To accommodate the rapid population growth in Sungai Ara and Hujung, and to promote the development of green townships, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced plans to build a new large-scale neighborhood park this year. The project, costing RM2 million, aims to enhance public recreational spaces and provide a green lung for the community.

Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara: A New Green Space

Penang Deputy Speaker and state assemblyman for Bayan Lepas, Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, revealed that the park, part of the second phase of the Sungai Ara development, will be named Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara. It will covering an area of 7,743.60 square meters (approximately 1.91 acres).

He confirmed that the construction costs would be fully borne by MBPP.

Enhancing Connectivity with Two Bridges

To further improve connectivity in the area, Datuk Azrul has requested additional funding from Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik for the construction of two bridges. These bridges will link the first and second phases of the green space development in Sungai Ara, creating a seamless connection between the two parks and improving accessibility for residents.

Once completed, the new park will be the third major recreational facility in the area, following the Relau Metropolitan Park and the Sungai Ara Linear Park. It will also be the largest park within the Bayan Lepas state constituency.

A Landmark for the Community

Datuk Azrul noted that while the Sungai Ara Linear Park is expansive, most of it falls under the Batu Maung state constituency, with only a small portion near the Sungai Ara private market belonging to Bayan Lepas. With the completion of Taman Kejiranan Lilitan Sungai Ara, he expects the new park to become a popular recreational spot and a significant local landmark.

Located at the border between the Bayan Lepas and Paya Terubong state constituencies, the park will not only benefit residents of Sungai Ara and Relau but also serve nearby areas such as Bayan Baru, Bukit Jambul, and their surrounding communities.

Commitment to Green and Healthy Living

“With the rapid development and increasing population in Sungai Ara and Relau, the most pressing need is public recreational spaces that cater to all age groups. Therefore, I fully support and advocate for this project to create a green and healthy community environment,” said Datuk Azrul.

The construction plan was opened for public tender on March 10, and work is expected to commence soon.

To manage costs efficiently, Datuk Azrul opted for a simpler but functional bridge design instead of the initially proposed high-cost structure. The original design included LED lighting, solar panels, wind and noise-resistant polycarbonate sheets, and a steel arch structure, with an estimated cost of RM800,000. However, due to budget considerations, a more practical design was chosen.

The Penang government has formally requested the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC), an initiative aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s global financial and industrial presence.

A letter detailing the state’s commitment to the project was submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 13, 2025. The PIFC is envisioned as a catalyst for attracting capital inflows, fostering financial innovation, and bolstering Malaysia’s semiconductor and high-tech industries.

The initiative is being led by the Penang Institute through a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) process. This aligns with Penang’s historical role as a global trading hub and its strong presence in manufacturing and technology.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the importance of Federal Government collaboration to ensure the success of the PIFC. “This initiative will drive technological investments, create high-value employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to both national and state revenue,” he stated during a media conference at Komtar.

Also present at the conference were key state officials, including Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, and Penang Development Corporation CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar.

The PIFC is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the semiconductor sector in the Northern Corridor, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). Additionally, it aims to support tech-driven investments, introduce new financial innovations, and diversify employment opportunities within the professional services sector.

The Penang Institute has invited financial institutions, property developers, industry leaders, and investment firms to participate in the EOI process. Interested parties can collect EOI documents from the Penang Institute between March 17 and March 26, 2025, during office hours. The deadline for proposal submissions is 12pm on May 19, 2025.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that every ministry and agency will pay special attention and act swiftly to ensure the smooth planning and execution of projects in Penang effectively.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said these development initiatives are crucial for improving the well-being of the people, especially the urban poor and rural residents who stand to benefit in the long term.

“I arrived in Penang today for several engagements, including chairing a Special State Development Meeting attended by the Chief Minister (Chow Kon Yeow), state executive council members and senior federal and state officials.

“Our discussions focused on the list of Penang’s priority projects under the 13 Malaysia Plan (13MP), covering aspects like road infrastructure, water supply, healthcare, education, sports, fishing ports and townships, which will be reviewed further.

“I also stressed efforts to repair and build new schools in Penang, along with other key projects that will bring benefits and comfort to as many people as possible,” he said.

Source: Bernama

About Lightwater Residences (Mar 2025)

The second residential project at The Light City by IJM Perennial Development Sdn. Bhd. features two 34-story towers with 262 freehold luxury homes, each equipped with a private lift. Located near the Penang Bridge and adjacent to The Waterfront Shoppes, unit sizes range from 1,324 sq.ft. to 3,466 sq.ft. with facilities on levels 6 and 25.

*Photo taken in Feb 2025

Find out more about Lightwater Residences

A newly proposed serviced residence in Jelutong, this development is situated on a 1.1-acre site at the intersection of Jalan Jelutong and Jalan Tengku, next to Alton Skyvillas by the same developer. It is conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from Penang Bridge, with a wide range of essential amenities available within a 2km radius.

The project features a 35-story high-rise, comprising 471 serviced residence units on levels 10 to 34. Commercial spaces are planned for level 1 and the rooftop, while the ground level will house 14 two-story retail lots. The development also includes an eight-level car parking podium and a recreational area on level 9, which will feature a swimming pool along with other recreational facilities.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Serviced residence
Total Units: 471
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)