The much-anticipated Batu Kawan Bridge, located near Batu Kawan Stadium, is expected to open to the public in October, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The construction project, which began in December 2022, is now 85% complete. Although progress was briefly delayed due to a partial bridge collapse, Chow assured that the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has taken steps to prevent future incidents.

Chow, who also serves as the PDC chairman, stated that construction is proceeding smoothly and is on track to be completed by the end of September, with Umech Construction Sdn Bhd as the contractor. The bridge, which spans 1km and cost RM23 million, will feature a three-lane dual carriageway, enhancing connectivity between Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan.

During a site visit, PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar accompanied Chow, who emphasized that the new bridge will significantly improve access in the region. The public can expect the bridge to be fully operational next month.

About Orange Industrial Park

A light industrial park development by Tah Wah Group at Chain Ferry, Butterworth. Located near prime industrial areas in Prai, adjacent to Southern Pipe Industry (M) Sdn. Bhd. It is easily accessible via Jalan Chain Ferry, about 15 minutes drive from Penang Bridge. It features 38 double-storey semi-detached factories and a double-storey detached unit, with each unit offering a standard built-up area of at least 4,750 sq.ft. and a minimum land area of 8,020 sq.ft.

Find out more about Orange Industrial Park

The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has announced a revision to property assessment rates, effective 1 January 2025. This adjustment will see an increase of up to 5%, based on property categories, marking the first change since the current rate was introduced in 2020.

Mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid highlighted that 63% of the 362,097 properties in Seberang Perai would be affected by the hike. The revision will impact 41,988 flats, 140,333 landed residences, 29,527 trade holdings, 1,793 factories, 4,999 light factories, 154 gas stations, and 9,927 land parcels under development. The remaining 37% of properties will not be subject to the rate change and will continue paying at the current rates.

The state government has approved the adjustment under the Local Government Act 1976. Mayor Baderul noted that the additional tax revenue—expected to bring in RM10.757 million—will be allocated for maintaining cleanliness, waste disposal, road maintenance, and public facility upgrades.

In particular, 87.55% of flat owners, excluding those in low- and medium-cost units, will see an increase of no more than RM20 in their assessments. Others will experience larger hikes, depending on their property category.

Residents dissatisfied with the new rates can file objections via the MBSP website until October 14, 2024. These objections will be reviewed by the reassessment committee, with final decisions expected by April 2025.

This revision is part of MBSP’s broader initiative to ensure the continued development and upkeep of Seberang Perai’s infrastructure and public amenities.

Benchmark Precision Technologies has officially expanded its operations in Penang with the opening of its fourth manufacturing facility. The new facility, located at Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), spans approximately 8,000 square metres and offers additional space for future development. This expansion complements Benchmark’s three other facilities in Bayan Lepas.

The new facility is equipped with advanced capabilities, including robotic welding, precision sheet metal fabrication, and frame manufacturing. Datuk Dr. Bala Murugan, President of Benchmark Precision Technologies Group, emphasized that the expansion strengthens the company’s vertical integration, streamlines operations, and shortens the time-to-market for customer products, all while maintaining the highest quality standards.

“We expanded our Penang footprint to increase capacity for both new and existing customers, particularly in anticipation of growth in the semiconductor industry by 2025 and beyond,” said Dr. Bala at the opening ceremony.

The new facility integrates a wide range of services, including electronics manufacturing, precision machining, system integration, and post-manufacturing support. It is also expected to create up to 200 new jobs, expanding Benchmark’s Penang workforce, which currently numbers 1,500 employees.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated Benchmark on the significant milestone and emphasized the role of such investments in driving economic growth in the region. “The opening of Benchmark’s new facility marks an exciting chapter. The ongoing collaboration between the Penang government and industry creates opportunities for growth and development that benefit all,” Chow said.

Chow also acknowledged the efforts of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and InvestPenang in maintaining Penang’s status as a preferred investment destination. The event was attended by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and other prominent figures from the industry.

Image source: Facebook

The government will draft a new bill on urban development, which will among others set “consent thresholds” for redevelopment.

Presently, redeveloping a building requires a hundred per cent approval from residents.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this requirement could lead to unfairness if the majority of a building’s residents want it redeveloped, while the minority do not.

Nga said the ministry plans to establish a threshold of 80 per cent approval for buildings which are less than 30 years old and 75 per cent for buildings older than 30 years.

For buildings deemed unsafe and abandoned properties, he said, the ministry proposes a reduced approval threshold of 51 per cent.

“We are several decades behind other countries in urban renewal, compared to countries like Singapore and Australia,” Nga said in a statement.

“With this act, we can ensure that urban development is sustainable and safe for residents,” he said, adding that there are risks associated with aged and dilapidated buildings.

Nga said the National Council for Local Government chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, has agreed to draft the bill for the Urban Renewal Act.

It is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year.

Meanwhile, Nga said Kuala Lumpur City Hall has identified 139 potential sites for redevelopment with a gross development value of RM355.5 billion.

Previously, the National House Buyers Association (HBA) insisted that any plans for redevelopment, rejuvenation, or renewal of real estate in Malaysia must have the unanimous consent of all unit owners.

Source: NST Online