MRT Corp to finalise contractor for construction of 29.5 km Penang LRT Mutiara Line

George Town, Malaysia (Metro Rail Today): The tender evaluation process for the second segment of Penang’s much-anticipated Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line — from Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral on the mainland — is currently underway. The review is being led by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), the project’s owner and implementing agency, which is carefully assessing design, technical, and financial parameters before making its final selection.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed that MRT Corp is conducting a detailed review of the bids submitted for the second segment. “The evaluation includes technical revisions and design validation to ensure long-term efficiency and safety. Once finalized, the project will proceed toward contract award and implementation,” he said.

The first segment of the 29.5-km LRT Mutiara Line — connecting Silicon Island to Komtar and Macallum — has already been awarded to SRS Consortium through direct negotiation under existing agreements with the Penang state government.

While reports suggested that Gamuda Bhd may have withdrawn from the second-segment bid, the Chief Minister clarified that no formal notice has been received and that project timelines remain unaffected. MRT Corp has invited both domestic and international firms to participate, allowing joint ventures that meet the required technical and financial criteria.

In parallel, the state government has launched the Juru–Sungai Dua Toll Plaza Traffic Dispersal (PTJSD) project, with Package 1 awarded to Naza Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd by PLUS Malaysia Bhd. The project is designed to reduce congestion and improve road flow, complementing the LRT network, and is expected to be completed within four to five years.

Penang LRT Mutiara Line — Project Overview

The LRT Mutiara Line is Penang’s first integrated urban rail system, aimed at easing congestion, improving last-mile connectivity, and enhancing sustainable public transport options across the state.

Key Facts:

• Length: 29.5 km (fully elevated)

• Planned Operations: By 2031

• Owner & Implementer: MRT Corp

• Funding: Federal Government of Malaysia

• Route: Penang South Reclamation Island A (Silicon Island) – Komtar – Macallum – Penang Sentral

Branching Routes:

1. PSR-A to Komtar: 23.7 km

2. PSR-A to Penang Sentral: 28.4 km (including a 3.06 km sea viaduct)

Total Stations: 21 (including interchanges and terminus stations)

Major Connectivity Points:

• Penang International Airport

• Penang Sentral (Butterworth) – Interlinking with bus, ferry, and KTM train services

• Komtar in George Town

• Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone

• Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal

Construction Updates and Timeline

The first work package, from Komtar to Island A, was awarded to SRS Consortium in January 2025. Construction activity has commenced with preliminary piling, pier works, and utility relocations.

For the second segment (Macallum–Penang Sentral), tender evaluation by MRT Corp is in progress. The segment includes 5.78 km of track, featuring a 3.06 km sea viaduct, one of the most challenging engineering components of the project.

Authorities have also begun land acquisition and traffic management planning, with special attention to minimizing disruptions along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Bayan Lepas.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, highlighted the project’s strategic role in Malaysia’s future urban mobility:

“The Penang LRT Mutiara Line is a defining step toward sustainable urbanization and integrated mobility in Malaysia. Its combination of sea-crossing engineering, multimodal connectivity, and advanced design principles reflects Southeast Asia’s commitment to world-class transit infrastructure. Projects like these exemplify how modern rail systems can transform regional economies and promote cleaner, faster, and more inclusive mobility.”

Once operational by 2031, the Penang LRT Mutiara Line will revolutionize travel between the island and the mainland, supporting economic growth, tourism, and environmental sustainability. As the first metro system in northern Peninsular Malaysia, it is set to serve as a model of modern public transit for the wider ASEAN region.