The Penang LRT—now officially known as the Mutiara Line—is finally becoming a reality. After years of planning, the first-ever LRT system in Penang is under construction, with work already visible along several parts of the island.
This line will connect Silicon Island, the Penang International Airport, Bayan Lepas FIZ, USM, Jelutong, George Town and Penang Sentral—forming a full north–south spine across the island and linking it to the mainland.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know.
1. What is the Penang LRT (Mutiara Line)?
The Mutiara Line is a 29.5 km elevated LRT line with 21 stations, developed by MRT Corp, the same agency behind the MRT lines in the Klang Valley.
Key features:
- Fully elevated line
- 21 stations (20 on the island, 1 in Butterworth)
- Connects airport ↔ George Town ↔ Penang Sentral
- Serves major residential, industrial and university areas
- Part of the larger Penang Transport Master Plan
It’s designed to ease traffic, improve connectivity and support Penang’s growing economy—especially the Bayan Lepas industrial zone and the George Town urban core.
2. Latest Project Updates (as of late 2025)
Federal takeover & redesign
The federal government took over the project in 2024, refined the alignment and officially named it the Mutiara Line.
Groundbreaking
Construction officially began on 11 January 2025. Pre-construction works and test piling are ongoing at multiple sites.
Cross-channel expansion
The line will cross the Penang Strait and end at Penang Sentral, connecting directly to:
- ETS trains
- KTM Komuter
- Rapid Penang buses
- Ferry terminal
Construction timeline
- 2025–2026: Major works on Penang island
- 2026–2030: Station construction, viaduct building and sea-crossing section
- 2030–2031: Testing and trial runs
Estimated opening: By end-2031
3. Route & Station Highlights
The Mutiara Line runs along one of the busiest travel corridors in Malaysia.
Main areas covered:
- Silicon Island (new reclaimed island)
- Penang International Airport
- Bayan Lepas FIZ (South & North)
- SPICE & Bukit Jambul
- Sungai Nibong → Sungai Dua → Batu Uban
- USM & Gelugor
- East Jelutong & Sungai Pinang
- Macallum & KOMTAR (future interchange)
- Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
Travellers can eventually take the LRT from Penang Airport all the way to Penang Sentral, making island–mainland travel much easier.
4. What Will the LRT Be Like?
Modern & safe
- Automatic platform gates
- OKU-friendly design
- Elevated track for faster travel
Likely operations
- Daily service from around 6am to midnight
- Park-and-ride facilities at selected stations
- Driverless, fully automated trains (similar tech to Klang Valley MRT)
Travel benefits
- Skip island traffic jams
- Direct airport connection
- Seamless link to train lines at Penang Sentral
- Major boost to tourism, commuting and Penang’s tech manufacturing corridor
5. Why the LRT Matters for Penang
Less traffic, more convenience
The current airport–George Town route is one of the most congested in Malaysia. The LRT provides a reliable alternative that isn’t affected by traffic.
Boost for the economy
Better transport access helps:
- Businesses in FIZ
- Tourism
- Universities
- Local neighbourhoods
- Property values around stations
More sustainable travel
With thousands of workers commuting daily, the LRT supports cleaner, low-carbon mobility.
6. When Can We Ride It?
The official target is for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line to open by December 2031—with progressive construction milestones from 2025 onwards.
As works ramp up, expect:
- Visible viaduct construction
- Traffic diversions along the east coast
- Frequent progress updates by MRT Corp
In Short
The Penang LRT Mutiara Line is no longer just a proposal—it’s being built. When completed, Penangites and travellers can look forward to:
- Smooth airport–city travel
- Easier mainland connections
- Faster commutes
- A modern, integrated public transport system
