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.