The Penang Mutiara Line LRT could eventually be expanded beyond its current alignment to serve Tanjung Bungah on the island and Bukit Mertajam and Batu Kawan on the mainland, according to MRT Corp.

Speaking at the International Rail Transit Forum 2026, MRT Corp business planning and project economics general manager Liyana Zainal said the extensions could be considered after the completion of the Mutiara Line, which is scheduled for 2031. Tanjung Bungah was identified as a potential destination due to its strong tourism and residential presence, while further expansion on the mainland could enhance connectivity to key growth areas.

Liyana noted that about one million people are engaged in economic activities on Penang Island each day, providing a significant ridership base for the rail system. She said around 400,000 people commute daily between the island and mainland, with most relying on private vehicles. In addition, Penang receives more than six million visitors annually, while ferry services currently carry between 6,000 and 7,000 passengers each day.

She said these figures demonstrate the need for the Mutiara Line and support long-term plans for expanding the network. The line is expected to improve mobility by reducing traffic congestion and shortening travel times.

Construction of the 29.67km Mutiara Line began last year. The RM16.8 billion project will comprise 22 stations and include a 6km cross-sea section linking the Jalan Macallum area on the island with Penang Sentral in Butterworth. Penang Sentral will serve as a major interchange connecting KTM rail, buses and ferry services.

According to MRT Corp’s density studies, the line is designed to connect major residential and employment centres across Penang. Improved accessibility is expected to support economic activity, benefiting businesses such as food outlets, restaurants and retail operators.

Liyana also highlighted the impact of rail infrastructure on the property market, citing previous examples in the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru where values and demand increased following the announcement and development of major rail projects.

The forum was attended by about 300 transport experts, policymakers and regulators, and was officiated by Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah.

Sevora Residences is a freehold residential development by Sevenco Prestige Sdn Bhd in Bukit Mertajam. Strategically located on approximately 3.45 acres of land off Jalan Song Ban Kheng, the project sits adjacent to Taman Bukit Permata and Taman Bukit Kecil Indah. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the MBSP Sports Complex and several educational institutions, including SJK(C) Beng Teik, SJK(C) Kim Seng, Bukit Mertajam High School, SMK Convent Bukit Mertajam, and SJK(C) Keow Kuang.

The project comprises a single 33-storey residential tower with a total of 420 units. Each unit has a standard built-up area of 950 sq.ft. and features a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout. Residents will have access to a range of shared facilities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, function room, mini theatre, landscaped recreational areas, and 24-hour security.

Project Name : Sevora Residences
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure : Freehold
Land Area: 3.45 acres
Built-up Area: 950 sq.ft.
Total Units : 420
Indicative Price: RM430,000 onwards
Developer : Sevenco Prestige Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

Residents in the Air Putih constituency can look forward to improved infrastructure with two proposed projects aimed at enhancing drainage, pedestrian safety, and traffic connectivity in the area.

The projects include the upgrading of the drainage system and road shoulder along Jalan Goh Guan Ho, as well as a proposed road connection between Lintang Sempadan and Solok Sempadan. Both initiatives were put forward by Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng and highlighted during the Chief Minister’s Jelajah Programme in Air Putih.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Jalan Goh Guan Ho upgrading project has been allocated RM500,000 by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and is expected to commence in September this year. Construction is estimated to take six months.

According to Chow, the existing drainage and road shoulder infrastructure along Jalan Goh Guan Ho has deteriorated and requires urgent improvements. The project will introduce a storage drainage system designed to retain rainwater from surrounding areas before directing it into Parit Lumba Kuda, helping to improve stormwater management.

The works will also include upgrading shallow drains into larger box culverts of varying sizes, improving road shoulders, and constructing pedestrian walkways based on universal design principles to enhance accessibility and safety for all users.

Meanwhile, a second proposal involving the extension of Lintang Sempadan to connect with Solok Sempadan is being considered to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility in the neighbourhood. Currently, Lintang Sempadan is a dead-end road without a proper turning facility for vehicles.

Residents of Taman Boundary Apartment have reportedly requested the connection, citing the need for better access into and out of the residential area. The project would involve land acquisition and the construction of a new connecting road along with supporting infrastructure.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said preliminary discussions with the land office have begun, as the project requires the acquisition of privately owned land. The estimated cost, including land acquisition, is approximately RM4.5 million, although the figure remains subject to further assessment.

If the land acquisition process proceeds smoothly, construction could begin by the middle of next year, with completion expected within nine months to one year.

Together, the two projects are expected to improve mobility, drainage capacity, and overall convenience for residents in the Air Putih area.

STARK Tower has achieved a major international milestone by winning two prestigious titles at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2026–2027, further strengthening its position as one of Malaysia’s most innovative commercial developments.

The awards were presented during the Asia Pacific Property Awards Winners Presentations and Gala Dinner held on 7 May 2026 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Queen’s Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The prestigious event gathered leading developers, architects, designers, and real estate professionals from across the Asia Pacific region to celebrate excellence and innovation in the property industry.

At the ceremony, STARK Tower proudly received the following awards:

• Commercial High Rise Architecture Malaysia
• Commercial High Rise Development Malaysia

These recognitions reflect STARK Tower’s architectural excellence, visionary development planning, and commitment to redefining the future of integrated commercial high-rise developments in Malaysia.

The Asia Pacific Property Awards, part of the internationally recognised International Property Awards, are among the most respected accolades in the global real estate industry. Winning at this level places STARK Tower among the region’s leading commercial developments while showcasing Malaysia’s growing presence on the international property stage.

Located at The Light Waterfront Penang in Gelugor, STARK Tower is a 34-storey freehold development featuring 624 executive suites and 24 commercial units. Developed by Stark Development Sdn Bhd, the project occupies a strategic waterfront location alongside the renowned Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery and is poised to become a landmark within Penang’s vibrant waterfront district.

Designed for the future, STARK Tower integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with sustainable development principles to create a modern and forward-looking environment. The development offers suite sizes ranging from 425 sq ft to 640 sq ft, catering to both lifestyle and investment demands.

The project is complemented by a range of lifestyle and convenience offerings, including the Stark Lounge with concierge and housekeeping services, yacht experiences along the Penang waterfront, curated retail and dining outlets, EV charging facilities, the iconic Stark Super 3D LED display, and the STARK X-Perience Club featuring fitness, wellness, and recreational amenities.

Residents and guests can also enjoy premium sky-level facilities, including an infinity pool, jacuzzi, event spaces, and curated dining experiences overlooking the Penang waterfront.

This double-award achievement reflects the dedication, creativity, and collaborative efforts of the entire STARK team, consultants, architects, engineers, and business partners who contributed throughout the development journey.

As Penang continues to emerge as a thriving destination for business, tourism, and investment, STARK Tower aims to stand proudly as a symbol of innovation and architectural excellence while contributing to the transformation of the city’s waterfront skyline.

Construction of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line is progressing steadily, with the Bandar Sri Pinang and Penang International Airport (PIA) stations emerging as the most advanced sections of the project since its groundbreaking in January 2025.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, accompanied by state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Zairil Khir Johari, recently visited both sites to review construction progress and receive updates from Civil Main Contractor 1, SRS Consortium.

According to Chow, the designs for the stations are currently undergoing final approval by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with approval expected in the near future. Once approved, the public will have a clearer idea of the appearance and features of the stations.

The RM16.8 billion Mutiara Line, which forms the backbone of the Penang Transport Master Plan, will span 29.67 kilometres and comprise 22 stations. The line is designed to improve connectivity between key locations on Penang Island and the mainland while helping to ease traffic congestion.

At the Penang International Airport station site, construction of the viaduct and station piers is progressing, with five piers already visible. The airport station is planned as an important gateway for international travellers and will include a dedicated link bridge connecting directly to the airport’s new terminal. It will also provide direct rail access to destinations such as the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, Komtar and Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

Meanwhile, works at Bandar Sri Pinang have moved into a more advanced stage. The station foundation and columns have been completed, while six piers are currently under construction. Installation of crossheads, the horizontal concrete structures that support the station framework, is expected to begin soon.

Located within a densely populated township, the Bandar Sri Pinang station is expected to serve nearby residential developments and improve access to Persiaran Karpal Singh and surrounding commercial areas. Access points on both sides of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway are intended to enhance connectivity between communities and businesses.

Chow noted that construction activities are expected to intensify during the second half of 2026 as the project enters the superstructure phase. As a result, some temporary traffic disruptions are anticipated, particularly with the implementation of traffic management measures and the gradual closure of selected lanes along the 23.7-kilometre alignment between Komtar and Silicon Island.

Pier construction is currently underway at 14 locations, including Permatang Damar Laut, Gelugor, SPICE, East Jelutong, Macallum and the area near Cecil Residensi. Of the three critical traffic management zones identified for the project, the first at the Jalan Tengah–Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction was implemented in early May, with two more scheduled for the second half of the year.