PENANG ASSEMBLYMEN DEFEND MUTIARA LINE AS VITAL FOR GROWTH DESPITE INCREASING COST

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 17 (Bernama) --  The majority of Penang state assemblymen today defended the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, describing it as a new public transport artery that will stimulate long-term economic growth, despite facing increased construction costs.

Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota) said the rail-based system is vital as it is expected to reduce congestion and address Penang’s increasingly serious traffic problems. 

He said that all development and progress begin with comprehensive infrastructure and transport, which will ultimately benefit passengers and regional stakeholders, even if the construction costs are higher.

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"We all know how important a public transport system is for economic development and the infrastructure of a city, so we should not oppose the LRT project.

"I am grateful that Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) and the LRT contractor are cooperating with local representatives and communities at the construction site, and that communication channels have been established to notify residents of upcoming works that may cause inconvenience," he said during the debate on the Penang 2026 Budget at the legislative assembly sitting here today.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH-Air Itam) explained that the aspiration for an LRT system is not a new endeavour, but rather a dream Penangites have held for over 30 years.

He referenced a 1994 State Assembly Hansard entry, which records that Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) had already conducted a study on the proposed LRT to tackle congestion and public transport weaknesses.

"Why question the implementation of the Mutiara Line LRT to the point of claiming that the people of Penang do not need it? I wish to voice my support for the Mutiara LRT, which has been eagerly anticipated by Penang residents for three decades," he said.

However, Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua), argued that the LRT's focus must ensure it genuinely benefits the people, is delivered on time, on budget, and does not become a financial liability for the state government.

"We take a rational stance that the main projects of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), including the Mutiara Line LRT, have already been approved and are underway. We simply do not want the LRT to become another white elephant," he said.

He also called upon the state government to provide clarification on the estimated 236 land lots affected by the land acquisition for the LRT project, as well as the number of local and foreign workers to be involved in its construction.

On Nov 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Federal Government is extending the route of the Penang LRT project to Seberang Perai to ensure the state's development is balanced and benefits all levels of society. 

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, further explained that the increase in cost stems from the decision to extend the line to Seberang Perai, after he personally reviewed the original proposal, which only involved the island and did not cover the mainland.

The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara LRT Line with 21 stations is designed to directly enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion and improve accessibility.

The main route alignment spans from the proposed Penang South Reclamation site to Penang Sentral and the Komtar station in Georgetown, with train services scheduled to operate alternately along the line.

The state assembly sitting resumes tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA