GEORGE TOWN – The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project, costing RM13 billion and set for completion by 2031, will feature 21 strategically located stations, including a provisional station on Penang South Reclamation Island-A (PSR-A), covering a total distance of 29.5 kilometres.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the alignment begins at PSR-A, with two terminus stations: Penang Sentral and the Tun Abdul Razak Complex (KOMTAR), Bernama reported.
“Both routes will operate on alternating schedules to ensure smoother journeys with optimised travel times.
“A key enhancement of the LRT Mutiara Line project is the connection from KOMTAR to Penang Sentral, improving accessibility for residents on both sides of the Penang Strait,” he said during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Bandar Sri Pinang LRT Station site today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the event, joined by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and MRT Corp Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim.
Loke also mentioned that the federal government had taken over the project’s implementation from the Penang government after Cabinet approval in March 2024.
He added that the project had been carefully planned to improve connectivity across Penang, facilitating seamless access to key economic and cultural hubs.
In addition to supporting the “Penang Silicon Design @5km+” initiative, as well as upgrades to the Penang International Airport and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, the LRT Mutiara Line will act as a catalyst for growth, especially for the state’s crucial electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
“The project will improve mobility for Penang residents and provide seamless integration with other major transportation modes.
“Through the connection to Penang Sentral, passengers will have easy access to ETS and KTM Komuter services in Butterworth,” he said.
Loke further explained that MRT Corp, as the project developer, would collaborate with the state government to establish Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at the Tapak Pesta site, ushering in a new era of urban renewal in Sungai Nibong.
He elaborated that the planned depot development at Tapak Pesta would be integrated with residential and commercial areas, including affordable housing and various facilities to support the daily needs of local communities.
“The LRT Mutiara Line project will not only enhance connectivity for Penang residents but also improve their quality of life, empower local communities, and drive inclusive development.
“From construction to operations, the project is set to create numerous job opportunities, contributing to economic empowerment and workforce inclusivity in Penang,” he added.
The first station will be located at Silicon Island, off the airport runway, proceeding northwards to Komtar.
Zarif said there would be 21 stations on the line, including a cross-channel bridge to Butterworth, which is set to begin construction in the second quarter of 2026.
He said the bridge, connecting Macallum Station on the island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai, will have a height of 62 metres at its midspan to allow ships to pass through.
Zarif added that Macallum station would serve as the main interchange station to Butterworth, with island-bound passengers transferring to trains headed for Penang Sentral.
He stated that the contract for the bridge would be awarded in the second quarter of 2026.
Zarif also revealed that the type of trains to be used would be determined later this year following an open tender process.
MRT Corp is targeting 60,000 passengers a day by the third year of operations, with a projected 168,000 daily passengers within 20 years.
Further details will be disclosed in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, following the signing of an agreement with contractors.
Anwar emphasised that the LRT project should prioritise the connection between the island and Seberang Perai. – January 11, 2025