The iconic Sungai Nibong Festival Site will continue to serve the community even as it takes on a new role in the Penang Mutiara Line LRT project, following a revised depot design that preserves a significant portion of the land for public use.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said MRT Corp has reworked the depot layout to reduce the land requirement to about 11.5 acres, ensuring that only part of the long-standing festival grounds will be used for rail operations. The remaining space will be upgraded for community purposes, including improvements to the festival site and future transit-oriented development (TOD) components that can support local businesses, daily conveniences, and public activities.

The move reflects the federal government’s recognition of the site’s deep sentimental value to Penangites, as the venue has hosted the Penang Festival since 1966. It also aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call for development in Penang to respect the state’s heritage and unique identity.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the site to MRT Corp, Loke said the Sungai Nibong location was selected after a comprehensive assessment covering operational efficiency, land availability, surrounding land use, and long-term planning needs. The depot will function as a supporting storage and operations facility for the main depot on Silicon Island, helping ensure the Mutiara Line’s day-to-day service reliability.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the handover as a significant milestone for the project, adding that while the site holds nostalgic memories, its transformation should be viewed as a progressive step toward a more sustainable and competitive future.

He noted that the area will eventually form part of an integrated transportation hub, featuring both an LRT station and depot to strengthen the overall rail network. Of the site’s total 20.1 acres, approximately 9.9 acres will be involved in the LRT development in phases.

The 29.67km Penang Mutiara Line, now under construction, is slated for completion by December 2031. Once operational, the system will feature 20 stations and two temporary stations, including a cross-sea link connecting Penang Island and the mainland in just eight minutes—dramatically cutting peak-hour travel time.