GEORGE TOWN, December 12 — The land for the Mutiara Line LRT depot on Silicon Island is expected to be ready and handed over to MRT Corporation by the end of 2025. Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) CEO Datuk Seri Farizan Darus announced that 70 acres of the 2,300-acre island have been reclaimed so far, with six acres designated for the depot. The reclamation work is set to accelerate in 2025, targeting 300 to 400 acres annually to meet the project timeline.
A temporary bridge connecting Silicon Island to Penang Island is scheduled for completion by March 2025, facilitating construction access. Farizan also outlined plans for a permanent four-lane bridge, set to open in phases by mid-2027. The infrastructure developments, including the LRT, autonomous electric trams, e-buses, and water taxis, are integral to the state’s focus on green transport and sustainability.
Silicon Island’s development is poised to generate significant economic benefits, with an expected 220,000 jobs created across various sectors. The first 100 acres of the Green Tech Park will be ready for construction by early 2026, driving industrial growth in high-tech fields like semiconductor and AI. The project aligns with Penang’s vision to become a competitive economic hub while promoting innovation and sustainable urban development.
