Chief Minister Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow announced that the Batu Kawan Public Market, covering 7.7 acres in Bandar Cassia, is currently undergoing land treatment ahead of tender openings expected in December.

Valued at RM60 million, which includes road upgrades, this will be the first public market in Batu Kawan, designed to better serve local residents. The project is anticipated to take 24 months to complete, with Chow expressing hope for a swift timeline due to the community’s pressing need for such facilities.

Currently, residents rely heavily on goods sold from shop houses and unauthorized residential premises. Once the land treatment is complete, a contractor will be appointed, allowing construction of the public market, a hawker complex, and shops to commence as early as 2025.

Chow’s visit to the development site near Jalan Batu Kawan highlighted the project’s significance for enhancing local commerce and improving access to essential goods for the community.

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has announced that the NCER Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC) in Bayan Lepas is nearing completion and is expected to begin operations in December. The 23,000 sq ft facility, located at Hilir Sungai Kluang 2, has reached 97% completion, with full construction anticipated by November.

NCIA chief executive officer Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan shared these updates during a working visit by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The NTIC aims to become a key technology hub, supporting industry clusters, enhancing supply chain integration, and fostering innovation and technological growth. It will focus on five key sectors: Electrical and Electronics (E&E), Machinery and Equipment (M&E), Medical Equipment and Devices, Aerospace, and Agri-Technology.

Chief Minister Chow welcomed the progress, noting that the NTIC will play a pivotal role in promoting high-value activities such as product development, research and development (R&D), technological innovation, and talent development. He highlighted the potential for the NTIC to create new high-value job opportunities, boosting Penang’s economy.

Mohamad Haris also praised Penang’s strong economic ecosystem, citing positive feedback from potential investors during trade missions. He emphasized key NTIC initiatives, including the Advanced Technology Meister Programme (ATMP), Centre of Excellence Provider (CoEP), Centre of Excellence User (CoEU), and the Technology & Innovation (T&I) platform, all designed to strengthen technological capabilities and attract investment in the region.

The road leading to Penang Botanic Gardens will experience a partial closure from October 15, 2023, to June 30, 2026, due to the construction of the much-anticipated Penang Hill cable car project. This initiative is a collaboration between Penang Hill Corporation and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, with Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, an Austria-based leader in ropeway systems, providing the cable car infrastructure.

During this period, while the Penang Botanic Gardens will remain open to the public, visitors will face parking adjustments. They are required to park at designated lots located between 750 meters to 1 kilometer away, including at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple), Youth Park, and Nattukkottai Chattier Temple parking areas. From there, visitors will need to walk to the gardens. Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari advised against roadside parking and encouraged carpooling or public transportation due to limited parking options.

The partial closure will begin at the intersection of Jalan Kebun Bunga and Lorong Air Terjun, near the Park Avenue apartment. Traffic controllers will be stationed at key points, including the Penang Botanic Gardens Department’s office, to manage the flow of vehicles. Only authorised vehicles and residents will have access to the closed sections of the road.

Heavy construction vehicles will operate during non-peak hours on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a section of Viaduct Road near Bypath J, which connects to the Jeep Track at KM3.8, will also be closed during Phase Two of the project. Hill residents are encouraged to use alternative routes, such as Jalan Tuanku Yahya Petra (Summit Road) and Upper Tunnel Road, for access.

The Penang Hill cable car project promises to enhance connectivity to Penang Hill, though temporary disruptions are expected during the construction phase.

The Penang government is taking a bold step towards becoming Malaysia’s first state to offer green-certified affordable housing, a move that aligns with its broader mission to enhance environmental sustainability. Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu emphasized that this initiative is designed to promote environmental awareness and accountability among the public.

Sundarajoo highlighted that all affordable housing in Penang, regardless of price, will come with a green certification from recognized bodies such as GreenRE or the Green Building Index (GBI). “Whether a house is priced at RM42,000 or RM300,000, it will include green certification,” he stated. This is a significant milestone for the state, as it integrates sustainability into the housing sector while keeping affordability in mind.

Green certifications such as GreenRE and GBI play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed in an environmentally friendly manner. GreenRE, launched by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) in 2013, promotes sustainable practices in the property sector, while GBI is Malaysia’s premier green rating tool for buildings, driving energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

The introduction of green-certified affordable housing is not just a housing initiative but a step toward tackling the ongoing challenges of climate change. Penang has already been experiencing the effects of extreme weather patterns, making it imperative for the state to adopt measures that contribute to environmental protection. This affordable housing initiative is just one part of the larger effort by the Penang government to promote sustainability.

In addition to the housing project, the Penang government has launched other green initiatives, including planting over 1.2 million trees across the state. Sundarajoo announced that plans are underway to plant Pinang (areca nut palm) trees next year, marking Penang’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Another successful initiative was the hibiscus tree-planting campaign, in which over 7,600 hibiscus trees were planted in conjunction with Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day, exceeding the original target of 6,700.

Sundarajoo also reflected on the Penang Green Council’s (PGC) pioneering role in promoting environmental sustainability since its inception in 2011. He recalled his involvement in the early days of the council, which was founded under the leadership of former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. One of PGC’s earliest major initiatives was the “No Free Plastic Day” campaign, aimed at reducing plastic waste. This campaign was a key driver in the eventual ban on plastic straws in the state.

Through these collective efforts, Penang is positioning itself as a leader in green practices, not just within Malaysia but on a global scale. By integrating green certification into affordable housing, Penang is setting a precedent for other states to follow. The initiative represents a commitment to ensuring that even the most cost-effective homes meet the highest environmental standards, benefiting both residents and the planet.

As the state continues to tackle climate challenges, every small action counts, and Penang’s green-certified housing initiative is a vital step toward a more sustainable future.

Penang CM YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow recently led a site visit to inspect the progress of development projects by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and its subsidiary, PDC Properties. Accompanied by PDC CEO YBhg. Dato’ Aziz Bin Bakar and PDC Properties CEO Ir Ismail Bin Ishak, the visit focused on Taman Cassia Cempaka Phases 1 and 2 in Batu Kawan, which are currently under construction.

Taman Cassia Cempaka spans 28.4 acres and is being developed in four phases. Phase 1, launched in May 2023, has already sold out and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Phase 2, now open for bookings, features 27 units, including a luxurious double-storey bungalow priced at RM1,786,076 and 26 semi-detached homes ranging from RM941,043 to RM1,189,346.

Situated along Jalan Batu Kawan, this exclusive development offers convenient access to major landmarks such as IKEA, Design Village, and the Penang Second Bridge. Residents will also benefit from proximity to key services, including the Batu Kawan Police Station and Fire & Rescue Station, enhancing safety and convenience.

With its freehold status and strategic location, Taman Cassia Cempaka represents an excellent investment opportunity. Interested buyers can contact 04-2401999 for further details. This is a prime opportunity to own a luxury home in the rapidly developing Bandar Cassia area.