Reveal cost and traffic impact of LRT project, says Penang opposition chief

New Straits Times

19-05-2025

GEORGE TOWN: State opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusuff wants the Penang government to disclose the cost and Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) Report of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
He said although the project was now under federal purview, the public deserved clear and detailed explanations as it was a major infrastructure project.
"We, as the opposition, do not reject development and are not against the need for modern infrastructure that can improve the quality of life for Penangites.
"However, it is my responsibility to ensure that every sen of public funds is spent with integrity and that all mega projects are executed transparently," he said in the state legislature.
Fauzi was debating the motion of thanks for Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's speech when opening the sitting last Friday.
Fauzi (Pas-Sungai Dua) said the costs of the LRT and Pan Island Link (PIL) highway projects should be disclosed as they involved billions of ringgit in public funds.
"Is the LRT truly the best solution to traffic congestion? Is it really worth it? What about the land acquisition process — was it completed before the project began, and how many families and businesses will be affected?
"These are the questions that the state government must clarify so that the public is well informed about this mega project.
"We also want to know whether preliminary studies were done on relocating underground utilities, such as water pipes, sewerage and cables.
"If not managed properly, it could lead to delays and additional costs," he added.
Fauzi said the TIA report should be a fundamental document before any mega project was initiated and ought to be released to the public.
"We know that once construction begins, traffic congestion will worsen.
"So, what mitigation measures have been prepared to deal with this during construction?"
Fauzi also questioned how well-aligned were the stations with the mobility patterns of Penang residents.
"What percentage of the state's population will actually use the LRT service?
"Why not first strengthen the existing public bus system and expand the more flexible and cost-effective Demand-responsive Transport (DRT) service?" he said.
Fauzi also raised concerns about the tourism aspect linked to the LRT project, noting that the distance from the station near the Penang International Airport is 200m, whereas the current Rapid bus service could take passengers directly to the departure hall.
In addition, he demanded clarification on the proposed LRT line extension from the island to the mainland, reportedly continuing to Penang Sentral.
"The question is, will the line be built through an undersea tunnel or an elevated bridge across the sea? This is a major issue that should be clarified from the outset," he said.
It was reported that construction of the LRT was expected to start in the fourth quarter of next year.
Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said, based on the progress, the contractor, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS), would soon begin soil investigations along the Mutiara Line route.