Penang’s LRT Mutiara Line project set to begin soon
The long-awaited Notice to Commence Work for Penang’s Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has finally been issued by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp) in May, paving the way for construction to begin.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed that all outstanding issues between the Federal and State Governments regarding the LRT project were resolved in a meeting with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in Putrajaya in May 2025.
Speaking at the launch of 50 Rapid Penang On-Demand vans on 10 June 2025, Loke announced, “All matters, including the long-pending Notice to Proceed, have been settled. Media reports have also confirmed that the main contractor has appointed subcontractors, so groundwork is expected to start within one to two months.”
Loke, who is also Member of Parliament for Seremban, added that the Ministry hopes the State authorities and project implementers will ensure proper traffic management and diversion plans are in place during the piling phase.
Earlier, Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the State Executive Councillor for Finance, Economic Development, Land, and Communications, had stated that construction could not proceed without the formal notice from MRT Corp. As a fully federally owned entity, MRT Corp’s approval was crucial for the SRS Consortium to begin work on the state’s first modern rail transit system.
Chow made the remarks during a media event in April 2025 after officiating the launch of a new e-waste recycling station in Batu Kawan.
The LRT Mutiara Line is a major infrastructure project expected to transform public transport in Penang, offering enhanced urban mobility and supporting future economic growth.
Will this LRT finally solve Penang’s notorious traffic woes, or is more needed? #PenangDevelopment
Aiya, very easy, by next GE if I still see “nothing” I as well vote PAS only.
No need airtalk so much for years.
By 2040, there will still be tons of study to investigate the impact and expect the report to be delivered by Q4 of the same year….
A single LRT line will definitely not solve the traffic woes. Will need multiple lines, buses, etc. But a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
Problem is now first step also cannot start! I think this LRT/MRT thing has been in “planning” since Captain Francis Light came to Penang.
@Captain Light
Just assign to a China company, will start.
Look at Indonesia HSR, took few years, already in operation.
No thank you, even I have nothings else to vote on next GE. You better try your luck and go live in PAS state and then you only you comments, now you also airtalk.
@millionaire
or AG
@Gemini
Air talk only deserve Air talk answer
The central region has spent years developing its first line and gradually expanding it over time. It seems Penang will only have the Mutiara Line completed by 20240. Wondering how long it will take for line to be extended to mainland.