Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) has awarded a RM3.028bn ($740m) system turnkey contract to the joint venture (JV) between Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Theta Edge for the Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line.
This step marks the beginning of the next major phase in constructing what will be Penang's first LRT system.
The contract covers seven major railway system packages, including electric trains and depot equipment, signalling and train control systems, trackwork and conductor rail, and power supply and distribution.
It also includes railway SCADA and computerised maintenance management, telecommunications and IT systems, and an automatic fare collection system.
The appointment enables detailed design of these railway systems to proceed in parallel with the ongoing civil works.
MRT Corp, the project asset owner and manager, stated that project milestones are on track as the Penang Mutiara Line continues construction.
Civil works under Civil Main Contract 1 (CMC1) are under way, with activities including the construction of pile caps, viaducts, piers and stations from Silicon Island (Pulau Silicon) to KOMTAR.
As of now, 32 pier columns and 45 pile caps have been constructed. Construction is active across 14 of the planned 19 sections within the CMC1 scope.
MRT Corp reported that 93% of the land area needed for CMC1 is now available, with continued collaboration among federal, state and local agencies to secure remaining sites.
Soil investigation has started on the reclaimed Silicon Island, ahead of future depot construction at this section of the route.
At the Tapak Pesta site, handed over by the Penang State Government in April 2026, clearance and preparation are complete, paving the way for civil works.
Tender evaluation for Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2), covering the alignment extension from KOMTAR to Penang Sentral, is ongoing. MRT Corp anticipates awarding the contract in November.
Additionally, Bumiputera participation under CMC1 has exceeded 20% of the contract value, according to the company.
The LRT Mutiara Line will stretch 29.67km with 22 stations. The viaduct alignment will connect Silicon Island (PSR-A), KOMTAR in George Town and Penang Sentral, integrating with existing public transport systems.
The line is expected to provide a capacity of 10,910 passengers per hour per direction, with trains accommodating a minimum of 405 passengers each.
