Penangites and stakeholders laud LRT ‘gift’

Published by TheStar • 4/5/2023

AFTER a long wait for a better public transportation system to alleviate traffic congestion, Penangites can now look forward to its first Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in the state.

This came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the good news to Penangites during the Jelajah Rumah Terbuka Madani held over the weekend.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had welcomed the announcement and expressed his gratitude to Putrajaya for being willing to fully fund the project.

Buletin Mutiara conducted an opinion poll and also managed to obtain constructive feedback from relevant stakeholders.

Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said the long wait has finally come to an end.

Wong

“Of course, all of us were elated over the premier’s announcement. It could able to reduce congestion as well as provide a better solution to the long-standing traffic issue.

“We are grateful to the ‘gift’ by the Federal Government and we look forward to the realisation of the LRT project,” he said.

He said the first LRT line from Komtar to Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas could provide an extra boost to the industry.

On the investments front, Wong pointed out this would be a catalyst to attract well-known corporations to invest in the state in the future.

“It is an added advantage for our industry,” he added.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said he was glad to receive the good news.

Goh

“It is no doubt that our tourism industry will rise, especially after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When the LRT is up and running, tourists who visit Penang can hop on to tourism spots.

“Once, they arrive at the airport, they can easily visit tourist attractions in the state conveniently. We look forward to it,” he said.

Liang Yee Kai, a Penangite, said he looked to a good start and a good finish of the LRT project.

“We are all delighted with Federal Government’s announcement as I foresee the state’s economy will be boosted,” he said, adding all Penangites would surely welcome such an initiative.

Liang

Emilee Tan, meanwhile, said it was a fantastic piece of news delivered by Anwar during the weekend.

Tan

“The commuters, especially students, can take public transport to their schools and that would help to save parents’ time.

“However, I hope the state government can preserve the green lung when the project is launched,” she said.

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting and courtesy of interviewees