By Charles Tan

I no longer stay in Penang but I support the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) scheme. The main reason is because it provides funding for Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) without which PTMP will not have the fund to proceed. Let’s understand that traffic jams in Penang is also getting worse and there are no alternative roads usually. Connectivity will also enhance business activities which is a good thing for the state and its people. As for the details for PSR and how it will affect the environment and the fishermen’s livelihood for example, that will have to be transparently handled. The latest news is that PSR’s current scale may be resized (downwards) if there are federal funding for its PTMP.

Article in thestar.com.my Chief Minister Chow Kon Yew said, “We can relook at the scale of the PSR project if we have the funding from the government. The size of the land to be reclaimed can be relooked, but the PSR scheme is still needed. We need PSR not only to finance the PTMP, but also to drive the state’s economic development in the future.” The PSR is a massive reclamation plan totalling 1,800ha. This is the size of 3,600 football fields. There will be three man-made islands for PSR; Island A (930ha), Island B (445ha) and Island C (323ha). Island A is seen as a conti­n­­­uation and expansion of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) while Island B will be “a playground for city planners and architects to give their best design” with a tram system and green spaces. Island C is meant for a mixed development project. Chow said that currently the Department of Environment (DoE) has only approved the Environmental Impact Assess­ment (EIA) of the Pan Island Link 1 connecting Gurney Drive to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway near Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone. For the full article, do refer to Article in thestar.com.my

FIZ is already fully occupied except for some small pockets of land here and there. Given a choice, any electronic manufacturing plant will prefer to be located as near to the island as possible. The reason is not just for logistics connectivity but also for hiring of professionals. Truth is, it’s not easy to hire good talents and get them to work far away from Penang island. island B will be a very interesting model. If it’s successfully carried out, I think it will be a great place to stay too. Perhaps there’s no need to drive! Last but not least, I would like to remind everyone about that important matter too; Penang International Airport. Even after expansion, it’s still considered small if we look at Penang as an entry point into Malaysia from the northern side. By the way, it’s closer to China, for example… Happy following.

Charles Tan – the founder of kopiandproperty.com. He is popular for sharing his thought on property investment mostly based on his own 15 years experience as well as from all the readings and conversations with property gurus in the industry. He is presently the CEO of an auction house auctioning assets beyond just properties. (Source)