Penang: Construction work on the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is set to commence in January 2026, proceeding as planned even during the Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri celebrations, as announced by State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. The project aims for completion by December 2031.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zairil emphasized the importance of adhering to the tight construction timeline to avoid penalties specified in the contract. He assured that the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) would be implemented during festive periods to ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow and the safety of road users, particularly with increased vehicle presence.
Responding to a query from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) at the Penang state assembly, Zairil confirmed that the contractor, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS), has identified three major locations that will be significantly impacted by the construction: Jalan Magazine, the junction in front of Sunny Point in Batu Uban, and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ). Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRTC) has been tasked by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to develop a TMP for each station from George Town to Permatang Damar Laut to facilitate detailed analysis and implementation of mitigation strategies.
The TMP, approved by local authorities on October 14, is being rolled out in phases to address inevitable traffic congestion. Mitigation strategies include maintaining smooth vehicle movement and improving traffic flow efficiency. MRTC will provide alternative routes and traffic diversions, regularly refining the TMP on a monthly basis for future planning.
The Mutiara Line LRT, stretching 29.5 kilometers with 21 stations, is designed to improve connectivity between Penang and the mainland, alleviate road congestion, and enhance overall accessibility. The main alignment will link the Penang South Reclamation (PSR-A) area to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in George Town, with trains operating in rotation along the route.