Penang CM: Mutiara Line gets green light, LRT works set to start
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the NTP was issued on July 15 to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the turnkey contractor for Civil Main Contractor Package 1 (CMC1), by project developer Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp).
"With the notice in hand, construction activities will begin as scheduled. This includes utility relocation, road widening, piling, and site establishment works along approved segments of the Mutiara Line alignment," he said in a statement.
He added that the works would proceed at various locations along the route where approvals had already been secured from the relevant authorities.
The Mutiara Line — Penang's first LRT system — is a key component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), designed to enhance public transport connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion on both the island and the mainland.
Chow said the state government was now awaiting the outcome of the tender process for two remaining packages: the turnkey contractor for CMC2, covering the stretch from Macallum to Penang Sentral, and the rail systems package for the entire line.
"This year has seen several significant developments for the project — including the groundbreaking ceremony at the Bandar Sri Pinang station site, the appointment of SRS as the turnkey contractor for CMC1 in January, and now, the issuance of the NTP.
"Looking ahead, a strategic communications platform and public feedback channel will soon be launched to support ongoing and future mega infrastructure projects in the state.
"This platform will enable the public to access accurate information and engage constructively as these projects take shape," he said.
Chow also urged all stakeholders, particularly Penang residents, to lend their full cooperation during the construction phase.
"The Mutiara Line is a transformative project for Penang's future. We look forward to its completion, targeted for 2031," he added.
Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported that MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim had confirmed the project had entered a crucial phase, following the fulfilment of contract effectiveness conditions last month — paving the way for the issuance of the NTP.
He said the NTP was granted to Gamuda Bhd last Tuesday, after the project met key implementation prerequisites, setting in motion a structured timeline for upcoming construction milestones.
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