GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is not involved in the selection of the company to be awarded the contract for Package 2 of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, as it falls under the authority of the project owner, Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government is a stakeholder in the project and is also involved in the Procurement One Stop Centre Committee.
"After the MRT Corp has completed its evaluation, it will make its recommendation to the Procurement One Stop Centre.
"I believe they are still evaluating all the tenders received,” he said after launching the Penang Automation, Test and Equipment (ATE) Campus here on Friday (April 24).
Chow’s comments came in response to a report alleging delays in the bidding process for Package 2 of the Mutiara Line LRT project due to political interference and lobbying.
Meanwhile, he refuted claims that the project was experiencing delays due to the issue, as implementation was still proceeding according to the set schedule.
The Mutiara Line LRT, which began construction in 2025, is expected to be operational in December 2031.
It will span about 29.67km, with 20 stations and two provisional stations.
In another development, Chow said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has contacted the authorities in Kedah to coordinate immediate measures following the water level of Sungai Muda having fallen to a dangerous level of 1.27m, compared to the safe level of 2m.
He said that releasing water from Beris Dam in Kedah had also been suggested as a short-term measure to address the declining water level in Sungai Muda.
"At the same time, Penang will continue to channel water from the Mengkuang Dam to meet the current needs and ensure that the water supply is not disrupted,” he said.
Chow, the PBAPP chairman, said Penang also hopes that cloud seeding operations could be carried out in upstream Kedah as an immediate measure to raise water levels in Sungai Muda, adding that this was important to ensure sufficient raw water supply in the state.
The Sungai Muda water level was reported to have dropped to a dangerous level of 1.27m at the Lahar Tiang inlet at about 4.30pm on Thursday (April 23). – Bernama
