GEORGE TOWN: Only part of the Pesta site in Sungai Nibong will be used for the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot, says Anthony Loke (pic).
The Transport Minister said the depot design has been revised to reduce land use to about 4.65ha, down from the original 8.13ha, with the remaining area retained for community use, including upgrades and transit-oriented development to support local businesses and daily needs.
“We have taken into account land constraints, so the project’s development approach will allow for more optimal use of space in line with models adopted in major cities worldwide,” he said yesterday.
Loke and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow witnessed the official handover of the Pesta site to MRT Corp, the developer and asset owner of the Penang Mutiara Line LRT project.
The symbolic handover involved an exchange between MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim and state financial officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali. Loke said the site, located near the midpoint of the Mutiara Line alignment, will enable better train operations, system management and scheduling flexibility.
“The depot will complement the planned main depot at the Penang South Reclamation Island A, serving as a train stabling yard while ensuring daily operational readiness of the LRT system,” he said, adding that the project reflects federal-state commitment to improving public transport and quality of life.
Chow said the Pesta site holds strong nostalgic value as the long-time venue of Pesta Pulau Pinang.
“This change should be seen as a progressive step towards a more competitive and sustainable future,” he said.
The site will be redeveloped into an integrated transport hub, with an LRT station and depot to support Mutiara Line operations.
Under a letter of agreement, MRT Corp will comply with demolition procedures, including proper waste management through material segregation such as iron and steel.
Chow said close coordination among agencies enabled the timely handover of the site, including areas along the Sungai Dua station (S11) alignment and the depot site.
When completed, the Mutiara Line will span about 29.67km with 20 stations and two provisional stations, including a cross-sea link connecting Macallum on Penang island to Penang Sentral on the mainland.
