Penang Sentral Set to Become Mainland’s Integrated Transport Hub

The Transport Ministry (MOT) is set to give the Butterworth KTM station a major upgrade worth RM30 million as part of efforts to establish Penang Sentral as the key transport hub for Seberang Perai.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project, under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan, is now in the evaluation phase, with contractor appointments expected next month before work begins soon after.

Once completed, the upgraded Butterworth station will link rail services, including KTM, ETS, and Komuter directly with the Penang ferry and the upcoming Mutiara Line LRT. 

Loke said this integration will transform Penang Sentral into a seamless public transport hub connecting multiple modes under one roof. “This isn’t just about developing the island, Seberang Perai will also benefit and emerge as a new growth centre,” he said after officiating at the Penang DAP Annual Convention 2025.

He also announced plans by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the Penang state government to expand the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and its air cargo terminal in Bayan Lepas. 

The expansion, together with a new logistics hub in Batu Maung being developed with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will double the airport’s air cargo capacity from three to six aircraft bays.

On the Mutiara Line LRT, Loke confirmed the RM16 billion project will stretch 29.5 km with 21 stations, the first LRT system outside the Klang Valley and will extend across to Seberang Perai as proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the Federal Government is committed to making the project a reality, together with the LRT, airport and cargo expansion, and KTM station upgrade, Loke said these projects will form the backbone of Penang’s next phase of growth.

Source: Bernama