Breaking ground: A plot of land measuring about 2ha at Bandar Sri Pinang being cleared for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Good news for Penangites.
Before this Chinese New Year, the much awaited Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will go ahead with the groundwork starting in Bandar Sri Pinang.
Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has begun land-clearing activities for the Mutiara Line, which will span 29km and feature 21 stations.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim said MRT Corp had asked her to inform constituents about the upcoming work at the site for the Mutiara Line LRT project.
“I believe the people of Sungai Pinang will cooperate despite the minor inconveniences that may arise during the project.
“They are excited, especially since the constituency has been chosen as the first site for one of the LRT stations,” said Lim, expressing confidence in the community’s support for the transportation development.
Frequent use of heavy machinery including lorries transporting stones, debris and equipment is expected along Lebuh Sungai Pinang and Lebuh Sungai Pinang 1.
Lim said these activities might cause disruptions to the community and businesses in the area.
She also said that 13 parking spaces (Lots 27–39) on Lebuh Sungai Pinang 1, next to Lot 574, would be reserved for contractor use to facilitate smooth site preparation.
“MRT Corp has apologised for any inconvenience caused during this preparation period, including dust and noise disturbances, and has committed to implementing mitigation measures to minimise disruptions to the community.”
Lim said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend the project’s ground breaking ceremony on Jan 11.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke was earlier quoted as saying that the Mutiara Line LRT project would begin this year.
The planned LRT project has 21 stations, with 20 located on Penang Island and man-made Silicon Island, and one at Penang Sentral on the mainland.
The project will start from Silicon Island and head north to the other stations – namely Permatang Damar Laut, Penang International Airport, Sungai Tiram, South Free Industrial Zone, Free Industrial Zone, Jalan Tengah, Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Sungai Dua, Batu Uban, Jalan Universiti, Gelugor, Penang Waterfront, East Jelutong, Sungai Pinang, Bandar Sri Pinang, Macallum Street and Komtar.
Those from the mainland can also travel to the Macallum Street station from the Penang Sentral station.
