The first phase of the long awaited Penang Sentral is expected to open to the public this October. Although launched 11 years ago, the project featuring an integrated transportation hub took such a long time mainly due to difficulties with land acquisition. This RM2.7 billion development is modelled after the Kuala Lumpur Sentral and is built on 12.8ha of land.

The highlight of the first phase is the transport terminal which stands 10 storeys high and overlooks George Town on the island. Set to be equipped with shops, ticketing counters and food outlets to accommodate the needs of travellers, the hub will link bus and taxi services to the Butterworth KTM train station and Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal.

Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees said that “the state is looking forward to its opening to ease traffic congestion in areas surrounding the terminal. Buses, taxis and ride-hailing services will have their designated areas in the terminal.”

The integrated transportation hub is part of the Penang Sentral project, which will also have commercial and residential components such as shopping complex, three 36 storeys office blocks and a 35 storey hotel.