Penang LRT line must reflect state’s heritage and culture, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said even though the LRT line is important, the project should not follow a cookie-cutter approach. (John Shen Lee pic)

GEORGE TOWN: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Penang’s LRT line to embody the state’s unique cultural and historical identity.

Anwar said the project’s development must ensure a balance between modernisation and preservation.

Speaking at the groundbreaking of the Sungai Pinang LRT station here today, he said while the line was important, it should not follow a cookie-cutter approach, but should reflect the character of Penang, renowned for its heritage and vibrant arts scene.

“Look at how (US capital) Washington DC was built. It was developed, but culturally barren. Penang’s special identity must be kept,” he said.

Anwar cited the plan to permanently close the Pesta site in Sungai Nibong on the island to make way for a LRT depot and transit-oriented development (TOD).

He told chief minister Chow Kon Yeow and MRT Corp to seriously consider saving at least part of the site or risk having funds for the LRT project slashed.

Later, MRT Corp CEO Zarif Hashim said he would heed Anwar’s request. He said they would only need “a little bit” of the 17ha site for the depot and related works.

“The rest of the site has been planned by the Penang government to be developed as a TOD.

“This is because if the TOD is not developed alongside the rail infrastructure, it will lead to difficulties in the future. If the TOD is built later, it may not be efficient due to issues with access roads, perimeter alignment and other factors,” he said.

Separately, Anwar spoke about the issue of the lack of mosques shown in the tourism, arts and culture ministry’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 promotional video.

He said it was a storm in a teacup raised by the opposition, which could have been addressed by simply asking for it to be included.

“Why don’t they just give us feedback and let us fix it? Why make a big fuss? Even the Kelantan tourism advertisement doesn’t show mosques,” he said. - FMT