The government is confident of achieving its target of delivering 500,000 affordable housing units (RMM) by the end of 2025, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. As of 31 December 2024, 466,421 units—93.3% of the target—have been completed, are under construction, or are in the planning stages nationwide.

Nga addressed concerns in the Dewan Rakyat regarding rising house prices and their impact on young first-time buyers, highlighting Malaysia’s homeownership rate of 76.5% as of 2022. Affordable housing initiatives at the federal level include the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), People’s Residency Programme (PRR), Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR), PR1MA Housing Programme, and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) Residences. State governments also offer tailored housing programmes to meet local needs.

Budget 2025 has allocated nearly RM900 million to expand PRR and RMR projects, including 5,410 new RMR units. To ease financing, the government has enhanced the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP), offering loan guarantees of up to RM500,000 for first-time buyers. An additional RM10 billion in guarantees under Budget 2025 brings the total financing under SJKP to RM30 billion, benefiting 76,664 borrowers with approved loans worth RM17.86 billion since 2008.

First-time buyers can also claim up to RM7,000 in mortgage interest tax relief for three years. Additionally, the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme allows low-income earners (B40) and young professionals to rent PPR units with the option to purchase later.

Nga emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring affordability and quality through initiatives like the Malaysia Urban Observatory (MUO) dashboard, which maps housing prices based on median income levels. The Affordable Housing Standard aligns with the National Housing Standard (CIS 26:2019), ensuring consistent pricing and quality across developments.

With these measures, the government aims to make homeownership more accessible while maintaining high standards for affordable housing.

This is a newly proposed condominium development in Batu Uban, situated on a 2.23-acre plot along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, adjacent to the Vilaris Courtyard upscale gated community. The location offers convenient access to the Penang Bridge, just a few minutes’ drive away, and is approximately a 10-minute walk from the future Batu Uban LRT station.

The development will consist of two 20-storey condominium blocks. Block 1 will comprise 160 residential units, while Block 2 will offer 120 units. Both blocks will include a 4-level basement car park.

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

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Batu Uban
Property Type : Condominium
Total Units: 280
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : Freehold
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

Benchmark Precision Technologies marked a significant milestone yesterday with the groundbreaking ceremony of its fifth manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP). The new facility, set to be completed by June 2026, will be strategically located next to its fourth facility, further cementing Penang’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and precision engineering.

The ceremony, officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, underscores the state’s growing prominence in the global high-tech manufacturing landscape. The two-storey facility, featuring advanced production areas, cleanrooms, automated powder coating lines, and a multi-storey car park, represents an investment of RM110 million over the next 18 months. It will add 215,000 sq ft of manufacturing space, bringing Benchmark’s total footprint in Penang to 720,000 sq ft upon completion.

Group president Datuk Dr Balamurugan Sinnasamy highlighted the facility’s role in meeting the rising demand for Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) manufacturing. “This expansion will enhance our expertise in complex module assembly and high-level system integration for leading semiconductor WFE manufacturers,” he said. The facility is expected to create over 500 jobs across various skill levels and contribute up to RM4.5 billion in annual revenue at full operational capacity.

Jagdeep praised Benchmark’s continued investment, noting its alignment with Penang’s robust industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and strategic global connectivity. Since its entry into Malaysia in 2007, Benchmark has played a pivotal role in the region’s economic and technological progress. Jagdeep also highlighted the significant contributions of US investors, including Benchmark, in advancing Penang’s industrial capabilities.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang director, and MIDA Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed. This expansion solidifies Benchmark’s position as a Tier 1 contract manufacturer in Southeast Asia, while reinforcing Penang’s status as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

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

M.A.i GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned German automation solutions provider, has officially opened a new production and sales facility in Penang, marking a significant step in its international growth strategy. This expansion strengthens the company’s presence in Southeast Asia, a region experiencing rapid industrial transformation driven by automation and advanced manufacturing.

The state-of-the-art facility in Penang will serve as a regional hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence. Engineering teams at the site will develop customized automation solutions, adhering to the high standards M.A.i has upheld since its founding in 1999. The new location complements the company’s German headquarters while enhancing its ability to meet growing demand in Southeast Asia.

Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, highlighted the state’s robust industrial ecosystem as a key factor in attracting M.A.i. “Penang’s legacy of innovation and technological excellence makes it an ideal destination for investors. We are honoured that M.A.i has chosen Penang to expand its global presence and tap into the Southeast Asian market,” he said.

Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), praised the move, noting its alignment with Malaysia’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA). “This expansion underscores Malaysia’s rise as a regional powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs and fostering inclusive growth,” he stated.

M.A.i’s CEOs, Stefan Woldrich and Mario Michel, emphasized the strategic importance of the Penang facility. “Our German headquarters remains the core of our operations, but the Malaysian site allows us to efficiently serve Southeast Asia and strengthen our global network,” they explained. The choice of Penang was driven by its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and access to skilled professionals.

To celebrate this milestone, M.A.i will host a grand opening event, showcasing its cutting-edge automation solutions and future growth plans. This expansion not only reinforces M.A.i’s global presence but also highlights Malaysia’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing in ASEAN.