GEORGE TOWN, June 25 — The Penang state government has finalized the alignment for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, selecting the best proposal from Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp). Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed the state’s agreement with the proposed alignment in a letter to the Transport Ministry two weeks ago. The chosen route connects Silicon Island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth and extends to the Macallum area in George Town, differing slightly from the original plan but enhancing future connectivity.
Chow announced that critical decisions regarding the project have been made, and the open tender process is underway. Construction will begin once the tender is finalized. The LRT line, originally set from Bayan Lepas to Komtar, now extends to Tanjung Bungah, Air Itam, and includes a line to Butterworth, Kepala Batas, and Simpang Ampat. This project, funded by the federal government and executed by SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, is set to start its first segment in September, following the Cabinet’s approval on March 22.
