The RM8.5 million road expansion and median construction project at Jalan Alma and Jalan Bukit Minyak (Phase 1) has officially been completed, aiming to improve traffic conditions in the area.

Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, stated that the project, executed by the Public Works Department (JKR), commenced in January 2022 and was completed in August this year.

The scope of the project includes a 1.1-kilometre stretch from Jalan Bukit Minyak near Kota Permai junction to Jalan Alma in front of the Shell petrol station. The project involved widening the road into four lanes, constructing a median, and installing streetlights.

In addition, a pedestrian and motorcycle bridge was built to provide safer access for students and residents in the area, especially for those going to the schools located along Jalan Bukit Minyak.

As for the second phase of the project, which covers a 2-kilometre stretch from the Bukit Minyak flyover (near the Shell petrol station) to the Permatang Tinggi junction, Zairil mentioned that funding is still being arranged. This phase is estimated to cost around RM12 million.

Zairil explained that since the second phase involves land acquisition, approximately RM5 million to RM6 million will be needed for that purpose, accounting for nearly half of the total project cost. The state government is currently reviewing the financing options for this phase.

He expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the successful completion of the first phase, which demonstrates the Penang state government’s commitment to improving road safety and infrastructure.

About Queens Residences 3

The third phase of the Queens Waterfront development by Ideal Property Group (also known as Q3), situated near Queensbay in Penang. Positioned strategically on reclaimed seafront land directly opposite Queensbay Mall, it’s an expansion of the successful Q1 and Q2. The new phase of development will introduce another 532 residential units, offering a choice of five different layouts ranging from 950 sq.ft. to 1,400 sq.ft.

Find out more about Queens Residences 3

A proposed affordable housing development in Teluk Kumbar, located near Jalan Kekabu 5 and accessible via Jalan Batu Maung. It is just a stone’s throw away from the upcoming Silicon Island and about a 5-minute drive from the Penang 2nd Bridge and a 10-minute drive to Penang International Airport. Nearby amenities include SK Permatang Damar Laut, Esen Beach, and several popular seafood restaurants.

This development will feature a 28-storey apartment building, comprising a total of 484 affordable housing units with a 6-level car parking podium. It will also include residents’ facilities, located on level 7.

The project is still pending for approval. More details will be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Batu Maung
Property Type : Affordable housing
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 484
Indicative Price : RM300k (affordable housing price guide)
Developer : (follow us to receive future update)

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.

About Sactuary Row

A freehold commercial development at Permatang Sanctuary by IJM in Bukit Mertajam. Located along Jalan Santuari 2, right across the road from Sanctuary Villa. It is only 2km away from AEON Mall and Tesco Hypermarket, about 15-minute drive to Juru Auto-City and Penang Second Bridge. This development features 24 units of double-storey shop offices.

*Photo taken in Sep 2024

Find out more about Sanctuary Row

Transport Minister Anthony Loke dismissed claims that the government is planning to introduce inheritance tax in the upcoming 2025 Budget, scheduled to be tabled on Oct 18.

Loke said he had never heard of such a proposal in cabinet meetings.

He was referring to a report quoting analysts from local banks that claims that the government will introduce new taxes.

“What is concerning is that these assumptions and rumours are believed by certain parties.

“There are DAP members of parliament who believe that the government will introduce such taxes,” he said in his address at the Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur DAP Ordinary Convention here today (Oct 13).

Also in attendance was DAP stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang.

“Government policies only become official if they are presented in parliament, and so far, there has been no discussion regarding inheritance tax.

“Therefore, do not trust these assumptions, as analysts can make all sorts of assumptions,” he said.

Loke said the decision-makers responsible for establishing policies are the government and the cabinet, and these must be ratified by members of parliament, not analysts from banks.

“The government is taking measures to ensure an increase in revenue and economic growth.

“At the same time, expenditures must be prudent, with no leakages or corruption involved. That is the government’s focus,” he said.

On Oct 3, a Malay daily reported that the government is expected to introduce five new taxes in the 2025 Budget, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable living.

The proposed taxes include the unhealthy food tax, carbon pricing tax, inheritance tax, high-value goods tax (HVGT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tax.

Source: NST Online