TRC expands Penang LRT role with 30% interest in RM2.69b cross-sea contract

PETALING JAYA (Nov 6): TRC Synergy Bhd has confirmed a 30% participation interest through its wholly-owned subsidiary in the joint venture awarded the RM2.69 billion Penang LRT cross-sea contract, expanding its role in the Mutiara Line project. The Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2) package will connect Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth through an approximately 5.5km alignment, including a 3.05km sea-crossing bridge. MRT Corp estimates that journeys between Komtar and Penang Sentral will take about eight minutes. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Friday (Nov 6), TRC Synergy said the unincorporated joint venture comprising China Communications Construction Company Ltd, its wholly-owned subsidiary TRC Construction Sdn Bhd and Ufuk Semarak Sdn Bhd had accepted the contract from MRT Mutiara Sdn Bhd. The five-year contract covers the design and construction of the sea-crossing viaduct, navigation spans, an elevated station and associated works. TRC Synergy expects it to contribute positively to revenue and earnings over the contract period, based on its subsidiary’s participation interest. The group did not specify commencement or completion dates. The latest award follows an earlier RM550.8 million CMC1 sub-package from SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, covering viaduct guideways and stations, segmental bridge girder launching, post-tensioning, grouting and related works. MRT Corp, which announced the CMC2 award on Thursday (Nov 5), said the extension would establish a direct rail connection between Penang Island and Seberang Perai. Passengers will be able to interchange with KTM train services, ferries and buses at Penang Sentral. The mainland hub will also provide onward rail access to the island’s employment centres and airport. In its February announcement on the revised railway scheme, MRT Corp said passengers would be able to travel from Penang Sentral to Komtar, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Penang International Airport. The revised scheme included provision for approximately 1,000 additional parking bays at Penang Sentral, adding a park-and-ride component to the planned mainland connection. The bridge’s navigation spans will accommodate vessels accessing the ports of Prai and Butterworth. MRT Corp said it was working with the relevant authorities to minimise disruption to motorists and ensure public safety during construction. Overall construction of the Mutiara Line had reached 16% completion and remained on schedule when MRT Corp announced the award. Separately, Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said construction of the Macallum–Penang Sentral alignment was scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. In a written reply to the state legislative assembly on Wednesday (Nov 4), he said preliminary works would precede major construction, including the bridge across the Penang Strait. The alignment was targeted for completion in December 2031, alongside the Silicon Island–Komtar section, Bernama reported. Bagan Luar has been designated as a provisional station to accommodate possible future expansion. MRT Corp’s revised scheme also retains PSR A as a provisional station to support future development as the population grows. Under the scheme announced in February, the overall Mutiara Line will span approximately 29.67km, with 20 stations and two provisional stations. MRT Corp said then that passenger operations were expected to begin in December 2031. .......... EdgeProp monthly brings you data, insights and solutions for an evolving market. Subscribe now for your free copy! Follow our channels to receive property news updates 24/7 round the clock. Telegram