EARTHWORKS for the RM10.5 billion Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project are expected to begin within the next two months after both the state and federal authorities resolved land space issues, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
He said that piling works for the project will start soon, marking a significant milestone for the state’s long-awaited LRT line.
“Penang does not have to wait anymore, the project will be starting soon,” he told a press conference after inspecting the Rapid On-Demand (RoD) service.
The public transport tech service is provided by Rapid Penang, a subsidiary of the giant Prasarana - the owner of the LRT system in the Klang Valley and Rapid Bus brand services.
Loke said all technical matters between the federal and state governments have been settled, including the notice to proceed and the letter of release from the state.
“I had a meeting with the Penang chief minister (Chow Kon Yeow) last month, so all outstanding issues have been resolved,” he said.
The main project delivery partner - Gamuda has also sub-tendered out specific works to sub-contractors to begin the much-awaited project.
Loke cautioned the contractors to ensure there is minimum impact to road users commuting along the stretch from Bayan Lepas to George Town.
"Any major infrastructure project would affect traffic, but mitigation measures would be taken to minimise it," said Loke.
The 29.5km Penang LRT system will have 21 stations and connect the southern part of the island to the northeast, as well as provide a link to the mainland at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
The project continues to be opposed by civil society on grounds that it is wasteful in view that the number of anticipated LRT passengers, will barely make the proposed transport mover cost effective.
Penang Forum - the umbrella body of civil societies here, has two representatives Lim Mah Hui and Lim Thean Heng, who also dwelled on the ecology aspects of the project. - June 11, 2025
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