Penang: The Penang state government has assured that effective traffic management strategies will be implemented to minimise disruptions during the construction of upcoming large scale projects.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that projects such as the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may lead to temporary traffic congestion, but this is an inherent part of the development process. He recalled a visit to Gamuda in Kuala Lumpur, where various traffic management strategies were showcased during LRT project construction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the number of lanes even if certain road sections need to be repurposed.
Chow made these remarks while addressing questions at the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, attended by MICCI Northern Branch Chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi and 200 participants from different industries and sectors. He expressed confidence that with proper traffic management and patience from road users, the state government could mitigate congestion and ensure more comfortable travel conditions.
The Penang LRT project is slated to begin in the third quarter of this year, with an expected completion within six to seven years. The Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is scheduled to commence by the end of the year. These projects were announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while presenting Budget 2025 on October 18 last year, which also included the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project.
The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will have 21 strategically located stations, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reducing road congestion, and improving overall accessibility.
Additionally, Chow pointed out that the PSI project continues to progress, with approximately 60.71 hectares of land reclaimed over the past 18 months. The state government is optimistic about receiving favorable news from the federal government concerning incentive packages for potential industrial land purchasers. PSI, also known as Silicon Island, spans 930.78 hectares and is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government.