Land acquisition for Penang’s Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is advancing, with work underway on Segments One and Two.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed 61 privately owned land lots along Segment One—Permatang Damar Laut to Macallum—have completed hearings under the Land Acquisition Act 1960.
The Penang Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) has issued 41 Form H documents. Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) has finalised compensation for 39 lots.
Fourteen Form K documents have been issued for contractor site handover, with completion expected by June.
Loke and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow witnessed the symbolic handover of a mock key from State Financial Officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali to MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Zarif Hashim.
For Segment Two—Macallum to Penang Sentral—38 private lots have been identified. Gazettement under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 is scheduled for July.
Site entry works will commence in 2027.
Initial works have begun on acquired areas, with design processes proceeding concurrently.
Physical progress is evident along the alignment, with flyover pillars—’piers’—constructed at multiple locations.
Public Inspection sessions for the Komtar-Penang Sentral extension have drawn over 16,000 responses. Ninety-nine per cent support the Mutiara Line proposal.
The Mutiara Line LRT, under construction since 2025 with a December 2031 operational target, will cover 29.67 kilometres. It will feature 20 stations and two provisional stations.
A cross-sea link will connect Penang Island to the mainland in approximately eight minutes—versus 82 minutes by car during peak periods.
The line aims to enhance island-mainland connectivity, reduce road congestion and improve accessibility.
