The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) plans to implement a build-then-sell (BTS) housing delivery system rather than a sell-then-build (STB) delivery system next year, to reduce the number of “sick” or delayed housing projects.

KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry will work together with the Real Estate Housing Development Association (Rehda) to overcome the issue.

“I will discuss with Rehda about the new business model incentives so that developers build new houses and sell them.

“This is so that there will be no more abandoned projects in the future as you are only allowed to sell upon completion,” he told the media after launching the Malaysia Property Expo (Mapex) 2023 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Nga said the ministry’s special task force revived 256 projects worth RM23.37 billion as at August this year.

“We managed to save a total of 28,863 buyers and we want to make sure there are no more abandoned projects,” he said, adding that 9,500 affordable housing units are on track to be completed under the 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PR1MA) this year.

Nga said that to date, 17 out of 24 sick housing projects under his scrutiny have been restored.

Source: Bernama

The expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2024.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the expansion would take about four years to complete.

“The next Visit Malaysia Year has been set for 2026 and it is crucial for Penang to have a spillover publicity,” he told Buletin Mutiara when contacted recently.

Wong was asked about the PIA expansion progress.

In tabling the Budget 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Government has targeted 26.1 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter) chairman Tony Goh said the Visit Malaysia Year in 2026 is expected to project Penang as one of the popular tourist spots to visit.

“The PIA expansion is an important project for the state to cater to the needs of the tourism industry,” he said, adding that the influx of foreign tourists into Penang has risen over the years.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Cyclists are happy that a temporary lane leading to Karpal Singh Drive has been opened along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang.

IJM Land northern region general manager Goh Su Yin said the 1km-long lane was to replace the bicycle lane which had to be removed to widen the expressway.

“This lane connects Karpal Singh Drive to Persiaran Bayan Indah in Bayan Lepas, and ensures better distancing between cyclists and motorists.

“An improved dedicated bicycle lane and jogging track measuring 1.65km will be made available along The Light Waterfront Penang’s promenade upon the completion of The Light City development in mid-2025.

“We apologise for the delay in the opening of the temporary lane.”

Chargeman BB Gan was pleasantly surprised to find that a temporary lane had been opened, enabling him to cycle to Karpal Singh Drive upon reaching the junction leading to The Light City building site.

“I was getting bored of my usual route along Persiaran Bayan Indah in the past few months.

“At least now, I get to enjoy different views on this new route.

“I will gather some of my cycling buddies to try the temporary lane soon. We may even cycle to the Esplanade and beyond,” said Gan.

Cycling enthusiast R. Mathevan said he would get his two sons to cycle with him next week, adding that when the previous bicycle lane was still open, they would make their way to Karpal Singh Drive weekly.

The previous bicycle lane was launched in 2012 and closed late last year before being removed. It was a collaboration between Penang Municipal Council, now known as Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and five developers.

It was part of the state government’s Bicycle Lane Master Plan to create 120km of bicycle lanes encircling the island and 80km more on the mainland.

In a StarMetro report on Jan 25, cyclists and joggers expressed unhappiness at the closure of the track which runs through the Linear Park.

The track and park have been maintained by IJM Land at a cost of RM13,000 per month for the past nine years.

The park’s ownership is shared by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

The front portion of the park sits on LLM’s right of way while the other half, which is a reserve for storm water discharge, is under the state DID’s purview.

The Light City is a mixed development with total GDV of RM4.5bil.

It includes a retail mall, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, office towers, hotel and two residential projects.

Source: TheStar.com.my

About Granito @ Permai

An affordable housing development by BSG Property in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. It is strategically located next to TAR College, adjacent to 2 Permai luxury residential scheme. This development featuring a 50-storey building with two residential towers and 12 levels of car park. There are 980 units of affordable homes with a standard built-up area of 864 sq.ft.

Find out more about Granito @ Permai

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who is also the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, officially inaugurated the Taman Kejiranan Hillside at Tanjong Bunga yesterday, as part of ‘My Taman, My Tanjung Bungah’ initiative.

Situated in the vicinity of Astaka Hillside and a myriad of food and beverage hotspots, Taman Kejiranan Hillside offers excellent public recreational amenities for residents of Tanjong Bunga with ease.

In his address during the inauguration, Zairil mentioned that discussions between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and him began as early as 2022 to repurpose the site that was ill-maintained in the residential area.

To revitalise the area, a nuanced approach was necessary. Hence, the concept of a ‘pocket’ park with a botanical element was considered.

“For years, the site was neglected, and when I was approached by Zairil, the notion to introduce new elements was present. Utilising the existing space, we erected a treehouse as one of the new components,” said the architect in charge, Loh Mei Ee, when asked about her inspiration for the architecture of the park.

Other recreational amenities introduced include a children’s playground, walking/jogging paths, benches and reflexology equipment.

Not to forget, LED lamps were installed throughout the park to enable residents to enjoy its amenities at any time of the day.

More than 20 species of flowers were planted in the park, ensuring that visitors could delight in the vibrant colours of the blossoms according to the blooming season.

Moreover, these flowers release compounds that can help residents or visitors de-stress while enjoying their time in the park.

“A total of RM317,777.10 was spent on the project. Of this amount, RM170,000 came from my provisions, while RM147,777.10 was allocated by the MBPP.

“Without the support of MBPP and the efforts that went into designing the park, this initiative would not see such results,” Zairil said.

Furthermore, Zairil hoped that these uplifting efforts would benefit the community of Tanjong Bunga and contribute to the Penang2030 vision of becoming a Family Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.

Source: Buletin Mutiara