Penang reached a historic milestone today with the official launch of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line project. The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Bandar Sri Pinang, Sungai Pinang, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and marked a transformative moment in the state’s transportation landscape.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hailed the project as a culmination of over a decade of meticulous planning and perseverance. “The Mutiara LRT Line represents Penang’s first rail-based light transit system and serves as the backbone of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP),” Chow said.

The 29.5-kilometer Mutiara LRT Line will feature 21 elevated stations, connecting key locations across Penang Island, the man-made Silicon Island, and Penang Sentral on the mainland. Among the notable stations are Penang International Airport, Sungai Nibong, Komtar, and a future station on Silicon Island, envisioned as a hub for emerging industries like artificial intelligence.

Construction is scheduled for completion by 2030, with operations commencing in December 2031. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, attract substantial investments, and address critical issues such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the LRT’s transformative potential, calling it a catalyst for economic growth and national unity. “The benefits will extend beyond Penang, boosting the entire northern corridor,” he said.

The Federal Government has appointed MRT Corp as the project developer and asset owner, with procurement divided into civil works for the island-mainland alignment and system contracts. Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted enhancements introduced by MRT Corp, including extending the line to Penang Sentral and planning future extensions to Tanjong Bunga and Air Itam.

Addressing public concerns, Anwar acknowledged the sentimental value of the Pesta site in Sungai Nibong, proposed as an LRT depot location. He assured that efforts would be made to preserve part of the site while ensuring the project progresses smoothly.

“This project symbolizes collaboration and vision,” Chow added. “As I approach my final term as Chief Minister, it is my dream to leave a legacy of a thriving, livable Penang.”

The Mutiara LRT Line, alongside other initiatives such as the Penang International Airport expansion and Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3, underscores Penang’s commitment to sustainable development and a prosperous future.

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*Photo taken in Dec 2024

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Source: PBA

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced six major water supply projects valued at over RM1.8 billion to meet the rising water demand in the state. Four of these projects, costing a total of RM824 million, are set to begin this year under the state’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).

The planned initiatives include two new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 228 million litres per day (MLD). The Mengkeng Dam plant will cost RM250 million, while the Sungai Kerian plant is valued at RM402 million. Additionally, PBAPP will install a 13km pipeline from the Sungai Dua plant to Butterworth at a cost of RM128 million and a 3.9km pipeline connecting Macallum to the Bukit Dumbar Reservoir and Pumping Station Complex on Penang Island for RM44 million.

PBAPP, a subsidiary of PBA Holdings Bhd, has secured a commitment from Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), a Ministry of Finance-owned entity, to fund two additional water treatment plants. The Sungai Perai plant will have a capacity of 136 MLD and cost RM588 million, while the Sungai Muda plant, with a 114 MLD capacity, is estimated at RM435 million. PBAPP will repay PAAB through long-term financing arrangements.

PBAPP CEO Datuk K. Pathmanathan emphasized the importance of these projects, stating that PBAPP and the state government are also advocating for federal funding. Between RM500 million and RM700 million is projected for six federal water projects, including the Lahar Yooi Pump House and a dual-purpose pipeline linking Mengkuang Dam and the Sungai Dua Canal.

Furthermore, Penang plans to apply for federal support for two off-river storage schemes under the 13th Malaysia Plan, ensuring sustainable water management for the state’s growing needs.

Penang Smart Parking (PSP) users can continue to enjoy free parking from 6 January 2025 at 3:30 PM until 11 January 2025 at 11:59 PM. This extension comes as the app continues to face technical issues, providing users with a temporary relief while the problems are being resolved.

For users who have made parking payments during this free parking period, refunds will be processed automatically. The refunded amount will be credited to the PSP eWallet within seven working days starting from 12 January 2025. This ensures that users are not financially impacted by the app’s technical difficulties.

Users requiring assistance or further clarification can contact PSP’s customer support team. The PSP hotline is available at 1700-81-8113 or 1300-30-0080. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to support_psp@htpsmartsolution.com.my or through direct messages on PSP’s official social media platforms.

The initiative to offer free parking underscores PSP’s commitment to minimizing inconvenience for its users while the system issues are addressed.

Photo: @DroneAriel

This year’s iconic Pesta Pulau Pinang is set to be the last held at the Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, as the venue will soon make way for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line development.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced during the festival’s launch that part of the site will be repurposed for the LRT project, which includes a secondary depot and transit-oriented development.

“While the 2025 edition will likely take place at a new location, the essence of Pesta Pulau Pinang – a celebration of Penang’s culture and community – will remain unchanged,” Chow said.

Launched by Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, the 58th Pesta Pulau Pinang carries the theme “Nostalgia Pesta” and reflects the festival’s rich history since its inception in 1966. Over the years, it has grown into a major tourism highlight, drawing both local and international visitors.

Chow also revealed that the state government has allocated RM4.5 million for the 2024/2025 edition to cover operations, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced visitor experiences.

Running for 44 days until February 2, the festival has already attracted over 150,000 visitors and generated RM745,840 in ticket sales. Organisers anticipate a total turnout of 500,000 attendees by its conclusion.

As Penang looks ahead to hosting the event at a new venue, the state remains committed to preserving the spirit of Pesta Pulau Pinang as a vibrant celebration of unity, culture, and innovation.