GEORGE TOWN, January 13 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has urged road users in Penang to remain patient as traffic congestion is expected to worsen with the commencement of construction works for the 29.5km Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, saying disruption is “unavoidable” for a development of this scale.
He said contractors have been instructed to implement and continuously improve traffic mitigation measures in close coordination with local authorities and the state government, particularly around high-impact areas such as the Penang International Airport, as construction activity intensifies across the island.
Loke said more construction sites will open throughout the year, likely narrowing roads and slowing traffic flow, but stressed that the short-term inconvenience is necessary to deliver long-term benefits through a modern public transport system linking 21 stations.
Including key hubs such as Bayan Lepas, George Town and Penang Sentral, supported by feeder buses, park-and-ride facilities and depots, which will ultimately improve mobility for Penang residents.
