The Penang state government is currently focusing on land acquisition and the resettlement of residents affected by the implementation of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said work related to the project is progressing according to schedule, with the state government responsible for managing land acquisition matters and relocating affected residents before the sites are handed over to the contractor.

“At this stage, we see that various schedules have been set to complete the relocation process and hand over the site to the contractor,” he said when met at the Chinese New Year Banquet and Women’s Day Celebration organised by the Penang Chinese Women’s Chamber of Commerce (PWCC) yesterday.

Chow added that other aspects of the project, including engineering works and project contracts, are handled by the developer, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), together with the appointed contractor.

So far, only a small number of homes are affected by the project alignment.

“There are not many cases, only about a dozen houses because the project line enters the village next to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office in Sungai Dua,” he said, noting that around 12 houses have been identified for relocation.

Construction of the Mutiara Line LRT began in 2025 and the line is expected to commence operations in December 2031.

The rail line will span approximately 29.67 kilometres, featuring 20 stations and two provisional stations. Once completed, it is expected to improve connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland while helping to reduce traffic congestion and enhance overall accessibility.