What is the LRT Mutiara Line?

it's a 29.5km light rail transit system planned for Penang, connecting Silicon Island to Butterworth.

What is the current budget for the LRT project?

The current budget ceiling is RM16.8 billion.

When is the LRT Mutiara Line expected to be completed?

The project is slated for completion in 2031.

Why is the Penang state government offering land at nominal rates?

To help keep the project costs down and ensure its financial viability.

What other LRT lines are planned for Penang?

Three additional lines are planned for Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, and Air Itam.

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Penang

World

Title: Fried Rat Found in Malaysian Rice Dish – Food Stall Closed

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 23, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

fried ‌Rat Found in Fried Chicken at Penang Food Stall, Prompting Closures

GEORGE ‍TOWN, PENANG – A customer at⁣ a nasi‌ campur ⁣ (mixed rice) stall in Penang, Malaysia, ‌discovered a fried rat mixed with their fried chicken order, triggering a health inspection‍ and the ‌temporary⁣ closure of‍ 13 food stalls at⁤ the Jalan Utama Street Food center. The incident, reported by a nurse from Penang General ⁢Hospital, has raised serious concerns‍ about hygiene standards ⁣at the popular food court frequented by ⁣hospital ‍staff.

The revelation occured when the customer noticed the distinct shape of a rodent within a container of browned fried chicken. Photographs circulating online and in local media ⁤clearly show the‌ fried‌ rat alongside the chicken pieces. The‍ nurse promptly alerted the Penang Health Department and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

A subsequent inspection revealed numerous hygiene violations, including a⁣ notable presence of⁤ rat ⁣droppings ⁢and cockroaches ⁣around the food planning and sales ‍areas. Consequently, the MBPP‍ ordered the nasi campur stall, along‌ with 12 othre vendors – selling apom (a type of pancake), chicken rice, Javanese noodles, fried chicken,‌ kebabs, mixed rice, and beverages – to close for 14 days for thorough cleaning and further inspection.

“The Penang city government⁤ has ⁤ordered the temporary ‍closure ⁣of food stalls for two weeks for thorough cleaning and further inspection. We will not compromise on food⁤ hygiene,” an MBPP spokesperson stated.

The Jalan utama Street Food center⁢ is a‍ well-known dining spot for medical personnel due to its proximity to Penang ‌General Hospital. Following the incident, several hospital staff members‍ expressed reluctance to patronize the food court. “After finding out there where fried rats there, I‌ was really disgusted and didn’t ⁣dare eat any more,” one medical ⁢worker, a regular customer, told local media.

the incident underscores the importance of stringent ‌food safety ‌regulations and regular inspections to protect ‌public⁢ health.Authorities ‌have⁤ confirmed they will continue to monitor the situation and ensure‍ the food stalls meet required hygiene standards before reopening.

October 23, 2025 0 comments

World

Penang NCPR Highway: Traffic Relief & Construction Update

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 8, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Penang’s‍ North ⁤Coastal Paired Road Project Set to Begin Next Year, Promising Drastic Traffic Relief

PENANG, Sept 8 – Penang residents and commuters traveling to Batu Ferringhi⁢ and Teluk Bahang are poised to experience significantly reduced travel times as construction of the long-awaited North Coastal ⁤Paired Road (NCPR) ⁣project is⁣ slated to begin in 2024. The 10.61km highway aims to alleviate chronic congestion on the existing jalan Batu Ferringhi, a single-carriageway route frequently overwhelmed during⁤ peak seasons and emergencies.

The RM2.9 billion project, known as package 1 of‌ the Three Major Roads and Tunnel Project originally awarded in 2013, will feature 8.41km of roadway and a 2.2km viaduct extending over the sea. Onc completed, anticipated by ⁤2031, the NCPR is projected to reduce travel time between Tanjong Bungah and Teluk Bahang from 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours to just seven minutes.

“For far too long, residents and daily commuters have had to endure worsening traffic jams when travelling from the city to Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, and vice⁤ versa,” stated State Infrastructure,⁤ Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari on Monday. He further highlighted the impact‌ of congestion‌ on emergency services, noting delays experienced by ambulances, fire ‍and rescue teams, and police responding to incidents.

The highway’s alignment will begin at Jalan Tanjong Bungah, pass by the floating Mosque, traverse the sea near Shamrock, and continue through Batu Ferringhi before concluding in Teluk Bahang. Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) is currently finalizing the detailed design, a process expected to take at least⁤ six months.Following design completion, an updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study will‌ be required, anticipated to take approximately 1.5 years.

Currently, the ‍state government, through the Penang State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN), is working with the state Legal Department and technical‍ agencies to finalize both the Supplementary Agreement and the Land Acquisition Cost Agreement (Laca) with CZC.The project budget includes RM500 million allocated for land acquisition.

According to Zairil,”Land⁤ acquisition will commence once the ‌Laca is ‍signed while for state-owned land,construction may proceed immediately after the signing of the Supplementary Agreement.” He added that the acquisition of private land is estimated to take between six and⁤ twelve months.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

World

Penang LRT Costs: Land Surrender at Nominal Rates

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 21, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Penang to Offer state Land at Reduced Rates for⁤ LRT Mutiara Line⁤ Project

Table of Contents

Penang to Offer state Land at Reduced Rates for⁤ LRT Mutiara Line⁤ Project

GEORGE TOWN, August ⁢21 – In a strategic move⁤ to contain costs, the Penang state ⁤government will transfer all state-owned land required for the LRT Mutiara Line to MRT ‍Corp at nominal rates. this decision, announced today by chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, aims to ensure the project remains financially viable.

Land Surrender Details

The agreement encompasses all land currently held by‍ the state, including parcels owned by local councils and the Penang Growth ‍Corporation (PDC). Chow explained that the state will only ⁢assess historical acquisition costs, ⁤foregoing any claim to ⁢current market valuations. negotiations regarding‌ these land acquisitions are ⁣nearing completion.

Did You Know? The LRT Mutiara Line is envisioned as a key component of Penang’s broader public transportation network, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and promote enduring urban development.

Budget Increase and Project Scope

Chow addressed the recent increase in the LRT project’s budget ceiling, attributing it to a significant expansion⁢ of the ⁤project’s scope following its transfer to federal oversight.⁣ “The costs cannot⁣ be compared to what was announced two years⁢ ago,” he stated, highlighting the inclusion of a cross-channel connection to Butterworth.

The expanded scope incorporates a connection from Macallum to Penang Sentral, adding to the ⁤overall land acquisition expenses. MRT Corp has affirmed that the current budget ‍of RM16.8 billion represents ‌a ceiling, with the final cost persistent after all work packages⁣ are⁤ awarded.

Work Package⁣ Status

Currently, only the first work package-covering civil ⁢and structural works from Silicon Island to Komtar-has been awarded. Packages for the ⁢Macallum to Butterworth segment and the systems works are yet to be ‍tendered. The government is committed to delivering the project under budget.

Pro Tip: Understanding the phased rollout⁢ of work packages is crucial for ⁤tracking the project’s progress and potential cost fluctuations.

MRT corp’s Appeal and Project Overview

Last month, MRT corp CEO datuk mohd Zarif Hashim requested the ‍state government to‍ set nominal land surrender rates to minimize project ‌costs, describing the Mutiara Line as the⁤ “moast reasonably priced LRT system in Malaysia.”

Project Element	Details
Project Name	LRT Mutiara Line
Total Length	29.5 km
Number of Stations	21
Route	Silicon Island to Komtar (Penang Island) & to Penang Sentral⁢ (Butterworth)
estimated Completion	2031
Budget ceiling	RM16.8 billion

The LRT ⁣Mutiara Line will‍ traverse 29.5km with 21 stations, connecting Silicon island to Komtar on the island and ⁢extending across the⁣ channel to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. The project is a cornerstone ⁢of Penang’s long-term transportation plan, with three additional lines planned for Tanjung Bungah, ‍Batu ferringhi, and Air‍ Itam, aiming⁤ for full completion by⁢ 2050. This aligns with broader urban planning principles emphasizing integrated public transport systems [1].

what challenges⁢ do you foresee in coordinating the construction of multiple LRT lines concurrently in Penang? How will this project impact property values and urban development along ‌its route?

Looking Ahead: Penang’s Transportation Future

The LRT Mutiara Line represents ‍a significant investment in Penang’s future, addressing growing concerns about‍ traffic congestion and environmental sustainability. ⁣The project’s success hinges on‍ effective‌ project management, transparent procurement processes, and ongoing collaboration between state⁤ and federal authorities. The⁢ broader vision of a extensive LRT network positions Penang as a leader ‌in sustainable urban mobility in Malaysia. Further development of ‌Bus ⁣Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and integrated ticketing solutions will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of the LRT investment, as highlighted in research on integrated transport networks [2].

Frequently ‌Asked Questions

What is the‌ LRT Mutiara Line? It’s a 29.5km light rail transit system planned for Penang,⁢ connecting ‌Silicon Island to Butterworth.
What ⁢is the ⁤current budget for the LRT project? The⁢ current budget‌ ceiling is RM16.8 billion.
When is the LRT Mutiara Line expected to be completed? The project is slated for completion in 2031.
Why is the Penang state government offering land at nominal rates? To help keep the project costs⁢ down and ensure its financial viability.
What other LRT lines are‍ planned for Penang? Three ⁤additional lines are planned for Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi,‍ and Air Itam.

We’re excited to see this transformative project take shape! Share this article with your network, and let us know your thoughts in ⁣the comments below. ⁢Don’t forget to subscribe to World Today News for the⁣ latest updates on this and other important stories.

August 21, 2025 0 comments