PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged contractors of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line to ensure minimal disruption to traffic as construction activity is set to commence in earnest.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Penang Transport Day at Komtar, Chow said that while traffic diversions were inevitable, he expected “minimum disarranging” and careful planning to maintain road access during the works.
“In Kuala Lumpur, the contractors of the LRT lines there managed to maintain the road lanes by using reserve spaces or road shoulders to allow motorists through,” he said. “We want the same efficiency and consideration in Penang.”
The RM10.5 billion Mutiara LRT Line — spanning 29 kilometres with 21 stations — is the most ambitious infrastructure endeavour in Penang since the construction of its two cross-channel bridges. The line will include a major interchange at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
Chow said contractors and equipment, including boring machines and engineering teams, had already begun assembling in Penang since last month. He added that a formal notice to proceed is expected to be issued by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook either this month or next.
In a further push towards integrated mobility, Chow also called for Rapid Penang buses to be synchronised with Google Maps, allowing real-time tracking of services.
“Commuters should be able to see the exact location of the buses they intend to board,” he said, highlighting the need for technology-driven solutions to improve public transport reliability and convenience.
Target: 40% public transport usage by 2031
The state is aiming for 40% of road users to rely on public transport by the time the Mutiara LRT becomes operational in 2031. This includes a mix of LRT services, feeder buses, ferries, and ride-sharing options.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees public transport, said the target was realistic given the rising trend in ferry, bus, and e-hailing ridership.
“Public interest in sustainable transport is growing, and the LRT will be the backbone of a modern, connected Penang,” said Zairil.
The three-day Penang Transport Day programme, led by Zairil, is aimed at promoting public awareness on the benefits and practicality of using public transport as an alternative to private vehicles. - July 1, 2025
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