Source: Buletin Mutiara

The expansion and upgrading of Penang International Airport (PIA) are progressing steadily, with significant advancements in infrastructure improvements and capacity enhancements.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the project is divided into three key Work Packages (WP). These include enabling works, airside facility upgrades, and the construction of a new terminal building.

“As of February 15, 2025, Work Package One (WP1) has achieved 31% physical completion. This phase focuses on critical enabling and upgrading works, including the construction of an ancillary building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) office, AVSEC Control Post, and local infrastructure improvements,” Zairil stated. Awarded in September 2024, WP1 is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Meanwhile, Work Package Two (WP2), awarded in December 2024, will commence construction in April 2025. This phase involves upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, airside drainage, and utilities diversion.

The tender for Work Package Three (WP3) is anticipated to open in May 2025. This phase includes building a new terminal and renovating the existing one, incorporating modern infrastructure and interior design enhancements. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with full project completion projected for 2028.

This expansion aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance airport facilities, reinforcing PIA’s status as a key regional aviation hub.

Penang is taking a significant step toward sustainability with a new requirement for all new public buildings to generate at least five per cent of their total energy from renewable sources, announced Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. This initiative is part of the Penang Energy Framework (PEF), a strategic roadmap launched last year to transition the state toward cleaner energy solutions.

According to Chow, while new public buildings must comply with this directive, existing public structures will also be encouraged to integrate renewable energy solutions. Similarly, new commercial and industrial buildings will need to adopt renewable energy measures according to Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s tariff categories.

“As part of our vision under the PEF, we aim to reduce energy intensity by 25% and generate at least 10% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. Our government buildings will lead by example, ensuring they meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability,” Chow said during the GreenRE Platinum Certification award ceremony at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan last Saturday.

To reinforce these efforts, the state government is introducing mandatory Building Energy Intensity (BEI) requirements for all new buildings. Specific benchmarks have been established, with office buildings expected to maintain a BEI of 150, retail spaces at 240, and tailored standards for hotels and hospitals. Initially, non-residential properties will voluntarily report their BEI values, transitioning to mandatory online submissions by 2026.

The event also marked a milestone in sustainable development, as Design Village Outlet Mall became Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall. Chow commended PE Land Penang, the developer and operator of the mall, for aligning with the Penang2030 vision and PEF goals.

“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work together to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang,” Chow stated. He emphasized that the Design Village Outlet Mall serves as an inspiration for other commercial developments across Malaysia.

PE Land Penang’s chief operating officer Andy Song highlighted the rigorous standards required to attain GreenRE Platinum certification, noting that Design Village exceeded expectations by earning 107 out of 120 possible credits in sustainability metrics.

In addition to the GreenRE Platinum certification, Design Village Outlet Mall also announced the launch of an EV Charging Hub and a Food Waste Composting initiative. The new EV Charging Hub will feature a 120kW DC fast charger along with 13 AC chargers, providing greater convenience for electric vehicle owners while promoting sustainable transportation.

“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years,” Song said.

As Penang moves forward with its renewable energy goals, these initiatives set a strong precedent for sustainable development in the state. With clear benchmarks, government-led initiatives, and private sector participation, Penang is poised to become a leader in energy efficiency and green building innovation.

Penang’s largest pickleball facility has officially opened in Jelutong, offering 12 well-designed courts, including two built to international standards. The G.O.A.T Pickleball facility serves as a hub for learning, training, and community engagement, drawing players from across the country.

Officiating the launch, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim highlighted the role of sports in fostering community engagement, social inclusion, and overall well-being. She emphasized that sports should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background, and praised pickleball for its inclusivity and ability to bring people together through teamwork and friendly competition.

To mark the grand opening, Lim also officiated the G.O.A.T Pickleball Tournament 2025, which featured a prize pool of RM50,000 and attracted over 350 players nationwide. The tournament aims to boost the sport’s popularity and encourage more participation.

The event was attended by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Nicholas Theng, along with G.O.A.T directors Nick Lee and Kenny Ooi.

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Wawasan Open University (WOU) has taken a significant step in strengthening Penang’s semiconductor and manufacturing talent pipeline through strategic collaborations with industry leaders. By signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with TTVision Technologies Sdn Bhd, Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd, and Clarion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, WOU is actively preparing skilled professionals to meet the demands of high-tech industries.

This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts, such as those by the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), in developing a highly skilled workforce. With a vision to produce 60,000 engineers by 2030, as highlighted by InvestPenang CEO Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Penang is solidifying its position as a hub for advanced technology and foreign investment.

This push for talent development has significant implications for Penang’s property market. As high-tech industries expand, they create a demand for both residential and commercial properties. Professionals relocating to Penang for opportunities in the semiconductor and manufacturing sectors will drive the need for quality housing, particularly in areas such as Batu Kawan, Bayan Lepas, and George Town.

Moreover, the influx of skilled talent and multinational companies investing in the state will fuel demand for office spaces, industrial parks, and co-working hubs. Developers who anticipate these trends and cater to the needs of this growing workforce stand to benefit significantly.

With Penang positioning itself as a center for high-tech innovation, the synergy between workforce development and the property sector is undeniable. As more skilled professionals and businesses flock to the state, Penang’s property market is poised for steady growth, offering opportunities for both investors and homebuyers alike.

The long-awaited Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project is set to commence physical works in the fourth quarter of 2025, as announced by Penang’s Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari. The decision was finalized following a Value Assessment workshop attended by key stakeholders, including the Works Ministry, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia Berhad, and the Seberang Perai City Council.

According to Zairil, the federal-funded project aims to alleviate severe congestion between the Sungai Juru Toll and the Sungai Dua Toll by creating a dedicated express lane for through traffic. This will ensure that vehicles traveling between the two tolls can bypass local routes, reducing traffic buildup.

Enhanced Traffic Flow and Reduced Congestion

The Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway will feature a design similar to the elevated expressway in Ipoh, Perak. Vehicles utilizing the express lane will no longer need to exit at the Juru Toll, streamlining movement along the North-South Expressway. Meanwhile, local traffic will have separate exit ramps to enhance road efficiency.

Currently, all vehicles must exit at the Juru Toll before re-entering the highway at the Sungai Dua Toll, leading to frequent bottlenecks. The new elevated highway will separate local and through traffic, creating a more seamless and efficient driving experience.

Project Features and Upgrades

The project, spanning 17.4 km with approximately 8.95 km of elevated highway, will be implemented in eight phases. Among the key upgrades is the construction of two elevated U-turns, eliminating the need for traffic lights, ensuring continuous traffic movement. Additionally, the Seberang Jaya roundabout will be redesigned into an elevated structure, further improving connectivity to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE).

Zairil expressed optimism that these improvements would significantly ease congestion, particularly at the traffic-light-controlled intersection near Jalan Kebun Nenas, Bukit Tengah.

Cost and Toll Rates

Initially estimated at RM3 billion, the total cost of the project remains subject to revision pending final approval from the Works Ministry. When questioned about potential toll rate increases for North-South Expressway (PLUS) users, Zairil clarified that no such information has been communicated to the state government.

With an expected completion date in 2030, the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is poised to bring long-term benefits by improving traffic efficiency and easing congestion along one of Penang’s busiest expressway stretches.