Imagine crossing the Penang Strait in just eight minutes, a promise highlighted as the Penang Mutiara LRT Line enters its statutory public inspection phase and invites the public to examine the revised alignment connecting Butterworth to the heart of George Town.

The Penang Mutiara LRT Line, a key component of the state’s long-term transport strategy, has opened public inspection for its updated route plans and project details. The inspection runs for three months from 24 February to 24 May 2026, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review the amended alignment, station locations and supporting technical information.

The exhibition showcases revised route maps, travel time comparisons and connections between major transport hubs, outlining how the updated scheme aims to improve daily commuting across Penang Island and the mainland.

Fast and direct connections across Penang

The revised alignment highlights a direct cross-strait connection between Penang Sentral in Butterworth and KOMTAR in George Town that can be completed in about 8 minutes on the LRT — a significant reduction compared with driving or bus services during peak hours.

Penang Sentral is positioned as the main gateway for passengers arriving by bus and intercity rail, with roughly 1,000 park-and-ride bays making it convenient to switch to the LRT for quick travel into Penang Island’s centre.

“As a seamless cross-strait connection, the updated LRT alignment is designed to support everyday mobility,” the public inspection materials note.

Convenient access to key destinations

The public inspection highlights how the revised LRT will offer direct access to major destinations, including:

• KOMTAR, George Town’s bustling commercial core
• The Bayan Lepas industrial areas and Free Industrial Zone
• Penang International Airport without the need to change transport modes

These connections are projected to significantly reduce travel times for commuters, students, and frequent travellers compared with current road and ferry options.

Supporting daily travel and reducing congestion

According to the inspection documents, the LRT Line’s fixed-schedule service will deliver consistent journey times regardless of peak-hour traffic or weather, offering a reliable alternative to congested road routes.

The public inspection also explains the benefits of feeder transport connections and the role of the LRT in supporting smoother travel throughout northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Public participation and next steps

The public inspection is part of the statutory review process, giving community members the chance to view detailed plans, environmental reports, and technical documents. Feedback can be submitted by visitors to the public inspection booths or via the official feedback form provided.

The revised plans can be viewed at the following venues:

• KOMTAR, George Town
  Level 2, Lebuh Tek Soon, 10100 George Town
  (9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays)
• Penang Sentral, Butterworth
  Level 1, 6 Jalan Pantai, 12000 Butterworth
  (9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Sunday, except public holidays)
• KTM Butterworth Railway Station
  12000 Butterworth, Penang
  (10.00am – 6.00pm, Monday to Sunday, except public holidays)
• APAD Office
  Menara Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, Level G, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur
  (9.00am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays)

The Penang Mutiara LRT Line — spanning approximately 29.5 km with 21 stations — remains on track for full completion by 2031, continuing to progress through planning, preparatory works and construction phases.

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