We’ve been talking about the hectic traffic in Klang Valley for so long, but those from other states, especially in Penang are also well aware of the traffic that they have to endure every day.
Thanks to the LRT, MRT, and KTM train services, many Malaysians are able to skip the traffic by taking public transport to work. But are Penangites bound to have their very own LRT one day? Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke agrees that Penang is in dire need of LRT.
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Penangites need LRT but will it ever come true?
Despite agreeing on the necessity to have LRT in Penang, Anthony also admitted that it’ll be a huge challenge to make the vision come true. In an interview with the radio station 988 this morning (March 27), Anthony said that roads in Penang cannot be restructured, to ease traffic.
“In terms of structure, Penang is an island and many places have historical values that cannot be demolished or expanded. What we can do is to improve the transit,” Anthony explained.
He also said that the Penang state government has been asking for the establishment of an LRT for many years. In terms of how the Federal government can help Penang in achieving this vision, Anthony said that they are in the midst of a discussion with the Penang state government.
“We hope that the plan for an LRT in Penang will be finalised by next year before the tabling of the budget.”
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During the interview, Anthony also took the opportunity to talk about the traffic congestion in Johor Bahru, and to the people in JB, in case you’re not aware, the new Johor Bahru Rapid Transit (RTS) is expected to complete in 2027. RTS will also ease people traveling to Singapore from JB, as well as improve the efficiency in crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border.
You can listen to the full interview below, where Anthony also spoke about the airports in Malaysia.
LRT in Penang MIGHT be a dream come true, but it’s definitely not going to happen anytime soon due to the challenges. Our Penang brothers and sisters, do you think the LRT will significantly reduce traffic?
Also read: Sabah Will Be Getting Its Own Skytrain With The 1st Phase To Complete In 3 Years!
