Kuala lumpur: Construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) has reached several major milestones, with Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) announcing the award of the RM3.028 billion System Turnkey Contract (STC) to the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Theta Edge Berhad Joint Venture (MRCB-Theta Edge JV).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MRT Corp stated that the appointment would enable detailed design of the railway systems to proceed in parallel with the ongoing civil construction programme, ensuring both components remain aligned towards overall project delivery. The STC comprises seven major railway systems packages including electric trains and depot equipment; signalling and train control system together with automatic platform gates; trackwork, conductor rail and maintenance vehicles and power supply and distribution system. The contract also covers the railway SCADA system and computerised maintenance management system; telecommunications and information technology systems and automatic fare collection system.
Meanwhile, the tender for Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2) package, which includes the extension of the alignment from Komtar to Penang Sentral, is progressing as planned. Tender evaluations are currently underway with the contract award targeted for November 2026. The Civil Main Contract 1 (CMC1) contractor continues to award various subcontract packages for station construction and related works as activities expand across the project.
MRT Corp also reported that Bumiputera participation under the CMC1 package has now exceeded 20 per cent of the total contract value. This reflects the project's commitment to strengthening Bumiputera participation and developing local industry capabilities throughout project delivery. Works under the CMC1, covering the alignment from Silicon Island to Komtar, are advancing on schedule through a parallel design-and-build approach, allowing construction to proceed while detailed engineering designs are being finalised. Construction has progressed with 45 pile caps and 32 pier columns, with activities now taking place across 14 of the planned 19 construction sections under the CMC1 package.
As the asset owner and project manager, MRT Corp noted significant progress in land acquisition, with 93 per cent of the total land required for the CMC1 package now made available. This has been achieved through close coordination between the Federal Government, the Penang State Government, and relevant agencies. At Silicon Island, soil investigation works have begun to facilitate the construction of the project's future depot. Following the handover of the Tapak Pesta site by the Penang State Government in April 2026, MRT Corp has completed the removal of old structures and necessary site preparation works, enabling construction activities to commence soon.