a three-month public inspection on sweeping revisions to the Penang Light Rail Transit Mutiara Line, placing a proposed six-kilometre sea crossing between the island and mainland at the heart of the updated scheme.
The consultation, which runs from 24 February to 24 May 2026 under Section 85 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, invites feedback on changes to the alignment, station configuration and overall scope of the project, which is now set to span 29.67 kilometres.
Central to the revised plan is a new cross-sea rail link between Komtar on Penang Island and Penang Sentral on the mainland.
The journey across the channel is expected to take approximately eight minutes, significantly enhancing connectivity between the two sides of the state.
The extension follows an earlier announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to expand the alignment across the strait in order to strengthen transport integration within Penang.
In its statement, MRT Corp said the public inspection would be supported by physical exhibitions.
“Exhibition booths will be set up at several key locations, including Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar), Penang Sentral, and Butterworth KTM station,” the statement read.
Penang Sentral is positioned as the principal mainland gateway under the revised plan. MRT Corp said the station would anchor a multimodal hub integrating ferry services, KTMB rail and existing bus networks.
“Penang Sentral will serve as the main station in Seberang Perai and function as a multimodal transport hub integrating ferry services, KTMB rail, and existing bus networks,” MRT Corp added.
“As part of the revised scheme, there will also be a provision of approximately 1,000 additional parking bays at Penang Sentral.
“From this hub, passengers can continue directly to Komtar, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, and Penang International Airport,” the statement read.
The amendments also reflect changes to the broader development landscape, notably the downsizing of the Penang South Reclamation project from three reclaimed islands to one.
Consequently, 3.15 kilometres of the original alignment within the reclaimed area and three planned stations, designated A2, A3 and A4, have been removed from the scheme.
Nevertheless, a 1.5-kilometre stretch of track will be retained on the reclaimed island. Station A1, known as PSR-A, has been reclassified as a provisional station to accommodate future demand as the area develops.
Additional changes include the incorporation of a station at Penang Sentral, a provisional stop at Bagan Luar and the construction of a secondary depot at the Sungai Dua Festival Site for train stabling.
Construction of the Mutiara Line began in 2025, with operations scheduled to commence in December 2031. Once completed, the line will comprise 20 permanent stations and two provisional stations, PSR-A and Bagan Luar.
MRT Corp said those unable to attend the exhibition booths may review project materials and submit feedback online via mymrt.com.my during the inspection period. Further enquiries may be directed to the customer service hotline at 1-800-88-6782. - February 21, 2026
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