The Penang state government will implement comprehensive traffic management strategies to minimise disruptions caused by several upcoming large-scale infrastructure projects, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said yesterday.

Acknowledging that developments such as the Silicon Island, the 29.5km Mutiara Line LRT, and the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may cause temporary congestion, Chow said such impacts are inevitable during progress. However, he assured the public that efforts will be made to maintain traffic flow throughout the construction period.

Speaking at the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, Chow emphasised the importance of preserving the original number of traffic lanes even during road closures. “Even if parts of the road need to be closed, additional space must be created to ensure the same number of lanes remains available,” he said.

He added that during a past visit to Kuala Lumpur, his team had observed how traffic was effectively managed during Gamuda’s LRT project implementation. “I believe all contractors involved in Penang’s projects will take traffic dispersal seriously,” he said.

With effective planning and cooperation from the public, Chow expressed confidence that Penang would be able to ease traffic-related challenges and maintain reasonable travel conditions during construction.

Chow confirmed that the Penang LRT project is set to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with a targeted completion timeframe of six to seven years. Meanwhile, the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway construction is scheduled to begin by year-end.

These projects were among several announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the 2025 federal budget tabling, which also included the Penang International Airport expansion and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 initiative.

The Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 stations, improving connectivity between Penang island and the mainland while reducing road congestion.

On the PSI project, Chow reported steady progress with 60.71ha of land reclaimed to date. The state government is currently awaiting confirmation of federal incentives to attract investors to the 930.78ha reclamation development, dubbed Silicon Island.

“We hope to hear good news from the federal government soon,” he added.