BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised certain opposition leaders for raising concerns about the rising cost of the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT).
He said the increase was due to the project now crossing the channel to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai.
"When informed that the LRT project was limited only to Penang Island, I, as a Penangite born and raised in Seberang Perai, insisted that the line must extend across the sea to the mainland,” said Anwar.
He said this when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the traffic dispersal project between Juru Toll Plaza and Sungai Dua Toll Plaza at the Seberang Jaya Expo Site here on Saturday (Nov 9).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also attended the event.
Also present were Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The Mutiara Line LRT is the first LRT route outside the Klang Valley, involving the construction of a 29.5km line with 21 stations. It was designed to improve connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland.
Its main alignment plan covers the route from the Penang South Reclamation (PSR-A) area to Penang Sentral and the Komtar Station in George Town, with train services scheduled to operate alternately along the route.
Meanwhile, Anwar also urged all parties involved to expedite the implementation of infrastructure upgrade projects in the country, including the traffic dispersal project, to reduce congestion.
The project, which covers the areas of Juru, Sungai Dua, Permatang Pauh and the Penang border, had been delayed for some time.
"Although the projected completion period is between 24 and 48 months, I do not want it to be delayed. Expedite the implementation so that the people can enjoy comfort and economic savings sooner," he added.
The RM3bil project was expected to shorten travel time from one hour to 20 minutes during peak hours.
