“This (LRT project) is one line. It should be done in one go, concurrently. Both should be completed together.

“But this is a federal project and only MRT Corp can make the final decision,” he told reporters at Komtar.

The RM10 billion LRT line is a major project aimed at improving Penang’s public transport system. The first section will connect Bayan Lepas to Komtar with 21 stations stretching 29km.

Last February, Chow announced the 29km cross-channel link, an extension from the LRT’s initial end at Komtar, which would cross the North Channel and reach Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai.

Penang Sentral is located near the ferry and bus terminals, as well as adjacent to the Butterworth KTM station.

Chow added that one of the key LRT stations will be located at the Penang International Airport, which is undergoing expansion to accommodate the new station.

He said the LRT station will be situated just 200 metres from the airport terminal, nestled between a car park and a mall.

In a separate development, Chow also announced that MRT Mutiara Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MRT Corp, had issued a tender notice for the rolling stock and railway system for the Penang LRT line.

The tender is open to firms with experience in delivering railway system projects over the past 10 years and those with technical expertise in railway management systems, with shareholders’ funds of at least RM100 million.