GEORGE TOWN, April 7 -- Land for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot on Silicon Island is expected to be handed over to MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRTC) as early as May this year, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said the land for the depot, measuring about 27.7 hectares (68.5 acres), will be transferred over to MRTC once complete.

He said development can proceed in phases, without waiting for the full 930 ha (2,300 acres) of reclamation to be completed.

"We will not wait for the entire reclamation to be finished before starting topside development," he said.

"Once the land is ready, construction can begin, starting with the LRT depot site," he added during a press conference at the official launch of publicity and public vie...