The unveiling of the new Penang LRT Mutiara Line alignment marks a significant milestone in Penang’s transportation infrastructure. Spanning 28 kilometers with 22 stations featuring overhead tracks, the line promises seamless connectivity. Notably, it will offer direct access to the Penang International Airport and link with the Electric Train Service (ETS) at Penang’s mainland, with KOMTAR designated as the future ETS interchange.

With a keen focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the Mutiara Line boasts 1,220 car parking spaces, 1,315 motorcycle parking spaces, and is designed to be OKU-friendly. Operating from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, it aims to cater to the diverse needs of commuters round the clock.

The alignment’s journey commences from Penang Sentral on the mainland, traversing to Macallum, the proposed first station on Penang Island. From there, it weaves through key areas including Komtar, Jalan Gurdwara, Solok Sungai Pinang, and Jelutong Timur, culminating at Silicon Island. Notably, the revised plan excludes stations initially proposed at Bandar Sri Pinang and Sky Cab along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

The procurement strategy, divided into three components, underscores the project’s comprehensive approach. Civil construction works for Segments 1 and 2, encompassing Silicon Island to Komtar and Komtar to Penang Sentral respectively, lay the groundwork. Additionally, a turnkey contract for system and carriage works ensures the project’s holistic development. With construction slated to commence in 2025, anticipation mounts for the realization of enhanced transportation connectivity and accessibility across Penang.

The construction of Mutiara Line, Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) project, will be according to schedule despite a minor amendment to the original plan.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said everything would be carried out on time, adding that there is no need for the resubmission of the environmental impact assessment (EIA).

“The slight amendment to the track is meant to accommodate the line extended to Penang Sentral on the mainland from Penang island via an elevated track above the sea.

“Once we have updated the data on the LRT alignment, we will need to engage all the relevant agencies through workshops.

“The amended alignment, once finalised, will then be provided as an addendum meant for the necessary approval.

“All these will be done in the next three months. The main component of the alignment is still intact,” he said after giving Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin a briefing on the RM10bil project during the North Zone Madani Rakyat programme at the Sungai Nibong Pesta site in Penang.

It was earlier reported that the Penang government had planned to hold a workshop with stakeholders to finalise the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project following minor amendments to the original plan.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was quoted as saying that the workshop was expected to be held within a week or two so that further work involving the transformative infrastructure project could be carried out.

In the latest report released by MRT Corp, the alignment will begin from Penang Sentral on Penang mainland to the proposed first station on Penang island – Macallum.

From Macallum, it will pass through Komtar, Jalan Gurdwara, Solok Sungai Pinang, Sungai Pinang, Jelutong Timur, all the way to Silicon Island.

Two proposed stations – Bandar Sri Pinang and Sky Cab – along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, which were seen in the original plan, have since been taken out of the picture.

On March 29, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the Federal Government officially took over the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project from the state government, with MRT Corporation appointed as the developer and asset owner.

The procurement of the project is divided into three main components, which are civil construction works for Segment 1 which is the alignment of Silicon Island to Komtar; works for civil construction for Segment 2 which is the line from Komtar to Penang Sentral and a “turnkey contract” for system and carriage (coach) works.

Also present at the briefing were Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.

Source: TheStar.com.my

Penang, already renowned for its industrial prowess, is poised to solidify its position in the global technology arena with the establishment of its own Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Digital Park. Spanning a vast million square feet of prime office space, including the existing Innoplex building within the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, this ambitious project marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards innovation and economic growth.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow unveiled this groundbreaking initiative, highlighting Penang’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, driving growth in key industries, and attracting top-tier talent. The project, covering 105 acres in two distinct phases, is a testament to the state’s vision for a vibrant digital economy ecosystem.

The first phase, currently underway, features the construction of GBS By The Sea and GBS TechSpace, two state-of-the-art office buildings totaling 350,000 sqft. These buildings represent an investment of RM347 million and are set to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year. Phase two will see the addition of GBS TechnoPlex, a prominent structure contributing an extra 500,000 sqft to the project by 2027, with an investment of RM308 million.

Chow emphasized that the park would serve as a hub for high-impact initiatives spanning IC Design, research and development (R&D), Global Business Services (GBS), digital technology investments, and a circular digital economy ecosystem. The facilities will boast cutting-edge engineering labs and ample parking space for up to 1,000 vehicles, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and professionals.

In addition to providing world-class infrastructure, the state is formulating incentive packages to attract strategic investors and enhance the park’s ecosystem. Plans include contemporary amenities such as pedestrian-friendly walkways, bicycle lanes, park-and-ride facilities, and recreational areas, further solidifying Penang’s appeal as a premier investment destination.

Penang’s existing industrial landscape, home to key players in the GBS and IC Design industries, including global giants like Intel, Motorola, and AMD, underscores the state’s attractiveness to investors. Chow revealed plans to unveil four more prominent global investors soon, signaling growing confidence in Penang’s economic potential.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the manufacturing and services sectors, Chow noted their significant contribution to the state’s revenue. However, he emphasized the increasing demand from the digital economy sectors, particularly IC Design, R&D, and GBS, reflecting evolving global trends and Penang’s readiness to embrace change.

To further promote IC Design, the state will offer subsidised rental rates for office spaces and seek incentives from the Federal Government to reinforce the ecosystem. Chow commended the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang for their instrumental role in spearheading the development, underscoring the collaborative efforts driving Penang’s transformation into a global technology hub.

As Penang embarks on this transformative journey, the Integrated Circuit Design and Digital Park stand as a testament to the state’s vision, resilience, and determination to shape a future where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and communities prosper.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The implementation of various flood mitigation and infrastructure upgrading projects in Taman Sentul Jaya has successfully reduced the occurrence of flash floods that were previously frequent in the area.

Chief Minister Y.A.B. Chow Kon Yeow stated that for this purpose, the Penang State Government has allocated approximately RM1 million to carry out the construction of flap gates and the installation of screw pumps at the Sentul Jaya Pump House.

“The construction of flap gates along Parit 5 here is aimed at preventing water overflow into residential areas. This project, costing RM200,000, has been completed,” he said.

“In addition, the installation of screw pumps at the Sentul Jaya Pump House, valued at RM800,000, has also been fully completed.”

“Based on feedback received from the Chairman of the (MPKK) Bukit Minyak Management Community, the implementation of these two projects has successfully reduced the incidence of flash floods here,” he told Buletin Mutiara during a visit to the Bukit Tengah area yesterday.

Also present were Youth, Sports and Health Exco, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen; Bukit Tengah State Assemblyman, Gooi Hsiao-Leung; Bukit Tambun State Assemblyman, Goh Choon Aik; Council Member for Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Rachel Teh Chuann Yien; and Chairman of MPKK Bukit Minyak, Chew Chin Ewo.

Kon Yeow, who is also the Member of Parliament for Batu Kawan, stated that besides the aforementioned two projects, the State Government has also carried out road paving works throughout Taman Sentul and parts of Taman Duku with a total cost of RM1 million.

“In addition, we have also undertaken road shoulder upgrading projects in Taman Duku, Taman Sentul Jaya, Taman Sentul Indah, and Taman Bukit Minyak, costing RM600,000, as well as allocating RM200,000 for the repair of drains in all black spots, including Lorong Sentul 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, and Taman Juru.

“However, there are still several projects that need to be implemented here, and the State Government will request the MBSP and the State Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) to assess further needs, including the construction of earth drains in this area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hsiao-Leung expressed gratitude to the State Government for implementing various projects and upgrading infrastructure in the MPKK Bukit Minyak area, which has benefited the residents here.

“The MPKK Bukit Minyak area comprises 11 residential areas and two villages, encompassing 2,800 houses and five apartment blocks with a population exceeding 17,000 residents.

“Therefore, all projects implemented here, especially those related to flood mitigation, are basic necessities for the residents here,” he said, while hoping that the State Government could upgrade the playgrounds in Taman Sentul Jaya.

The construction sector is expected to see a pick-up in job flows in the second half of this year (2H24), driven by infrastructure projects like the Penang light rail transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) in the Klang Valley.

Coupled with the strong demand for industrial buildings such as warehouses, data centres and semiconductor plants, the operating environment will likely remain favourable for the sector in Malaysia in the near term, leading to a bullish outlook.

In line with this general optimism, MIDF Research reiterated its “positive” stance on the construction sector.

The research house attributed this to a strong pipeline of development and infrastructure projects, on top of rising demand for industrial buildings.

“We expect the rollout of mega projects to be a boon to the sector and contribute to increased job flows over the coming quarters,” the research house said in a report yesterday.

MIDF Research noted that as of February 2024, a total of 1,442 projects, with a total value of RM15bil, had been awarded, markedly lower than the corresponding period last year, when 2,083 projects, with a combined value of RM19.9bil, were awarded.

“We see this as a temporary hiccup, attributed to delays in project rollouts within the pipeline, to be boosted by job flows in the likes of the Penang LRT and MRT3 contracts likely by 2H24,” it argued, adding that it did not expect any surprises for the second quarter (2Q24) of this year.

MIDF Research projected the construction sector to register growth of 5.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) this year and 5% y-o-y in 2025. In 2023, the sector grew 5.4% y-o-y.

“With the lack or rather delayed rollout of mega pump-priming projects, the construction sector is still expected to be supported by private-sector jobs and previously awarded infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, East Coast Rail Link, LRT3 in the Klang Valley, and the rapid transit system link in Johor,” the research house pointed out.

MIDF Research said it would not discount the possibility of another quarter of extension for the MRT3 project, after four extensions sought by MRT Corp since the middle of last year.

Over in Sabah and Sarawak, MIDF Research said development projects were picking up pace, with the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak nearing 98.91% completion and expected to be finished this year.

For the Sabah portion of the highway, the research house said, Phase 1A was ongoing, at 87% completion, while Phase 1B was currently in the tender process, with 19 work packages, of which some awards could be expected this quarter.

On the impact of material costs on the industry, MIDF Research said the stronger contractors would likely be able to navigate the elevated material-cost environment and maintain margins in the coming quarters.

Source: TheStar.com.my