Penang is gearing up for a significant infrastructural leap with the proposed third link between Penang Island and the mainland – a railway bridge for the Mutiara LRT Line. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the alignment for this light rail transit (LRT) has been finalized, featuring a railway bridge across the Penang Strait. This will be the second rail connection in South-East Asia to cross a sea, following the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.

The Mutiara LRT Line is expected to attract a higher ridership than initially anticipated, connecting mainland Penang residents to the island’s financial and industrial hubs. It will also provide a direct rail route from Butterworth to Penang International Airport. The mainland’s LRT station will be at Penang Sentral in Butterworth, an integrated transport hub for buses, interstate trains, and ferries. The train will then reach the island at the densely populated Macallum Street Ghaut area, covering a straight-line distance of just over 3 kilometers across the sea.

The construction of this railway bridge will be a notable engineering endeavor. South of Penang Sentral lies Penang Port’s deepwater wharf, bulk cargo terminal, vegetable oil tanker pier, and additional wharves and warehouses. Maintaining maritime traffic access to these port facilities presents a significant challenge for the engineers.

Minister Loke addressed reporters, stating that the cross-strait railway bridge will not feature a drawbridge or a tunnel beneath the seabed. “We will take into consideration all the engineering aspects, including Penang Port’s maritime traffic and future expansion plans. It will go through a detailed study before the design is announced,” he said. This announcement came during the national celebration of Day of the Seafarers and World Aids to Navigation Day.

About Mezzo @ The Light City

The first residential project at The Light City – a large-scale 32.76 acre integrated mixed-use waterfront development by  IJM Perennial Development in Gelugor, Penang. Strategically located next to The Light Collection, just a mere minutes drive from Penang Bridge and George Town.

It comprises two 34-storey residential towers, featuring 456 seaview condominium units with various built-up sizes.

Find out more about Mezzo @ The Light City

In a landmark event heralding a new chapter for Penang’s iconic landscape, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Penang Hill Cable Car project was recently held at the Penang Botanic Gardens. The ceremony, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marks the culmination of meticulous planning and signals the beginning of physical construction for this eagerly awaited project.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his address, described the occasion as historic for Penang, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing connectivity and accessibility to Penang Hill. With its 2.73-kilometer route spanning from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the summit of Penang Hill, the cable car promises not only to ease transportation but also to elevate Penang Hill as a premier tourist attraction.

Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026, the cable car system will feature 50 eight-seater gondolas, ensuring a quick and scenic ride of less than 10 minutes. This development aligns with sustainable practices, committed to achieving Green Building Index (GBI) Gold certification, highlighting Penang’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The project, spearheaded by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) and awarded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, represents a strategic investment in Penang’s tourism infrastructure. Hartasuma’s commitment to eco-friendly construction methods and energy-efficient technologies underscores their pledge to minimize environmental impact while maximizing visitor experience.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved and emphasized the project’s importance in fostering sustainable tourism. He stressed the significance of preserving Penang’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, urging rigorous environmental monitoring throughout the construction phase.

Moreover, the integration of an electric feeder bus service linking the Botanic Gardens station with the Air Itam funicular station promises seamless connectivity for visitors. This cohesive transit loop not only enhances accessibility but also supports local communities and economic growth.

As Penang prepares to embark on other transformative projects like the Penang International Airport expansion and the LRT system, these initiatives underscore Penang’s ambition to emerge as a leading global destination, blending cultural vibrancy with sustainable development.

About Sactuary Suria

The 6th phase of residential development at Permatang Sanctuary by IJM in Alma, Bukit Mertajam. Located along Lorong Santuari 25 & 27, adjacent to Sanctuary Court. It is only a short drive to an abundance of amenities namely AEON Mall, Tesco Hypermarket, eateries, schools and banks. This development features 20 units of 2-storey semi-detached houses, with two different built-up sizes to choose from.

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The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is undertaking four major water supply engineering projects this year to address Penang’s increasing water demand.

PBAPP’s chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan, stated that the four priority projects are:

• Package 12A at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
• A 13km x 1.8m pipeline from Sungai Dua WTP to Butterworth in Seberang Perai.
• A 3.9km x 1.8m pipeline on Penang island, from the Macallum area to the PBAPP Bukit Dumbar Complex.
• A 1.35m Sungai Perai River-Crossing pipeline.

“The total projected cost of these four projects is RM220 million.

“Package 12A and the 1.8m pipeline laying projects are part of PBAPP’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).

“The Sungai Perai River-Crossing pipeline project is a long-term solution to replace the burst 1.35m underwater pipeline. It will serve as a crucial component of PBAPP’s pipeline network, enabling the transfer of more treated water from Sungai Dua to the southwest district on Penang Island, central Seberang Perai, and south Seberang Perai (SPS) areas,” Pathmanathan said.

He added that PBAPP’s commitment to complete these projects in 2024 demonstrates the corporation’s response to Penang’s growing water demand.

Pathmanathan also highlighted completed projects from 2023 and the first quarter of this year, which include:

• A new dissolved air flotation (DAF) water treatment module at the Bukit Panchor WTP to increase water supply by 10 MLD in SPS in 2024, the first component of the WCP 2030.
• Two 0.25 MLD ‘Portable WTPs’ at Taman Sungai Duri Indah to alleviate intermittent water issues in this SPS neighborhood.
• Installation of suction tanks at the Taman Widuri and Taman Wellesley pumping stations to alleviate intermittent water issues in these SPS neighborhoods.
• Replacement of two major 1.2m control valves at the Sungai Dua WTP and various ancillary water works projects at 22 other locations throughout Penang to prevent major unscheduled water supply interruptions for 590,000 consumers on Penang Island and in Seberang Perai.
• Pipeline diversion works to connect two 600mm pipelines at Sungai Perai as a mid-term solution to the burst 1.35m underwater pipeline mishap that affected 120,000 consumers on Penang Island.

“The total expenditure for these projects completed in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 amounted to RM33.72 million,” Pathmanathan added.

Source: Buletin Mutiara