Penang Mutiara LRT line alignment finalised, discussion with contractor ongoing, says Loke

GEORGE TOWN: The alignment for the Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project has been finalised and discussions with the main contractor are currently underway, says Anthony Loke.

Expressing hope that physical work on the project could start before the end of the year, the Transport Minister said the finalised alignment was as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

"The alignment was finalised after various discussions with all parties, and the Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with the passenger station starting from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Butterworth (Penang Sentral).

"Pulau Silikon serves as a depot. Now we are discussing and evaluating with the main contractor, hoping that physical works can start before the end of the year as scheduled," he told reporters after opening the Seafarers and Lighthouse Day at Straits Quay on Saturday (June 29).

On March 29, Loke announced that the federal government had taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government, with MRT Corp appointed as the developer and asset owner.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development of the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) expansion works in Bayan Lepas, Loke said the tender for the first package has closed, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is selecting the contractors.

The expansion project involves three packages, with the first package involving shifting the control tower and increasing the capacity of the terminal from 6.5 million passengers a year to 12 million passengers a year.

Loke previously stated that the project, which started this year, is expected to be completed within three to four years and will be financed by MAHB through a financial mechanism agreed upon between the Finance Ministry and MAHB. - Bernama