The Mutiara LRT Line is an under-construction light rail transit (LRT) system in Penang. The line will run along the east coast of Penang island from Georgetown to Silicon Island, and from Georgetown to Penang Sentral on the mainland via a bridge across the Penang Strait.
The Mutiara Line will be 29.5 km in length with 21 stations. The northern terminus at KOMTAR is on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone. KOMTAR will be a future interchange for other plan transit lines.
Macallum will be an interchange station between Penang Sentral and KOMTAR. Penang Sentral will connect with KTM Komuter & ETS, and it will be an interchange with future metro lines of mainland Penang.
Construction of the Mutiara Line began on 11 January 2025 and it is estimated to be completed by 2031.
Mutiara LRT Line history
The Mutiara LRT Line was previously known as the Bayan Lepas Line, which was planned to connect Georgetown in the north to the airport in Bayan Lepas in the south. The LRT was publicly proposed in 2014, and in 2015 it was announced that work would begin in 2018. The railway was initially a 17.5km elevated line from Komtar to Penang International Airport. The proposed line was then extended south to include the Penang South Islands project, making the line 29.9 km in length with 27 stations.
After the inevitable delays that happen with first city transit lines, work was expected to begin in 2020. Then 2020 happened. A combination of factors delayed and confused the status of the project, including the effect of the coronavirus on the economy. The LRT had been controversial enough, with doubts about projected passenger numbers being raised. To add to the controversy, the fortunes of the line were tied to the fate of the South Islands development. The sale of land on the artificial islands was proposed to pay for the line.
To add to the drama, the Malaysian government collapsed in 2020, and by the end of the year the new government had withdrawn the loan guarantee for the project. The MP for Bukit Mertajam in Penang called this a political vendetta, though the government denied this was the case.
The project was approved in 2023, and in 2024 it was announced that the line would include a bridge to the mainland to connect to Penang Sentral (for Butterworth Railway Station). The George Town–Butterworth LRT was a separate proposal, but that is now part of the Mutiara Line.
The LRT is part of the overall Penang Transport Masterplan to build LRT, monorail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and tram systems across the state of Penang.
Mutiara LRT Line maps
[Mutiara LRT Line Route (view full size).]
Street map at https://zoomyd.xyz/mutiara/minimap.html
Links and resources
Operator: Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp).
Official website: laluanmutiara.mymrt.com.my
Wikipedia: Mutiara line
skyscrapercity.com: MUTIARA LRT LINE and PENANG LRT LINE | Bayan Lepas – Komtar (archived discussion).
News Archive
2025
Penang’s RM13bil LRT line to be completed by 2031 – [11/01/25]
“MRT Corp CEO Zarif Hashim says the first station will begin at Silicon Island off the airport runway going northwards to Komtar.”
PM Anwar officiates Penang’s Mutiara Line LRT project groundbreaking ceremony – [11/01/25]
PM launches Penang Mutiara Line LRT project, operations set for 2031 [WATCH] – [11/01/25]
Mutiara LRT Line to span 29.5km with 21 stations, linking Penang’s key hubs for better connectivity and economic growth, says Anthony Loke – [11/01/25]
“The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project will feature 21 strategically located stations, including a provisional station on Penang South Reclamation Island-A (PSR-A), covering a total distance of 29.5 kilometres (km).”
Penang LRT line must reflect state’s heritage and culture, says Anwar – [11/01/25]
“The prime minister says the project development must ensure a balance between modernisation and preservation.”
Land acquisition for Penang LRT project going smoothly, says Chow – [02/01/25]
Build Butterworth link at same time as main LRT line, says Penang CM – [02/01/25]
“However, Chow Kon Yeow acknowledges the final decision rests with MRT Corp.”
Penang CM moots combining LRT, airport expansion works to minimise pain to public – [02/01/25]
Work on Mutiara Line LRT project commences – [01/01/25]
“Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has begun land-clearing activities for the Mutiara Line, which will span 29km and feature 21 stations.”
2024
Penang LRT project to proceed regardless of government changes, says Rafizi – [11/12/24]
Land for Penang LRT depot on man-made Silicon Island to be ready end of 2025 – [10/12/24]
MRT Corp begins tender process for Penang LRT contractor – [02/12/24]
Silicon Island’s LRT depot takes shape – [30/11/24]
Over a thousand park-and-ride spots planned at nine LRT stations in Penang – [25/11/24]
Penang LRT Mutiara Line to feature 21 stations, connecting island and mainland – [25/11/24]
Work on Penang Mutiara Line LRT to start early 2025 – [11/11/24]
MRT Corp, SRS Konsortium In Final Phase Of Negotiation For Penang LRT – [23/10/24]
LRT project set to worsen Penang island’s road congestion – [11/07/24]
“The upcoming Mutiara Line running within the island will not reduce congestion on the first bridge, the source of the island’s traffic woes.”
Penang shortens LRT line, cuts number of stations – [05/07/24]
“The proposed RM10.5 billion Mutiara light rail transit (LRT) system in Penang is now likely to have 21 stations instead of 22 while its length has been shortened to 28km from 28.43km.”
Let engineers work out Penang island-mainland rail bridge – [30/06/24]
Penang confirms Mutiara Line LRT alignment connecting island to mainland – [24/06/24]
“…the alignment the state has chosen was one that starts from Silicon Island and connected Penang Sentral to the Macallum area in George Town on the island.”
Penang’s LRT decision, the result of comprehensive evaluation – [11/06/24]
“The state government opted for an elevated system after assessing costs, infrastructure, commuter habits, system features, models from other cities, and expert analysis.”
Putrajaya, not state, will decide on Penang LRT, says Loke – [11/06/24]
“The transport minister says exco has ‘no locus standi’ to make calls on a federal government project.”
LRT: Penang govt, MRT Corp explore ‘low- to medium-capacity’ system, says state exco – [29/05/24]
Penang needs to have LRT in order to reduce traffic congestion – [12/05/24]
Economist, ex-transport engineer say Penang LRT doomed to be ‘white elephant’ – [10/05/24]
‘Wasteful’ Penang LRT to cost govt RM600mil a year, says economist – [10/05/24]
“Lim Mah Hui says that with ‘unrealistic’ ridership numbers, the government would have to pay dearly to maintain the network.”
Mutiara Line sched not affected by amendment, says MRT boss – [05/05/24]
CM: Penang to hold workshop with stakeholders to finalise Mutiara Line LRT alignment – [02/05/24]
“The Penang government plans to hold a workshop with stakeholders to finalise the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project following minor amendments to the original plan.”
Mutiara LRT line to improve mobility, bolster Penang’s economic potential, says state exec councillor – [21/04/24]
Penang LRT project needs third-party oversight, says anti-graft NGO – [14/04/24]
Penang LRT a good step, but buses also important – [11/04/24]
“Buses are public transportation’s unsung heroes, but Rapid Penang lags behind with its cash-only system and poor information on arrival times.”
‘Penang LRT will be worth the hassle’ – [02/04/24]
Penang LRT to cost over RM10.5bil, says Chow – [01/04/24]
“Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow says Penangites will have to bear with the traffic jams during the construction of the LRT.”
Gamuda clear winner of greenlit Penang LRT project – [01/04/24]
Penang LRT has more than 90pc support from public, says Kon Yeow – [01/04/24]
“The Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project which is expected to start this September has received over 90 per cent in support from the public during engagement sessions, said Chow Kon Yeow.”
‘LRT not a clear solution to Penang traffic woes’ – [31/03/24]
NGOs share mixed reactions to Penang LRT project – [29/03/24]
Loke: Federal gov’t takes over Penang LRT Mutiara Line project from state gov’t – [29/03/24]
Construction of Penang LRT project expected to begin in September or October, says CM – [29/03/24]
“Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said work will begin after the final details of the project are discussed and decided between SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).”
Cabinet approves Penang LRT project, to be ready in 2030 – [29/03/24]
“SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, owned by Gamuda Bhd, will get the contract for the first segment of the line from the Silicon Island to Komtar.”
Why is Penang govt obsessed with LRT? – [22/03/24]
“The Penang Transport Master Plan approved in 2013 did not recommend light rail transit as a mode of public transport.”
EIA for Bayan Lepas LRT segment released, activist sceptical – [06/03/24]
“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for a segment of the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has been released with several concerns raised on the impact it would have on air quality, noise pollution, and vibrations from viaduct construction.”
Bayan Lepas LRT Line to be extended to Penang Sentral – [14/02/24]
“The LRT route will connect the island and mainland section of the state through an elevated railway across the Penang Strait.”
Transport ministry to prepare Cabinet paper on Penang LRT project – [16/01/24]
2023
Penang LRT project on track with studies underway, says state exco – [21/11/23]
“The Penang light rail transit (LRT) project is on track to become a reality, the state legislative assembly heard today.”
Penang bullish about LRT project’s implementation – [21/11/23]
Penang LRT project included in 12MP – [11/09/23]
Penang residents anticipate commencement of island LRT project – [19/07/23]
Penang seeks clarity on SRS Consortium’s role in LRT project – [02/07/23]
“The state government is seeking clarity on the role of SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the project delivery partner (PDP) for Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), now that the state’s light rail transit (LRT) project will be owned by the federal government via MRT Corp.”
Penang LRT project not a viable dream: PRM – [31/05/23]
“The Federal and Penang governments have been told not to gamble on the state’s first light rail transit (LRT) speculative business venture, which is expected to begin works at the end of this year.”
Bold new train line plan for Penang – [31/05/23]
“According to the original PTMP plan, the 7km LRT line with eight stations will run from Komtar, along Jalan Burma, then Jalan Larut, followed by Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by the sea till Gurney Drive, and onward to Jalan Tanjung Tokong.
And now, it has been extended until Tanjung Bungah, but the exact location of the end station has not been finalised.”
Phase 1 of Penang LRT will now stretch from airport to Tanjung Bungah – [30/05/23]
“Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that after reviewing the project’s proposal, MRT Corp felt the route should go all the way there, covering 29km with 27 stations.”
Penang LRT project set to start by year-end – [30/05/23]
LRT not the best form of transport on this small island, says PRM – [22/05/23]
Solve Penang’s congestion with more buses – not expensive overhead rail line – [20/05/23]
“Expand the bus service and increase its frequency to make it more efficient and comprehensive.”
‘Die, die’ Penang must have ‘LRT’ – Really? – [16/05/23]
“Why not spend just RM600m and make some dramatic improvements NOW – instead of waiting 10 years for an ‘LRT’ line to be completed.’
Finance, Transport Ministries to discuss funding models for Penang LRT project – [12/05/23]
Analysts call for more clarity on funds for Penang LRT – [08/05/23]
“Federal government funding for LRT project raises questions on fate of Penang South Islands project.”
Penang LRT a financial albatross, Putrajaya warned – [08/05/23]
“Civil society groups urge the federal government to reconsider the rail project it just agreed to fund, and scrap a massive reclamation project.”
‘Penang LRT’: Be careful what you wish for! – [07/05/23]
“If you are a Penang resident, surely you will know that a mere 22km of overhead light rail will not be able to ease traffic jams meaningfully.”
Anwar gains political points by funding Penang LRT, says analyst – [07/05/23]
“The decision is expected to counteract dissatisfaction over the environmental impact of the massive Penang South Islands reclamation project.”
Putrajaya to provide additional funds for Penang LRT, says PM – [06/05/23]
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the Penang South Islands project will be scaled down, having listened to the grouses of locals and fishermen affected.”
PM: Govt to free up funds for LRT project in Penang – [06/05/23]
Penang in discussions with Putrajaya to fund its Bayan Lepas LRT project – [30/03/23]
Zairil: Penang planning to implement BLLRT to meet future transportation needs – [06/03/23]
“The Penang government is planning to implement components of the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (BLLRT) project to ensure that it can meet future transportation needs to support the state’s economic development in addition to solving the problem of traffic congestion.”
2022
Bayan Lepas LRT construction expected to start in Q4 2023 – [21/10/22]
Bayan Lepas LRT project: 8 submissions from local, international consortiums – [21/10/22]
Penang prefers LRT but is open to other rail types – [13/09/22]
It’s federal red tape that derailed Penang LRT project – [12/09/22]
Go for autonomous road tram, scrap Penang LRT ‘dream’ – [11/09/22]
Penang committed to implementing Komtar-Bayan Lepas LRT project, says CM – [06/09/22]
EIA nod key to Penang LRT line’s green light – [13/08/22]
“The federal government’s nod for Penang’s first LRT line hinges on the environment department’s approval for reclamation of an island, according to the transport ministry.”
Penang extends deadline for RM9.5bil LRT project bids – [11/08/22]
Penang announces Bayan Lepas LRT pre-qualification stage [NSTTV] – [20/07/22]
Bus rapid transit better for Penang – [16/07/22]
MCA: Penang should choose BRT instead of LRT – [13/07/22]
Penang to roll out the LRT – [04/06/22]
Penang to open LRT project for proposals in Q3 2022 – [03/06/22]
“The Penang state government will issue a request for proposal (RFP) by the third quarter of this year for implementation of its Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) scheme.”
2021
Penang to study RFP on building LRT next year – [01/12/21]
Penang may go with LRT alone if reclamation project scrapped – [01/12/21]
Transport Ministry denies cancelling Penang govt infrastructure projects – [09/01/21]
“Regarding the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project from Bayan Lepas to Komtar, the ministry said it did not cancel the project as claimed, but the Penang government had yet to hand over the final approved Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Department of Environment and the Rural and Urban Planning Department (PLAN Malaysia) to the Land Public Transport Department (APAD).”
Penang LRT project possible via public-private partnership – [07/01/21]
Penang DAP launches petition campaign to reinstate infrastructure projects cancelled by Putrajaya – [07/01/21]
“Penang DAP today launched a mass signature campaign to demand four major infrastructure projects in the state be reinstated by the federal government.”
2020
Why Penang needs LRT – [02/12/20]
By Joshua Woo, a former councillor with Seberang Perai City Council.
Penang seeks fund for LRT after federal govt’s rejection – [02/12/20]
Penang to push ahead with LRT project, says Chow – [01/12/20]
Penang LRT project to go on with other financing options, says Chow – [01/12/20]
“Penang will not give up on its proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) project despite Putrajaya withdrawing its guarantee, said Chow Kon Yeow.”
No political vendetta in Penang LRT project loan guarantee move, says Finance Minister – [30/11/20]
Cancelling RM2bil Penang LRT loan guarantee despicable: MP Steven Sim – [28/11/20]
Media statement by Steven Sim, MP for Bukit Mertajam.
Putrajaya withdraws guarantee to finance Penang LRT – [28/11/20]
“The Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government is not going to provide a guarantee for a RM2.04 billion loan application by the Penang state government for its light rail transit (LRT) project.”
Year-end decision on Penang LRT project, assembly told – [12/10/20]
Project delivery partner master agreement for PTMP inked – [01/07/20]
“The project delivery partner for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), SRS Consortium, will have to prepare and present the financial architecture plan for the PTMP to the Penang government within a month.”
Mega projects in Penang to go ahead – [20/06/20]
“For the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, the model has always been to pay for the infrastructure project via a land reclamation.”
PTMP: Construction work on LRT, PIL, PSR to begin by Q4 2020, says Chow – [13/02/20]
“The Penang government expects the construction work on the light rail transit (LRT), Pan Island Link (PIL) and Penang South Reclamation (PSR) projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to begin by the fourth quarter of this year.”
Penang Bayan Lepas LRT – moving people or moving goalposts? – [12/01/20]
“Flawed thinking by government decision-makers will lead to white elephant projects, a ruined environment and a massive debt burden to future generations, says Khoo Salma Nasution.”
2019
Gamuda expects first Bayan Lepas LRT package award by mid-2020 – [05/12/19]
“Gamuda Bhd, which is building the proposed Komtar-Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Penang, expects the first package to be awarded by the middle of 2020.”
Zairil Khir Johari – Penang: Charting a sustainable future – [27/11/19]
“An integrated and holistic plan to solve the main threats to Penang’s sustainable growth. Penang: Charting a Sustainable Future By Zairil Khir Johari 31 October 2019.”
Penang LRT to lose RM11 mil in first year, to break even in its 5th year – [08/11/19]
Penang’s Bayan Lepas LRT: Glorious legacy or white elephant project? – [22/10/19]
LRT the most suitable public transport option for Penang – [31/07/19]
Public inspection of Penang LRT plan from Aug 19 – [27/07/19]
“A three-month public inspection of plans for the state’s Light-Rail Transit project will be held from Aug 19.”
Green light given – [18/07/19]
“Waves of excitement swept through Penang when the Transport Minister announced that the Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) has received conditional approval.”
Penang to apply federal funding for LRT project – [26/07/19]
Penang LRT project to start next year – [16/04/19]
“Construction of the proposed Komtar-Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, part of Penang’s multi-billion ringgit Transport Master Plan (PTMP), is expected to begin next year.”
Penang CM denies report LRT, highway projects to start June 2020 – [08/04/19]
“Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has denied a report that construction of the island’s light rail transit (LRT) and Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) will begin in June next year.”
2018
Penang to consider trackless alternative to LRT – [30/09/18]
“Penang will study a proposal to build a trackless Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) as an alternative to the proposed light rail transit (LRT) in its mega multi-billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) project.”
Stop defending Penang LRT project with flawed arguments – [16/09/18]
Go-ahead likely for Penang LRT – [11/08/18]
“The approvals from the federal authorities for the RM8.4bil Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) and the massive Penang South Reclamation (PSR) scheme on the southern coast of the island are expected to be obtained before the end of the year.”
Why Penang’s expensive LRT plan must be reviewed – [03/08/18]
Is the Penang Transport Master Plan headed for financial trouble? – [30/07/18]
2017
Preparing Penang for the LRT – [06/08/17]
“To give the Bayan Lepas LRT a higher chance of success, AnakPinang encourages the local authority to implement steps that will help avoid initial low ridership.”
Penang starts display on EIA report for Bayan Lepas LRT project – [21/07/17]
“The public can now view and give their feedback on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Second Schedule) for the proposed Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT), which is currently on public display.”
Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit Project – Environmental Impact Assessment Report – [July 2017]
Penang says loan from China to fund ‘financial gap’ in LRT project – [30/05/17]
2016
LRT vs tram in Penang – [12/08/16]
Penang rolls out LRT scheme – [02/04/16]
“The state government has submitted plans for the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) to the Land Public Transport Com-mission (SPAD) for approval.”
Penang to submit LRT plans – Komtar to Bayan Lepas – [24/03/16]
Penang public transport plan revealed – LRT, BRT, monorail and trams to connect island to mainland – [04/03/16]
Public briefings on Penang Transport Master Plan to be held – [07/01/16]
2015
Penang LRT construction work to start in 2018 – [02/12/15]
“Construction work on the Penang light railway transit (LRT) project, which is part of the first phase of the island’s Transport Master Plan (TMP), will start in 2018.
According to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the Gamuda Bhd-led project delivery partner (PDP) for the TMP, it will be finalising the cost and alignment of the entire project by year end.”
A rail answer to Penang traffic woes – [30/10/15]
The LRT connection – [07/09/15]
“The old Prangin market or popularly known as Sia Boey (Town’s End) in Penang will be transformed into a premier art district in the country with a Light Rail Transit (LRT) line cutting through the 2.2ha site for easy access for the public.”
First LRT project in Penang next year – [16/04/15]
“Penang is set to get its maiden LRT project – a 17.5km elevated stretch linking Komtar with the Penang International Airport.”
2014
Alleviating traffic congestion in Penang – [18/07/14]
“Penangites voice their opinions on the recently announced proposal to build a light rail transit system on the island…The two main public transport infrastructure projects of the integrated plan would involve the construction of an LRT system – estimated at RM4.5bil, and a link from Bayan Lepas to Tanjung Bungah.”
I will like to know who is the supervision civil engineering consultant for supervising the construction of the LRT Project which I believe it is expected to start soon.
Than you.