The physical construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line in Penang is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year. Chief Minister Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow expressed confidence in the project’s progress following an update presented at the State Executive Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan – MMK) meeting yesterday.

According to Chow, the CEO of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp.), Datuk Mohd. Zarif Hashim, and Mutiara Line Project Director, Azmi Rahman, met with him on March 11 to discuss the latest developments. A formal presentation was then made to MMK members, covering three key aspects: the current status of the LRT project, the proposed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Tapak Pesta, and land acquisition matters.

From March 12 to March 14, MRT Corp., together with SRS Consortium and the Ministry of Economy, is conducting a value management lab to finalize the project’s design and costs. This stage is crucial as the finalized details will be incorporated into project agreements.

Chow also mentioned that planning approval will be processed under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), allowing for consultation with technical agencies. On February 25, 2025, an application was submitted to PLANMalaysia for review, a necessary step before physical works can begin.

Additionally, the railway scheme approved by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) requires updates to include an extension from Macallum to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This extension, designated as Package 2, involves stakeholders such as the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). Meanwhile, soil investigation works are currently underway at multiple sites.

Regarding the Tapak Pesta development, MRT Corp. has proposed not only a station but also a secondary depot, leveraging the site’s ample land for TOD initiatives. The state government supports this plan while ensuring a portion of Tapak Pesta is preserved as a heritage site, in line with the Prime Minister’s recommendations. A formal proposal from MRT Corp. is expected for further deliberation.

On land acquisition, the MMK has approved the federal government’s plan to acquire properties along the alignment in the Northeast and Southwest districts. The acquisition involves both private and government-owned lands, including those under local authorities, the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC). Over 100 landowners are expected to be affected, with compensation determined through valuation by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and public hearings.

Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan – Commercial Hub by Metrio Group – is a thriving commercial destination designed to elevate retail and dining experiences. Featuring 7 versatile primary units subdivided into approximately 20 customizable retail spaces, the development offers businesses flexibility with an average unit size of 1,700 sq. ft.—perfect for cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and more.

Strategically positioned alongside high-traffic landmarks like Caltex Petrol Station, Burger King, Zus Coffee, and Asa No Hikary Bakery, Metrioplace guarantees exceptional visibility and convenience for both local patrons and visitors. The curated mix of F&B outlets, drive-thru services, dessert shops, and lifestyle retailers will foster a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere ideal for daytime gatherings and evening leisure.

Currently open for leasing, this project presents a prime opportunity to capitalize on the rapid growth of the Batu Kawan and Bukit Tambun neighborhoods. Construction is progressing smoothly, with completion slated for Q3 2025, ensuring timely occupancy for tenants ready to thrive in this emerging hotspot.

Commercial Hub by Metrio Group open for leasing, please contact Metrio Group at +6019-429 2441 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
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1818-3, Jalan Perniagaan Vorteks 1,
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(Waze)

A proposed mixed-use development in Jelutong, situated along the busy Jalan Perak, next to Skyview Residence. The site is within walking distance of Sunshine Jelutong and the newly opened G.O.A.T Pickleball facility, with convenient access to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway via Jalan Ahmad Nor.

The development will feature a 43-storey building with multiple components. It includes a 12-story commercial section with retail spaces and a 160-room hotel, along with a 12-level parking facility. The project consists of two towers: Tower 1, a 31-story office block with 829 units, and Tower 2, a 32-story affordable housing block with 634 units. Recreational facilities are planned on designated floors, including levels 12, 42, 43, and the rooftop.

The project is still in the planning stage. More details will be provided upon its official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Mixed development
Total Units: 829 (office suite), 634 (affordable housing)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The expansion and upgrading of Penang International Airport (PIA) are progressing steadily, with significant advancements in infrastructure improvements and capacity enhancements.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the project is divided into three key Work Packages (WP). These include enabling works, airside facility upgrades, and the construction of a new terminal building.

“As of February 15, 2025, Work Package One (WP1) has achieved 31% physical completion. This phase focuses on critical enabling and upgrading works, including the construction of an ancillary building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) office, AVSEC Control Post, and local infrastructure improvements,” Zairil stated. Awarded in September 2024, WP1 is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Meanwhile, Work Package Two (WP2), awarded in December 2024, will commence construction in April 2025. This phase involves upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, airside drainage, and utilities diversion.

The tender for Work Package Three (WP3) is anticipated to open in May 2025. This phase includes building a new terminal and renovating the existing one, incorporating modern infrastructure and interior design enhancements. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with full project completion projected for 2028.

This expansion aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance airport facilities, reinforcing PIA’s status as a key regional aviation hub.

Penang is taking a significant step toward sustainability with a new requirement for all new public buildings to generate at least five per cent of their total energy from renewable sources, announced Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. This initiative is part of the Penang Energy Framework (PEF), a strategic roadmap launched last year to transition the state toward cleaner energy solutions.

According to Chow, while new public buildings must comply with this directive, existing public structures will also be encouraged to integrate renewable energy solutions. Similarly, new commercial and industrial buildings will need to adopt renewable energy measures according to Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s tariff categories.

“As part of our vision under the PEF, we aim to reduce energy intensity by 25% and generate at least 10% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. Our government buildings will lead by example, ensuring they meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability,” Chow said during the GreenRE Platinum Certification award ceremony at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan last Saturday.

To reinforce these efforts, the state government is introducing mandatory Building Energy Intensity (BEI) requirements for all new buildings. Specific benchmarks have been established, with office buildings expected to maintain a BEI of 150, retail spaces at 240, and tailored standards for hotels and hospitals. Initially, non-residential properties will voluntarily report their BEI values, transitioning to mandatory online submissions by 2026.

The event also marked a milestone in sustainable development, as Design Village Outlet Mall became Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall. Chow commended PE Land Penang, the developer and operator of the mall, for aligning with the Penang2030 vision and PEF goals.

“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work together to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang,” Chow stated. He emphasized that the Design Village Outlet Mall serves as an inspiration for other commercial developments across Malaysia.

PE Land Penang’s chief operating officer Andy Song highlighted the rigorous standards required to attain GreenRE Platinum certification, noting that Design Village exceeded expectations by earning 107 out of 120 possible credits in sustainability metrics.

In addition to the GreenRE Platinum certification, Design Village Outlet Mall also announced the launch of an EV Charging Hub and a Food Waste Composting initiative. The new EV Charging Hub will feature a 120kW DC fast charger along with 13 AC chargers, providing greater convenience for electric vehicle owners while promoting sustainable transportation.

“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years,” Song said.

As Penang moves forward with its renewable energy goals, these initiatives set a strong precedent for sustainable development in the state. With clear benchmarks, government-led initiatives, and private sector participation, Penang is poised to become a leader in energy efficiency and green building innovation.