Tender Evaluation Underway for Second Segment of Penang’s Mutiara LRT Line

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 21 — The tender evaluation process for the second segment of Penang’s Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line — connecting Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral on the mainland — is currently ongoing, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The review, managed by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) as the project owner and implementer, involves a detailed assessment of technical specifications, design criteria, and financial proposals before final confirmation of the contractor.

“It is still being evaluated,” Chow said during a press conference at Komtar on Tuesday.

No Official Word on Gamuda Withdrawal

Responding to media reports suggesting that Gamuda Bhd had withdrawn from bidding for the second segment, Chow clarified that the state government has not received any formal notification from the company or from MRT Corp.

He added that the alleged withdrawal will not affect the overall project timeline, as the first segment — spanning from Silicon Island to Komtar and Macallum — has already been awarded to the SRS Consortium under existing contractual arrangements.

Chow noted that Gamuda’s concentration on the first segment is actually beneficial for ensuring efficient progress and smooth traffic management during the construction phase.

Open Tender Encourages International Participation

The Chief Minister emphasized that foreign contractors are welcome to participate in the bidding for future segments, provided they meet MRT Corp’s eligibility and compliance standards.

This open approach, Chow said, reflects Penang’s commitment to maintaining transparency, competitiveness, and innovation in major infrastructure projects — factors that also boost investor confidence in Malaysia’s broader property and construction sectors.

Traffic Dispersal Project Underway

Separately, Chow announced the commencement of fieldwork for Package 1 of the Traffic Dispersal Project between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas, marking another key milestone in Penang’s infrastructure development.

“Package 1 involves service roads near the hospital area and will not yet impact the main highway,” he explained. “Additional packages will follow, and the full project is expected to be completed within four to five years.”

PLUS Malaysia Bhd, the project owner, confirmed that Naza Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the main contractor for Package 1 after an open tender process.

National Infrastructure Progress Driving Broader Market Confidence

The steady advancement of large-scale public transport projects like the Mutiara LRT Line reflects Malaysia’s wider infrastructure momentum — a key driver of commercial and industrial property demand nationwide.

Enhanced connectivity in Penang and the northern corridor is expected to complement development in central regions, where investor interest in industrial land in Selangor, commercial property in KL, and industrial property in the Subang area continues to grow.

Similarly, companies seeking expansion opportunities are showing increased demand for office space in Bukit Jalil and factories in Puchong, underscoring how infrastructure investment fuels business relocation and regional growth.

As Penang positions itself as a modern, well-connected urban hub, Malaysia’s combined efforts in transport and construction development are expected to reinforce investor confidence across both the property and industrial real estate sectors.