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

Regalway Industrial Hub, a light industrial development undertaken by Regalway Development Sdn. Bhd. in Simpang Ampat. It is conveniently situated near Jalan Tasek Junjong, in proximity to Muda Paper Mills. Just a short 5-minute drive away is Pearl City (Bandar Tasek Mutiara), while Batu Kawan is approximately 10 kilometers from this location. Surrounding communities include various housing schemes in Pearl City and Hijauan Hills by Asas Dunia.

This development features a diverse range of offerings, including 38 units of 2-storey detached light industrial factories, 7 units of 2-storey commercial showrooms, and 20 units of 2-storey semi-detached commercial units. The light industrial factories, with a generous build-up area of 9,780 square feet, are designed to feature a spacious double-ceiling high volume of 34 feet, 4.5-meter front and side loading bays, and 2 ton/m2 load-bearing capacity on the ground floor.

Project Name: Regalway Industrial Hub
Location : Simpang Ampat
Property Type : Industrial
Total Units: 38 (light industrial factory), 7 (showroom), 20 (commercial)
Built-up Size: 9,780 sq.ft. (light industrial factory)
Land Tenure : Freehold
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer: Regalway Development Sdn. Bhd.

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.

The proposed easing of the conditions for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has been welcomed by some expatriates in Penang.

They said it would allow them to continue calling Malaysia their home while the country attracts many new participants who can contribute to the economy, cultural diversity and talent market.

Their comments came following the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who during the tabling of Budget 2024 on Oct 13, said Putrajaya is looking to ease MM2H conditions to make Malaysia more tourist- and investor-friendly.

Stringent conditions implemented since August 2021 have led to a significant drop in MM2H applications.

While the actual proposed changes have yet to be announced, expatriates like Emi Yamazaki hope it involves a lowering of the monthly income requirement.

“The savings and assets are not the main problem for most foreigners considering living in Malaysia. It’s the monthly income as most retirees’ pensions do not reach RM40,000.

“For the few that do, other options like Australia, America or England would be on the table. Lowering the amount will make a huge difference in attracting people to come and spend here.

“If I had to give an amount, the previous sum of RM10,000 per person or RM20,000 for a couple was reasonable,” said Yamazaki, a Japanese who has lived in Penang for the past 22 years.

Yamazaki said she has contributed significantly to the state’s cultural scene, having been involved with numerous community events that foster closer ties between the peoples of Malaysia and Japan.

“Penang is a wonderful place to live. It’s comfortable, relaxing and reasonably priced. Everybody is friendly and the bucolic atmosphere feels like paradise.”

Neighbouring countries like Thailand and the Philippines have similar programmes for expatriates but with less stringent requirements.

Another expatriate, who moved to Penang five years ago from Thailand, is considering heading back to the country’s northern neighbour after the family’s visa expires next year.

“Unfortunately, I know many friends who are selling their properties and leaving. We might reconsider depending on what rules are being relaxed and when they will take effect,” she said.

She also hopes the government will resolve to maintain any new criteria for the foreseeable future and not flip-flop every time there is a change of heart or administration.

“Or at least, uphold conditions that were originally in place and agreed upon for existing residents when they first applied, and continue them for each renewal until cancellation.

“That’s because many foreigners under the MM2H programme like myself have made Malaysia our first home rather than our second.

“This is our permanent place of residence.

“We all contribute to the Malaysian economy daily and all we’re asking is to have some long-term security rather than being seen as a tourist or six-month holidayer.

“Imagine buying property and then suddenly discovering that you’re no longer eligible to stay here,” she added.

Source: TheStar.com.my

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Penang Hill funicular railway, the iconic Air Itam roundabout has been beautifully decorated to mark this significant centenary milestone.

The successful commemoration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), and the OHM Group.

Ng, who was present at the lighting up ceremony yesterday (Oct 20), told reporters he was glad to be a part of this fascinating occasion.

“The decoration of the roundabout in the heart of Air Itam to honour the Penang Hill funicular railway’s 100th anniversary will brighten up the area.

“The roundabout has been adorned with a custom decorative artwork to celebrate a century of progress and heritage.

“Furthermore, to mark this momentous event, a gala dinner is scheduled at G Hotel tonight (Oct 21) and it will be graced by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak,” he said.

PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng thanked those involved in the decoration.

In the spirit of the occasion, those present took opportunity to capture memorable photographs at the roundabout.

Meanwhile, PHC will give away commemorative badges today (while stock last) to visitors using the funicular railway, which officially commenced its operations on Oct 21, 1923.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About Havana Beach Residences

Affordable housing development by Ideal Property Group at Bayan Lepas. Strategically located near Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. It is about 5 minutes walking distance to  SMJK Heng Ee (Bayan Baru branch).

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