Penang: The federal government will extend the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project alignment to Seberang Perai to ensure balanced development in the state that benefits all segments of the people, regardless of race, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said he personally decided after reviewing the original proposal, which only involved areas on the island without connecting the line to the mainland.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the initial plan for the LRT project only covered the island. As someone with roots in both Penang and Seberang Perai, he proposed that the LRT should also extend to the mainland, reaching Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This extension aims to dispel the notion that the project favors only the island or specific communities.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the traffic dispersal project between Juru Toll Plaza and Sungai Dua Toll Plaza (PTJSD) at the Seberang Jaya Expo Site, Anwar highlighted that the LRT extension would benefit areas like Permatang Pauh, Bagan, and Nibong Tebal. This decision is intended to enhance connectivity between the island and mainland regions of the state.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, clarified that the project cost had increased due to the decision to extend the line to Seberang Perai, rather than uncertainties. The Mutiara Line LRT, the first outside the Klang Valley, will span 29.5 kilometers with 21 strategic stations to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion, and enhance accessibility.

The main alignment plan for the LRT covers the route from the Penang South Reclamation area to Penang Sentral and the Komtar Station in George Town, with train services scheduled to operate alternately along the route.

In addition, Anwar urged expedited implementation of infrastructure projects, including the PTJSD, to alleviate congestion and provide immediate benefits. The PTJSD project, which had been delayed, will now proceed due to cooperation among various agencies, aiming to reduce travel time during peak hours significantly.

The RM3 billion PTJSD project is expected to cut travel time from one hour to 20 minutes during peak hours, easing traffic congestion as 30 percent of users are anticipated to switch to the new direct Juru-Sungai Dua route.