THE depot land for the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line, located on Silicon Island, is on schedule to be completed and handed over to the project developer and asset owner, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), by the end of 2025.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus announced that 70 acres of the expansive 2,300-acre Silicon Island have already been reclaimed.
“Out of this reclaimed land, six acres have been prepared for the depot, with further reclamation progressing smoothly to meet the handover deadline.
“Starting 2025, we aim to reclaim 300 to 400 acres annually,” Farizan shared during a special site visit with journalists this morning.
Media representatives gathered early in Batu Maung to board boats for an exclusive visit to the sprawling Silicon Island project.
The tour offered a glimpse into its rapid progress and strategic importance.
Farizan also announced that a temporary bridge connecting Silicon Island to Penang Island would be operational by March 2025.
“This bridge will streamline logistical access for ongoing infrastructure works.
“The temporary bridge will serve as a construction access route until the permanent bridge is ready for public use,” Farizan explained.
The permanent bridge, a four-lane marvel in each direction, will open in phases.
The first phase, accommodating two-way traffic, is expected by mid-2027, with full completion set for late 2028.
The tour also highlighted advanced construction techniques, such as prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) to stabilise the ground and accelerate soil consolidation, as well as the construction of the temporary steel bridge.
“These milestones underscore the state government’s vision for sustainable urban development and green mobility,” Farizan emphasised.
Beyond infrastructure, Silicon Island is gearing up to transform Penang into a high-value economic hub.
It is expected to attract significant investments, create jobs, and strengthen Penang’s competitive edge in the region.
Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Szeto Wai Loong shared the project’s economic potential through a media statement.
“Some 220,000 jobs – direct, indirect, and induced – will be created, benefitting Penang and neighbouring states.
“By focusing on high-value industries such as semiconductors, medical technology, industrial automation, R&D, and artificial intelligence, Silicon Island will drive innovation and growth nationwide,” he said.
The first 100 acres of the Green Tech Park, designated for industrial development, will be ready by the first quarter of 2026.
Construction of manufacturing facilities is expected to begin shortly thereafter, with operations projected to begin by mid-2027.
In a move to ensure inclusivity, Farizan said the state government has prioritised the welfare of fisherfolk in the area.
“Of the 877 fishermen registered under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), 722 have received full ex-gratia payments, with the remaining disbursements to be completed soon.
“Additionally, 77 eligible fishermen from the Permatang Tepi Laut unit have already received new boats and engines, with the next phase set to benefit communities in Sungai Batu, Gertak Sanggul, and Teluk Kumbar,” he added.
Silicon Island represents more than just infrastructure – it’s a blueprint for sustainable growth, blending advanced technology, environmental consciousness, and economic opportunity.
As the project steadily progresses, it is poised to redefine Penang’s future while making waves across Malaysia.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud