PENANG: Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) Monopole Transmission Tower Project, a significant development aimed at enhancing Penang’s electricity supply, is gearing up for an official inauguration within the next two months, following its operational commencement on December 22 of last year. The RM500 million project, which features striking illuminated towers, aims to both stabilize the electricity supply and serve as a new cultural landmark.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang’s Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, confirmed that the project, launched at the end of 2022, will soon be officially inaugurated. The state government made a request during the project’s development to have the lights on the towers, which are aligned with the Penang Bridge, illuminated as an attraction. While specific lighting colors were not discussed, the towers are currently lit daily from 7 pm to 4 am, equipped with 200 distinct color palettes displayed through themed settings.
The project involved constructing a total of 31 monopole towers, with six designed to reflect the local culture through betel nut-inspired designs, adding aesthetic appeal. The electricity supply to Penang is now directly connected via an 8.5-kilometer 275kV monopole transmission line, linking the Perai Power Station Main Intake Substation (PMU) to The Light PMU, running parallel to the Penang Bridge.
Media reports highlight that the illuminated TNB monopole towers have quickly become a new landmark and tourist attraction near the Penang Bridge. The vibrant lights, first showcased during New Year’s Eve celebrations, have added a festive ambiance, with one of the most striking combinations featuring blue, yellow, and white, symbolizing the Penang flag.
This infrastructure project was initiated to ensure the stability of the existing power supply system, especially given the 300-megawatt generation capacity of the island’s sole power station, SJ Gelugor. The TNB Monopole Transmission Tower Project not only aims to secure the electricity supply but also to boost tourism with its innovative and culturally resonant designs.