Draft Sungai Nibong TOD master plan to be finalised by October

Draft Sungai Nibong TOD master plan to be finalised by October

By Audrey Dermawan

July 30, 2026 @ 1:53pm

Chow Kon Yeow speaking to reporters during a press conference in Komtar. -NSTP/AURIS FAQRURAZZI

GEORGE TOWN: The draft master plan for the Sungai Nibong transit-oriented development (TOD) is expected to be finalised by October, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.

He said the state government is currently conducting stakeholder engagement sessions before finalising the conceptual master plan, with implementation expected to span between 10 and 15 years.

He said the next phase after completing the draft would focus on determining how the project would be implemented.

"At this stage, we are conducting stakeholder engagement and expect to complete this process by October, when the Sungai Nibong TOD concept will be finalised," he told newsmen said after the engagement session here today.

Penang is aiming to transform Sungai Nibong into the state's first inclusive TOD, setting a benchmark for future rail-linked urban development.

The draft TOD master plan for Sungai Nibong is being positioned as more than a blueprint for development around the future Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line.

Instead the state government envisions it as a model for integrating transport, land use and community planning across Penang.

(Hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/07/1500251/penang-maps-out-incl…)

Chow said implementation would involve deciding on project management, financing and the roles of the public and private sectors.

He said MRT Corp's responsibility would be limited to constructing the LRT depot and station at Sungai Nibong, while the remaining components would be undertaken by the state government as the land belonged to the state.

Chow said the conceptual master plan would require further refinement before implementation, including compliance with planning requirements, the provision of public amenities and housing guidelines.

"When we call for tenders to invite private sector participation, some of these components may have to be refined in accordance with our planning guidelines, the provision of necessary amenities and housing requirements.

"That is the next phase of turning this plan into a reality," he added.

He said the proposed development covered about 24 hectares, excluding the Penang Island City Council component, or about 27ha, including the council's land.

Sungai Nibong is selected because of its strategic location as a future multimodal transport hub, linking the Mutiara LRT Line with existing interstate and local bus services, while being close to the Penang International Airport, the Bayan Lepas industrial area and surrounding residential communities.

The area already serves as a key gateway to Penang and now presents an opportunity to evolve into a vibrant metropolitan destination in its own right.

Keywords: Draft Regional Nst Penang Chow Kon Yeow Tod Sungai Nibong Master Plan Malaysia News