The 5.5km Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan will now be known as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in honour of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister who passed away on April 14 at the age of 85.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the renaming on April 16, describing it as a tribute to Tun Abdullah’s significant contributions to the state during his leadership from 2003 to 2009.

Among his most impactful legacies was the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly known as the Second Penang Bridge. Announced during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan in 2003, the bridge became a catalyst for economic growth between Batu Maung on the island and the rapidly developing industrial hub of Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan.

Tun Abdullah also played a direct role in shaping the area, having officially named Bandar Cassia on August 24, 2004. The name was later endorsed by the state in 2016.

Chow further highlighted other major initiatives under Tun Abdullah’s tenure that benefited Penang, including the RM1 billion expansion of the Penang International Airport, the RM2.7 billion Penang Sentral transport hub, the Butterworth Outer Ring Road, and the creation of the Northern Corridor Economic Region.

“In honour of his enduring legacy, the state government has decided to rename the Bandar Cassia Highway as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” Chow stated.

To mark his passing, Penang’s state flag will be flown at half-mast across all government agencies and local councils on April 18, with private premises encouraged to follow suit.

A son of Penang, Tun Abdullah—fondly remembered as Pak Lah—was born in Bayan Lepas. His contributions to the state and nation will be remembered for generations to come.