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Malay Mail
29-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
MRT Corp aims to keep Penang Mutiara LRT cost under RM16b amid rising expenses
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 — Total expenditure for the Penang Mutiara LRT Line will be capped at RM16 billion, despite escalating construction costs and inflation, MRT Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim pledged today. Speaking at a media luncheon, Zarif addressed the evolution of the project's cost, explaining that the initial RM10 billion estimate cited before the federal government took over did not include significant expenses like land acquisition. 'Construction costs have increased between 30 and 40 per cent over the last 10 years,' he said, noting that the RM13 billion budget approved by the Cabinet earlier this year also did not fully factor in inflation, material price hikes, and land acquisition. If all factors were included without cost control, he said the project could potentially reach RM19 billion. 'But we will not do that. We are keeping costs as low as possible. We are calling for tenders to keep costs low so that we can bring down the total project cost to below RM16 billion,' Zarif said, asserting that the Mutiara line will be the most reasonably priced LRT system in Malaysia. He explained that while land acquisition costs are high, MRT Corp is negotiating with the state government for nominal charges on state lands to help manage expenses. The Mutiara Line, which will span 29.5km with 21 stations from Silicon Island to Komtar and across to Penang Sentral in Butterworth, will incorporate several key features. The trains will use a Level 3 autonomous system, which does not require a driver but will have an attendant on board, helping to lower operational and maintenance costs. The line will include a 5km bridge linking the island to the mainland, rising 62 metres above sea level to allow large container ships to pass underneath. It will also feature an uncovered pedestrian and cycling walkway, which will be closed during adverse weather conditions. The line will have an optimised depot site at Pesta that has been significantly reduced from 37 acres to 11 acres through design adjustments and land optimisation. Zarif stressed that the Mutiara Line must become financially sustainable within five years of operation, without heavy reliance on government subsidies. 'We expect to operate it and make it sustainable from fares and advertising revenues,' he said. The state government would consequently not need to support the operational costs and can use the funds to build the next three lines, he explained. Zarif conceded that the Mutiara Line alone will not solve all of Penang's public transport woes, but described it as an "important first step." 'Penang needs at least another three LRT lines, with a total of four, before we can see a real change in public transportation here,' he said. 'Once the next three steps are implemented, we will see dramatic changes.' The Mutiara Line is expected to be completed in 2031, with all four proposed lines — covering areas like Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, and Air Itam — projected for full completion by 2050.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mutiara Line LRT construction begins as SRS Consortium gets NTP
GEORGE TOWN: The Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has officially entered its construction phase after SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the main civil contractor for Package 1 (CMC1), received the Notice to Proceed (NTP) from project developer MRT Corporation (MRTC) on July 15. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the development as a key milestone for the state's first LRT project. 'On behalf of the Penang government, I would like to express our gratitude for the issuance of the official notice given. With this, the construction phase will proceed as scheduled,' he said in a statement. Initial construction works will involve utility relocation, road widening, earth piling, and site preparation across approved locations along the Mutiara Line. The state government is also awaiting the tender results for the CMC2 Package, covering the Macallum to Penang Sentral route, as well as the rail system package for the entire line. Chow highlighted several project milestones achieved this year, including the groundbreaking at Bandar Sri Pinang Station, SRS Consortium's appointment as turnkey contractor for CMC1 in January, and the latest NTP issuance. To ensure transparency, the state government will introduce a strategic communication platform and feedback line for all mega infrastructure projects in Penang. 'The state government calls on all stakeholders, especially the people of Penang, to provide full cooperation throughout the implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2031,' he added. The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 stations, improving connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland while easing road congestion. The main route spans from Pulau Tambakan Selatan to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station, with trains operating on a rotating schedule. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Mutiara Line LRT: SRS Consortium receive NTP to start work
GEORGE TOWN — The Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project marked a significant milestone following the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, he main civil contractor for Package 1 (CMC1), by project developer MRT Corporation (MRTC) on July 15. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the development signified the official commencement of physical construction works for the state's first-ever LRT project. 'On behalf of the Penang government, I would like to express our gratitude for the issuance of the official notice given. With this, the construction phase will proceed as scheduled,' he said in a statement today. He said the initial works will include utility relocation, road widening, earth piling works and site establishment preparation across all approved locations along the Mutiara Line. Chow also said that the state government is currently awaiting the results of the tender process for the appointment of a turnkey contractor for the CMC2 Package involving the line from Macallum to Penang Sentral, as well as the rail system package for the entire Mutiara Line. According to him, the project has recorded several major developments this year, signalling strong momentum in the implementation of Penang's first LRT, including the groundbreaking ceremony at the Bandar Sri Pinang Station site, the appointment of SRS as the turnkey contractor for CMC1 last January and the latest, issuance of the NTP to SRS. He also revealed that the state government would soon introduce a a strategic communication platform and feedback line to cover all mega infrastructure projects in Penang. This initiative aims to ensure transparency, accessibility of information, and enable constructive public interaction throughout the project's execution, he said. . 'The state government calls on all stakeholders, especially the people of Penang, to provide full cooperation throughout the implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2031 for the benefit of the state's future,' he said. The 29.5-kilometre-long Mutiara Line LRT comprises 21 strategic stations and is designed to improve connectivity between Penang and the mainland, thereby reducing road congestion and improving accessibility. Its main alignment plan covers the route from Pulau Tambakan Selatan, Pulau Penang (PSR-A) to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in Georgetown, with train services scheduled to operate on a rotating basis along the route. — BERNAMA
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang's Mutiara LRT Line kicks off with road widening, utility works planned at multiple locations
GEORGE TOWN, July 17 — Construction works on the Mutiara Line LRT project here are set to begin following the issuance of a notice to commence work. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the notice was issued on July 15 by MRT Corporation (MRTC) to the main civil contractor, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd. 'With this, the construction process will begin as planned, including utility relocation, road widening, piling works, and site establishment at all locations along the Mutiara Line alignment that have obtained approval from the relevant authorities,' he said in a statement today. He said the state is now awaiting the tender results for the appointment of a turnkey contractor for the CMC2 package, which covers the stretch from Macallum to Penang Sentral, as well as the rail systems package for the Mutiara Line. Chow added that there have been several key developments in the project, including the groundbreaking ceremony, the appointment of SRS as the main civil contractor for the CMC1 package in January, and the issuance of the Notice to Proceed to SRS. 'The state will be announcing the setting up of a strategic communication platform and feedback channel for all ongoing and upcoming mega projects to allow the public to access information and for further engagement,' he said. He called on all parties, especially the public, to give their full cooperation throughout the implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2031.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
18-month road closure in Johor Baru for RTS Link construction
JOHOR BARU: A crucial section of Jalan Johor Baru–Endau has been fully closed to traffic from June 3 and will remain so for more than 18 months to facilitate construction of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. The Public Works Department announced that the full closure, affecting Section 0.10 to Section 0.20 of the road, wouldl be in place until Dec 31 next year to allow round-the-clock construction works. In a statement, MRT Corporation (MRT Corp) said the closure was necessary to carry out piling, pile cap works, and column erection as part of the RTS Link infrastructure, which will eventually connect Johor Baru to Singapore. During the closure of Section 0.10, motorists travelling from Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (towards Danga Bay) will be diverted via Jalan Station and Jalan Wong Ah Fook towards Jalan Tebrau. As an alternative, those travelling from Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1 may use the route in front of Masjid Habib Hassan Al-Attas towards Danga City Mall, make a U-turn, and return to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak before turning left onto Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. Motorists are advised to adhere to traffic signages and instructions from on-site traffic personnel to ensure safety and minimise disruptions.
