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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mutiara Line LRT promises cost-efficient, sustainable urban transit for Penang
GEORGE TOWN: The long-delayed Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is set to become one of Malaysia's most cost-efficient and financially sustainable urban rail systems, despite earlier cost escalations and years of delay. Formerly known as the Bayan Lepas line, the project has now entered its main construction phase and is expected to cost under RM16 billion. This includes inflation adjustments, land acquisition, and the building of a five-kilometre bridge linking Komtar to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said a tender for the bridge would be called in October. He said the original RM10 billion estimate did not include land acquisition or the Butterworth link. "These additions would typically push the cost to RM18 or RM19 billion, but cost-optimisation measures have saved the government RM2 to RM3 billion. "This is not about inflating figures. We have restructured the project to ensure practical implementation, minimal wastage, and maximum long-term returns," he said during a media luncheon at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel here yesterday. Zarif said MRT Corp is still in discussions with state authorities to use land owned by the state and the Penang Development Corporation to keep land acquisition costs low. "We are striving for financial sustainability within five years of operation. Achieving break-even is our target," he added. Unlike a fully autonomous rail system, Zarif said the Mutiara Line would operate at Level 3 automation — where trains run automatically but with onboard attendants to make real-time decisions. "This approach reduces complexity and lowers maintenance costs," he said. In contrast, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur operate at Level 4 automation, which involves higher technological and maintenance requirements. The system will be rolled out in 24 construction segments, with six deferred to later phases. On-site activity is expected to pick up significantly by August. Meanwhile, Zarif said the depot site at Tapak Pesta, previously planned for 37 acres, has been reduced to 11 acres as part of land optimisation and ongoing design adjustments to further reduce the project's overall footprint. "Every ringgit counts. We are building infrastructure that Penang cannot afford to miss. Without this, the state risks falling behind in connectivity and economic growth," he stressed. The Mutiara Line is expected to be completed by 2030, with four full lines planned by 2050 in line with long-term urban mobility goals. In February, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat that a RM13 billion allocation had been approved by the federal government for the project, covering both construction and land acquisition costs. On July 17, Zarif announced that the project had entered a crucial phase following the fulfilment of contract effectiveness conditions last month, paving the way for the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). He said the NTP was granted to Gamuda Bhd after the project met specific implementation prerequisites, setting i n motion a structured timeline for the next construction milestones. The first segment of the Mutiara Line LRT project has been awarded to the SRS Consortium, a joint venture comprising Gamuda Bhd (60 per cent), Loh Phoy Yen Holdings Sdn Bhd (20 per cent), and Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd (20 per cent). On Jan 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mutiara Line LRT project, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter in the state's public transport infrastructure. It was recently reported that Econpile Holdings Bhd's wholly owned subsidiary, Econpile (M) Sdn Bhd, secured a RM42.82 million contract from Irama Duta Sdn Bhd to carry out bored piling and related construction works as part of the LRT project. The 29.5km Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland — reducing road congestion and improving accessibility. The main route will run from Penang Silicon Island to Penang Sentral and the Komtar station in George Town, with train services set to operate alternately along the line.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
E-hailing driver hits RM19 million jackpot
KUALA LUMPUR : A 55-year-old e-hailing driver from Sarawak has struck it rich, winning RM19 million in the Toto 4D Jackpot 1 in last Saturday's draw by betting on his vehicle registration numbers. The lucky winner told STM Lottery Sdn Bhd he has been a loyal Sports Toto player for many years, although this marked his first ever win. 'When I came home on Saturday night after finishing my shift, I sat in the car and checked my Toto tickets. 'When I saw the first 4D number match the second prize, my heart was racing. Then I noticed my other 4D number had matched the first prize. I screamed in my car as I realised I had won the jackpot!' The winning digits, 6570 and 7068, were the registration plate numbers of his motorcycle and his first car. 'My motorcycle and car were the very first vehicles I ever owned. Without fail, I always bet on those numbers because of their sentimental value,' he said. He purchased a System 3 ticket, earning him a total of RM19,018,092.30, plus an additional RM336 in System Play bonus. Despite the windfall, he plans to continue working as an e-hailing driver and intends to share the winnings with his wife, children and siblings. He also hopes to begin investing to generate sustainable wealth.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
SPAN launches REKA+ competition for youth water innovation
PUTRAJAYA: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has introduced the REKA+ competition to encourage creativity and innovation among Malaysian youth. Running from August 1 to November 30, the contest is part of the MADANI Smart Water campaign. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof launched the campaign on May 8, aiming to promote sustainable water solutions. The competition invites students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges nationwide to develop water-related innovations. SPAN stated, 'The competition period will cover registration, shortlisting, prototype or model development, and evaluation by a panel of professional judges.' Winners stand to win cash prizes totaling RM19,000, with RM5,000 for first place, RM4,000 for second, RM3,000 for third, and RM1,000 each for fourth to tenth place. 'REKA+ is designed to provide a platform for students to showcase their creativity and innovation, while encouraging a lasting behavioural shift towards valuing water services,' SPAN added. Registration forms and guidelines will be available on SPAN's official website and social media platforms starting July 29. - Bernama
The Star
18-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Lightning strikes kill at least 33 people
Lightning strikes during monsoon storms in eastern India this week killed at least 33 people and injured dozens, officials said. The deaths in Bihar occurred during fierce storms between Wednesday and Thursday, a state disaster management department statement said, with the victims mostly farmers and labourers working in the open. More heavy rain and lightning are forecast for parts of the state. Bihar state's disaster management minister, Vijay Kumar Mandal, said officials in vulnerable districts had been directed to 'create awareness to take precautionary steps following an alert on lightning'. The state government announced compensation of 4 million rupees (RM19,550) to the families of those killed by lightning. At least 243 died by lightning in 2024 and 275 the year earlier, according to the state government. India's eastern region, including Bihar, is prone to annual floods that kill dozens and displace hundreds of thousands of people during peak monsoon season. — AFP
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Junkie duo nabbed over break-in, theft in Ulu Krian to fund drug habit
Handout photo shows the recovered items and car used by the suspects. SARATOK (July 16): Two drug addicts were arrested Tuesday in connection with a break-in at a site cabin belonging to a telecommunications infrastructure company at the Ulu Krian junction here. Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said the arrest of the suspects, aged 25 and 29, took place at a house in Taman Seroja Indah at about 8pm, five hours after a report on the incident was lodged by the site manager. 'The raiding team was able to recover stolen items worth RM19,350, namely a generator, ladder, two outdoor units (ODU), and two inverters. 'A car believed to have been used by the suspects was also seized,' he said in a statement today. He added both suspects were later tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. 'Initial investigations revealed they stole the items with intention to sell to fund their drug habit.' The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code. arrest break-in druggies Saratok
