No plans to scrap RM10 bil Penang LRT project: chief minister

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has no plans to abandon the RM10 billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) project as it is deemed crucial in helping the state manage the demands of public transport.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that every year since the plan took shape, Penang has been placing the project on its wish list for the national budget.

It is no different this year, Chow told a press conference at his office here. Present was Pengkalan Kota state assemblyman Daniel Gooi. 

This year, the LRT was included as part of several projects aimed at lifting the quality of life here with an emphasis on improving traffic dispersal.

The proposed LRT project reportedly covers 30km and 27 stations.

Of 27 proposed stations, 19 are on Penang island, including Komtar (main station), Macallum Street, Bandar Sri Pinang, the Sky Cab station, East Jelutong, The Light Waterfront, Gelugor, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Batu Uban, Pesta site, Sungai Nibong, Bukit Jambul, Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (SPICE), Jalan Tengah, FIZ North, FIZ South, Sg Tiram, Penang International Airport (second main station) and Permatang Damar Laut.

Eight more stations are planned for the three proposed islands to be reclaimed off the southern coast.

The Bayan Lepas LRT will also have interchange facilities connecting three more future LRT and monorail lines still on the drawing table.

They are the Gelugor-Butterworth LRT across the channel, the Paya Terubong-Komtar monorail line and the Tanjung Tokong-Komtar monorail line.

Chow also said that the LRT is part of 126 development projects proposed under the 12th Malaysia Plan, all involving 20 agencies and 11 federal ministries. 

The projects for Penang are valued at RM17.72 billion under the plan, Chow disclosed.

To illustrate how serious Penang is, Chow said that the pre-qualification exercise has begun to identify the right contractor to execute the project.

Penang has also envisioned the Penang South Islands (reclamation of three islands off Permatang Damar Laut), which would help underwrite the costs of the LRT if the federal government is unable to help finance it, said Chow.

“The LRT is always under the radar of the state, as it is an important transport component. So, it is untrue that the project is dropped,” said Chow.

He also said that the Sia Boey (former market enclave) would be revitalised under the original Komtar Phase V project by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

PDC will accept the request for proposal (RFP) concept for the project until October 11. 

The RFP entails the proposer to offer attractive new activities in the area which stretches from Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong to Jalan Magazine and Mcnair Street.

It is located on the fringes of the World Heritage Site buffer zone – The Vibes, September 7, 2022.