GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants work on the RM13 billion Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project here to be expedited.
Speaking at the groundbreaking for the Mutiara Line LRT project in Bandar Sri Pinang here today, he hoped that project developer and asset owner MRT Corp would maintain its track record of managing this project well and without any leakages.
"I hope and believe that this LRT project can be expedited and any arising issues can be addressed promptly.
"I also want them (MRT Corp) and the Penang government to seriously look at the request to retain part of the Tapak Pesta ground, which will be used as an LRT depot.
"This is because Tapak Pesta has sentimental value for the people of Penang. Nevertheless, Penangites must also make some adjustments.
"Similarly, I also want the Penang International Airport expansion project and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project to be expedited.
"All this will bring a huge impact and benefit the state and the people. This is what investors look at when deciding on investing in the state, more so with Penang being a semiconductor hub," he said.
Present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
The Mutiara Line will run for 29.5km with 21 stations, including a provisional station at the Penang South Reclamation Island A (PSR-A).
The alignment, starting at PSR-A, features two tracks, one extending to Komtar and the other to Penang Sentral. Trains will run alternately on these lines.
This dual-headway alignment links Penang International Airport to Penang Sentral, allowing commuters to access the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's Electric Train Service and Komuter trains.
Commuters can also head to Komtar, which is the central interchange hub for future metro rail.
The Mutiara Line is scheduled to begin service in December 2031.
Anwar said the Mutiara Line should have a Penang identity.
"While we strive for modernity, we also need to make this unique to Penang.
"As such, we should ensure that the LRT project is not only modern, but also culturally rich and vibrant."
MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said an agreement with the main contractor of segment one of the Mutiara Line would be signed on Monday.
Segment one is from the Penang Silicon Island to Komtar.
"Altogether, there are three main contracts. On Monday, we will sign the first one and hope work will begin by later this year."
He said MRT Corp would look into the land use at the Tapak Pesta ground, saying it needed only a portion of the site.
Earlier, Loke said the Mutiara Line was a significant milestone in the development of Malaysia's public transport network.
He expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for his support in bringing the LRT to fruition, emphasising its strategic importance for Penang and the nation.
"It will enhance connectivity across Penang, improve access to major economic and cultural hubs and serve as a catalyst for growth in key industries."
In his speech, Chow expressed his gratitude to the federal government for making the project a reality.
He acknowledged the longstanding challenges in securing federal backing for the project.
"This groundbreaking signifies not just the commencement of a significant infrastructure project, but also the strength of cooperation between the state and federal governments.
"It reflects the spirit of unity under the principle of Malaysia Madani and serves as a model of how public transport initiatives can drive social and economic progress for the people of Penang."