The physical construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line in Penang is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year. Chief Minister Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow expressed confidence in the project’s progress following an update presented at the State Executive Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan – MMK) meeting yesterday.

According to Chow, the CEO of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp.), Datuk Mohd. Zarif Hashim, and Mutiara Line Project Director, Azmi Rahman, met with him on March 11 to discuss the latest developments. A formal presentation was then made to MMK members, covering three key aspects: the current status of the LRT project, the proposed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Tapak Pesta, and land acquisition matters.

From March 12 to March 14, MRT Corp., together with SRS Consortium and the Ministry of Economy, is conducting a value management lab to finalize the project’s design and costs. This stage is crucial as the finalized details will be incorporated into project agreements.

Chow also mentioned that planning approval will be processed under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), allowing for consultation with technical agencies. On February 25, 2025, an application was submitted to PLANMalaysia for review, a necessary step before physical works can begin.

Additionally, the railway scheme approved by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) requires updates to include an extension from Macallum to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This extension, designated as Package 2, involves stakeholders such as the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). Meanwhile, soil investigation works are currently underway at multiple sites.

Regarding the Tapak Pesta development, MRT Corp. has proposed not only a station but also a secondary depot, leveraging the site’s ample land for TOD initiatives. The state government supports this plan while ensuring a portion of Tapak Pesta is preserved as a heritage site, in line with the Prime Minister’s recommendations. A formal proposal from MRT Corp. is expected for further deliberation.

On land acquisition, the MMK has approved the federal government’s plan to acquire properties along the alignment in the Northeast and Southwest districts. The acquisition involves both private and government-owned lands, including those under local authorities, the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC). Over 100 landowners are expected to be affected, with compensation determined through valuation by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and public hearings.

Penang is accelerating its transition towards electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by setting an ambitious target of installing 600 electric vehicle charging bays (EVCBs) by the end of 2025. The initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of deploying 10,000 EVCBs nationwide by 2025, will see 300 EVCBs installed on Penang Island and another 300 in Seberang Perai.

State Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye made this announcement at the launch of an EVCB at Gat Lebuh China in George Town. He emphasized the importance of expanding the EV charging network to support the increasing number of EV users in the state.

Strategic Implementation of EVCBs

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been actively studying the feasibility of installing EVCBs within the limited space available on the island. To maximize accessibility, MBPP has converted existing parking spaces into EVCBs at various locations, including MBPP complexes and on-street parking areas.

In January, 52 EVCB ports were installed across 26 locations, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) currently connecting the power supply. These chargers are expected to be operational by April. MBPP is also working on Phase 2 of its Request for Proposal (RFP), which will see EVCBs installed at an additional 27 locations, targeted for completion by December.

Of the 52 EVCBs installed so far, 50 are DC chargers (60kW), while two are AC chargers (22kW). The charging rates are RM1.09/kWh for AC chargers and RM1.39/kWh for DC chargers. A profit-sharing arrangement has been established with service providers to ensure sustainable operations.

Penang Surpasses Initial EVCB Target

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran announced that, with 52 new EVCBs installed by ChargeSini and 261 EVCBs already established by the private sector, Penang Island has surpassed its initial goal of 300 EVCBs. However, the state is not stopping there. To accommodate the growing number of EVs, an additional 100 EVCBs are planned by year-end through the Phase 2 RFP.

Rajendran also highlighted a new policy requiring all new developments to allocate 2% of their parking bays for EV charging, ensuring the state’s infrastructure keeps pace with the rising adoption of electric vehicles.

ChargeSini Development Lead Bruce Sui encouraged EV users to download the ChargeSini app, which provides real-time information on charging station locations, rates, and advance booking options. To prevent idling, each EVCB is equipped with a parking barrier, allowing users to reserve a charging bay before arriving.

With Penang’s strong commitment to EV infrastructure expansion, the state is well on its way to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility, supporting both residents and visitors in their transition to electric vehicles.

List of EVCB Locations

The 26 locations where ChargeSini has installed EVCBs include:

• Persiaran Karpal Singh
• Jalan Concordia
• Precinct 10
• Lebuh Union
• Gat Lebuh China
• Pasar Tanjong Bungah
• Gat Lebuh Gereja
• Lebuh Cintra
• Jalan Masjid Negeri (Berjaya Gallery)
• Pasar Kompleks Jalan Permai
• Tlk Jalan Lenggong (Jalan Lenggong/Jalan Jelutong)
• Lebuh Pasar (Lebuh Pantai-Lebuh Penang)
• Pasar Batu Lanchang
• Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim
• Tlk Jalan Pasar/Jalan Balik Pulau (Kek Lok Si)
• Lebuh Dickens
• Jalan Arratoon, George Town
• Pasar Rajawali
• Pasar Bayan Baru
• Jalan Servis off Jalan Balik Pulau (in front of 7E Simpang Empat)
• Pasar Lengkok Kelicap
• Jalan Sungai Air Putih (MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd)
• Kompleks Sukan Relau
• Medan Kampung Relau 1 (Maybank)
• Jalan Khidmat Jalan Paya Terubong (Golden Triangle)
• Pasar Teluk Kumbar Heights

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SITE PROGRESS

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A proposed mixed-use development in Jelutong, situated along the busy Jalan Perak, next to Skyview Residence. The site is within walking distance of Sunshine Jelutong and the newly opened G.O.A.T Pickleball facility, with convenient access to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway via Jalan Ahmad Nor.

The development will feature a 43-storey building with multiple components. It includes a 12-story commercial section with retail spaces and a 160-room hotel, along with a 12-level parking facility. The project consists of two towers: Tower 1, a 31-story office block with 829 units, and Tower 2, a 32-story affordable housing block with 634 units. Recreational facilities are planned on designated floors, including levels 12, 42, 43, and the rooftop.

The project is still in the planning stage. More details will be provided upon its official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Mixed development
Total Units: 829 (office suite), 634 (affordable housing)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The expansion and upgrading of Penang International Airport (PIA) are progressing steadily, with significant advancements in infrastructure improvements and capacity enhancements.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the project is divided into three key Work Packages (WP). These include enabling works, airside facility upgrades, and the construction of a new terminal building.

“As of February 15, 2025, Work Package One (WP1) has achieved 31% physical completion. This phase focuses on critical enabling and upgrading works, including the construction of an ancillary building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) office, AVSEC Control Post, and local infrastructure improvements,” Zairil stated. Awarded in September 2024, WP1 is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Meanwhile, Work Package Two (WP2), awarded in December 2024, will commence construction in April 2025. This phase involves upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, airside drainage, and utilities diversion.

The tender for Work Package Three (WP3) is anticipated to open in May 2025. This phase includes building a new terminal and renovating the existing one, incorporating modern infrastructure and interior design enhancements. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with full project completion projected for 2028.

This expansion aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance airport facilities, reinforcing PIA’s status as a key regional aviation hub.