BUKIT MERTAJAM, February 14 – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed plans for Penang’s inaugural RM10 billion LRT line, which will feature a crucial cross-channel link connecting the island directly to Butterworth via a rail bridge over the North Channel. This infrastructure project, previously under the state government’s purview but now overseen by MRT Corp following Putrajaya’s takeover, marks a departure from earlier proposals for an undersea tunnel to link Komtar to Butterworth.
Chow disclosed the latest alignment discussions with MRT Corp, expressing optimism about project commencement pending Cabinet approval, despite the intricate technical and financial negotiations involved. The envisioned LRT system aims to integrate underground stations in George Town and expand across Seberang Perai, reflecting a significant investment in enhancing connectivity between the island and mainland, with RM10 billion allocated in the 2024 federal budget under a private-public partnership model.
