KUALA LUMPUR - When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launches Penang's second Urban Transformation Center (UTC) at Penang Sentral later today, it will also mark the incredible conversion of the building into an important hub for the state.
When Penang Sentral was designed, it was seen as a transport dispersal hub for passengers commuting on express buses, localise Rapid Penang buses, ride sharing and taxis as well as KTM train services besides as the link to the cross channel Penang ferries.
Launched in 2018, Penang Sentral now has become an important commercial and public asset up north with the establishment of the Seberang Prai UTC and by the next decade, the last stopover of the proposed Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The UTC offices were designed and built by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) based on guidelines from the Finance Ministry which will become the role model for future UTCs.
It is located within the Penang Sentral integrated transport terminal developed by MRCB.
Located next to the Penang Port ferry terminal, the building also shares access links to the KTM train terminal and depot besides the supporting ride services of taxis, ride sharing services and buses, including express bus operators.
Bagam Dalam assemblyman Calvin K. Kumaran hopes the Penang Sentral can spark the return of stronger macro economic activities for the area, which falls near his constituency on the mainland.
Kumaran, a first term assemblyman was among the first elected representatives to tour the facility with Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, the former chief minister.
Both DAP leaders understand that Butterworth was largely outshined by the stronger growth of Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam and Bertam on the mainland.
The three township have largely captured the administrative, commercial and tourism aspects of the mainland.
So, the establishment of Penang Sentral and now a UTC facility inside, can inject more activities for the coastal township.
The UTC primarily houses various federal agencies that provide services, including the National Registration Department, Road Transport Department, Inland Revenue Board and National Higher Education Fund Corporation.
It operates from 8am until 9pm with breaks for Muslim prayers every Friday from 12.15 pm to 2.45 pm, and up to 5pm on the weekends.
When Anwar arrives at Penang Sentral this afternoon, it is part of five programmes that the Tambun MP would grace as part of his regular visit back to his home state.
Born in Cherok Tekun, Anwar will launch the upgrading of the Sungai Dua - Juru Highway stretch by elevating the stretch which is a crucial part of the North - South Expressway into Penang.
It is designed to disperse the bottleneck traffic there.
Then, Anwar will visit the gallery of artiste - the late Nordin Ahmad, a legend in the local film lore.
He will then officiated at the ground breaking ceremony of the Madani Arowana Mosque in Permatang Pauh and attend a community - driven engagement with the higher learning institutions in the football pitch at Kampung Cherok Tekun.
The highlight of his visit would then be at the Penang Sentral.
It opened in 2018, replacing the Butterworth railway station and bus terminal and the history is tied to the original town of Butterworth, which was established in the 19th century and named after the Governor of the Straits Settlements, William John Butterworth.
The UTC here is the 24th such facility in the country. - November 8, 2025.
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