Funds will be allocated to expedite Penang LRT project, says Anwar

GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government will allocate funds for Penang to expedite its Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a 33-second video posted by Penang DAP on Facebook, the Prime Minister was seen making the announcement during a speech on stage.

"The federal government will add funds in a large scheme to enable Penang to implement its LRT project immediately.

"Within a week or two, we will meet up with the state government to set up the scheme as it involves a large amount of loans that require the involvement of the federal government," he said.

Earlier, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, in a Facebook post, had hinted about the announcement as a Hari Raya gift for Penang.

"PM Anwar Ibrahim has announced that there will be funds allocated to build the LRT project from Bayan Lepas to George Town.

"The LRT project is expected to solve the traffic congestion problem in Penang," he said.

The Bayan Lepas LRT project is among the major components of the state’s mega infrastructure project, Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

The Bayan Lepas LRT line will cover a distance of 22km, from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut, with possible extension into three reclaimed off shore islands on the Teluk Kumbar coast, where there will be an additional eight stations.