THE Penang government is actively coordinating the relocation of businesses, particularly hawkers and roadside traders affected by the construction of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line, as preparatory works continue ahead of the project’s main construction phase.
Major construction for the Mutiara Line LRT is scheduled to commence in January 2026, with the project expected to be completed by December 2031.
Spanning 29.5 kilometres and comprising 21 strategically located stations, the Mutiara Line is designed to significantly improve connectivity between Penang island and the mainland, ease traffic congestion and enhance overall accessibility for commuters.
The main alignment will run from the Penang South Reclamation (PSR-A) area to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in George Town, with train services operating in rotation along the route.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the relocation process is ongoing, noting that the extensive alignment exceeding 20 kilometres requires a phased approach.
“Contractors will proceed in areas where the relocation process has been completed. However, in locations where relocation is still ongoing, work will only begin once the process is finalised,” he said when met by reporters today.
Chow added that, as a public infrastructure project, many affected parties understand the need for relocation and are generally cooperative, provided suitable alternative locations are offered.
“As long as appropriate relocation facilities are provided, they are willing to cooperate. They will also be granted the necessary licences should they agree to relocate,” he said.
Commenting on a separate issue regarding Kedah’s position on its relationship with Penang, Chow said the state government has yet to receive any formal notice or legal petition from the Kedah government.
“My answer remains the same; if there are any cases against the state government, we will meet in court,” he said.
Last year, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced that the state was assembling a legal team to pursue legal action concerning Kedah’s relationship with Penang.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud