Penang LRT project still on track, MRT Corp says

Summary

• The Penang Mutiara LRT project is on track, says MRT Corp.

• It says that approval for advanced works was only obtained on April 15.

The Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is on track, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) assured.

MRT Corp explained that approval for advanced works, as required by Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, was only obtained on April 15.

"Over the past three months, MRT Corp has been actively driving the project forward," it said in response to Malaysiakini over an earlier report on MCA questioning the project's progress.

It also said progress has been made in the land acquisition process, with the latest milestone achieved before the target date in October this year.

The appointed civil contractor for the first package of the project, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS), is working on fulfilling conditions in its contract, MRT Corp added.

This includes finalising designs and construction drawings as well as the relocation of utilities, it said.

Yesterday, MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng raised concerns over the project still waiting for the official notice to commence, despite a grand formal launch in January.

He expressed disappointment over the project as it had been touted as a flagship initiative of the unity government, but no physical progress had been made.

He argued that this has severely undermined the government’s credibility.

According to Buletin Mutiara, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed during a press conference on April 19 that the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project cannot begin until MRT Corp issues the required notice.

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