GEORGE TOWN, March 12– The Penang Executive Council (MMK) has approved the acquisition of over 100 land plots in the Southwest and Northeast districts of the state for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, which is set to commence in the third quarter of this year.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow explained that the land acquisition is necessary to accommodate the alignment of the Mutiara Line LRT.

"The proposal involves the acquisition of both private and government-owned land, including properties under the Penang City Council (MBPP), the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)," he said.

Chow added that the project land committee is overseeing the process and will refine the details before finalizing the acquisitions. A notice under section eight of the takeover will be issued once the land is gazetted.

He made these statements during a press conference at the Tun Abdul Razak Complex (KOMTAR).

The Mutiara Line LRT project consists of three work packages: packages one and two focus on land structure works, while package three covers the engineering design of the trains, coaches, and rail system.

Currently, a value management workshop is being held by the Ministry of Economy, MRT Corporation (MRTC), and the SRS Consortium to finalize the design and cost of the project.

In addition, Chow announced that the redevelopment of the Sungai Nibong fairground will follow a transit-oriented development (TOD) model, leveraging the available land in the area.