GEORGE TOWN (June 3): The Penang state government has assured that effective traffic management strategies will be implemented to minimise disruptions during the construction of upcoming large scale projects.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the projects including Penang South Islands (PSI) project, the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may cause temporary traffic congestion but it is a part of the development process.

"Many years ago when our team visited Gamuda in Kuala Lumpur, where they were at that time implementing the LRT project, we were introduced to the various traffic management strategies and a program that they managed at that time during the construction phase.

'I believe all contractors appointed for this massive project in Penang will take note of traffic dispersal and the key consideration is to maintain the number of lanes during construction, despite having to take away certain parts of the roads away from the vehicles, additional space would have to be created so that the original number of lanes will be retained," he said.

Chow said this while responding to questions during the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, here and also attended by MICCI Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi together with 200 attendees from various industries and related sectors.

With a proper traffic management and patience from all road users, Chow is confident the state government will be able to mitigate and make travelling more comfortable despite the congestion. 

He also confirmed that the Penang LRT project is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with completion projected within six to seven years, while the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is scheduled to commence by the end of the year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in tabling Budget 2025 on Oct 18 last year, announced several projects in Penang, including the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, Mutiara Line LRT, the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project.

The 29.5km Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility.

Meanwhile, Chow also noted that the state-led PSI project continues to make progress with some 60.71 hectares of land already reclaimed over the past 18 months.

He said the state government is awaiting "good news" from the federal government regarding the incentive packages for potential purchasers of the land for industrial development.

PSI or Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78ha, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government.

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