The Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia is set to embark on a transformative journey with the establishment of its own integrated campus in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. Spanning 60.03 acres, this ambitious project aims to bring together education, healthcare, volunteerism, and environmental stewardship under one unified and purpose-driven space.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held recently, was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and attended by key state leaders including Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Lim Siew Khim, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar. Also present were Tzu Chi Malaysia CEO Koay Ji-Yuan and Penang Commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong.

In his speech, Chow praised the long-term vision and scale of the project, describing it as a future beacon of holistic development. “Once completed, the Tzu Chi campus will nurture civic consciousness and a compassionate society. It will stand as a symbol of our commitment to building a future that values people, purpose, and progress,” he said.

He added that Batu Kawan, now one of Penang’s fastest-growing regions, is an ideal location for such an institution. Already home to world-class industrial parks, academic institutions, and thriving residential communities, the inclusion of the Tzu Chi campus will further elevate the area’s standing as a hub of sustainable and inclusive development.

“This is more than just a physical project — it’s about investing in values and people. As part of our Penang2030 vision, this initiative highlights the importance of building a society grounded in empathy and meaningful living,” Chow said.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the strong partnership between the state government and PDC in facilitating the project, particularly in the allocation of land and ongoing support.

Tzu Chi Malaysia CEO Koay Ji-Yuan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Penang government for its continuous backing. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to realise this vision. This campus is not only for us but for the wider community — a place of learning, healing, and unity for generations to come,” he said.

With its unique focus on human development and social responsibility, the Tzu Chi campus promises to be a cornerstone in Penang’s ongoing efforts to foster a compassionate, progressive, and sustainable future.

Penang’s housing and environmental development received a significant boost as the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) approved RM20.98 million for 57 maintenance projects under the 2025 Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP) and the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM). The projects, targeting both public and private stratified housing, will be carried out by the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

The announcement was made by YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo A/L Somu, Penang’s State EXCO for Housing and Environment, during a press conference attended by key federal and state representatives.

One major focus is the Taman Tun Sardon Flats in the Northeast District, which consist of 1,260 units built over three phases between 1979 and 1995. For 2025, RM900,000 has been allocated for four maintenance projects at the site, including rewiring corridor lighting, replacing stair and corridor railings, roofing repairs, and resurfacing roads. All contracts have been awarded through proper procurement processes, with works scheduled to begin on April 11, 2025, and complete by July 4, 2025.

In a related milestone, LPNPP has received strata title documents for seven lots from the Penang Land and Mines Office. These cover 27 blocks across Phases 1 and 2 of Taman Tun Sardon, enabling eligible residents who have completed their home purchases to apply for official ownership transfer from the Penang State Government.

Residents are required to appoint their own legal firms to handle the transfer applications to ensure that the process aligns with state land laws.

The combined efforts in infrastructure upgrades and legal ownership transfers aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while ensuring secure, individual property rights in accordance with strata regulations.

A historic en bloc property sale is unfolding in Penang, with over 100 prime pre-war homes and shophouses—many located in the upscale suburb of Pulau Tikus—now available for purchase. Locked in trust deeds for decades, these heritage assets are being released in what could be the largest collective subsale of mature properties in Malaysia, with a potential total value of RM300 million, according to a report by The Star.

Among the most significant offerings is the entire stretch of Bangkok Lane, comprising 39 two-storey terraced houses and two detached homes, built in 1928 by Penang tycoon Cheah Leong Keah for his extended family. These properties, renowned for their Straits-Eclectic architecture and original woodwork, are remarkably well preserved.

“There are no reserve prices stated in the tender documents,” said Tan Chean Hwa, Penang director of CBRE WTW Sdn Bhd, the exclusive marketing agent. “Bidders are free to submit offers for individual or grouped properties, based on title deeds and lot numbers. Flexibility is key.”

At present, CBRE|WTW is conducting a sale by tender process and invite interested parties to obtain further information directly from them. The tender closes on 9 May 2025 at 12pm. Potential buyers are advised to take into account heritage preservation regulations, urban planning restrictions, plot ratios, and infrastructure requirements.

Beyond Bangkok Lane, other valuable parcels include a 2.32-acre plot at the junction of Kelawei Road and Leandros Lane, just across from Gurney Paragon—a rare opportunity for redevelopment. Also listed are 11 shophouses and a pre-war structure at the corner of Burma Road and Solok Moulmein, and 10 double-storey pre-war shophouses opposite SRJK(C) Union, near Komtar. Behind them, two rows of 34 pre-war homes line Phuah Hin Leong Road.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo expressed optimism about the suburb’s future, welcoming new investment while urging adherence to Penang’s strict urban planning and flood mitigation policies.

“This is Penang’s most affluent district within George Town’s CBD corridor, adjacent to Gurney Drive. We look forward to tasteful regeneration that respects the city’s heritage and infrastructure,” he said.

This unprecedented sale marks a pivotal moment for heritage property investment in Penang.

Source: The Star

Penang’s beloved ferry, Pulau Pinang, is set to reopen as a floating museum after extensive restoration efforts. Now docked at Tanjung City Marina, the refurbished vessel can accommodate up to 150 visitors and offers a nostalgic journey into the island’s maritime history.

Curator Siti Faridah Hani Damsi said the museum is nearly complete, with final touches underway on interactive exhibits, photo galleries, and interiors restored to reflect the ferry’s original design.

“We’re excited to open this unique space that preserves the legacy of Penang’s iconic ferry service,” she said. “Visitors will even get to explore the engine room, a rare opportunity to witness the inner workings of this historic vessel.”

To promote the launch, a roadshow will be held at Queensbay Mall from May 1 to 4, where entrance tickets will be available for purchase.

The Pulau Pinang ferry was decommissioned and towed from Bagan Dalam slipway to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in October last year before settling at its new home.

The restoration was undertaken by Printhero Merchandise (M) Sdn Bhd, known for managing souvenir shops at several national heritage sites, including Penang Hill and Muzium Negara.

The floating museum promises to be a new cultural landmark celebrating Penang’s rich transportation heritage.

The 5.5km Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan will now be known as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in honour of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister who passed away on April 14 at the age of 85.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the renaming on April 16, describing it as a tribute to Tun Abdullah’s significant contributions to the state during his leadership from 2003 to 2009.

Among his most impactful legacies was the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly known as the Second Penang Bridge. Announced during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan in 2003, the bridge became a catalyst for economic growth between Batu Maung on the island and the rapidly developing industrial hub of Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan.

Tun Abdullah also played a direct role in shaping the area, having officially named Bandar Cassia on August 24, 2004. The name was later endorsed by the state in 2016.

Chow further highlighted other major initiatives under Tun Abdullah’s tenure that benefited Penang, including the RM1 billion expansion of the Penang International Airport, the RM2.7 billion Penang Sentral transport hub, the Butterworth Outer Ring Road, and the creation of the Northern Corridor Economic Region.

“In honour of his enduring legacy, the state government has decided to rename the Bandar Cassia Highway as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” Chow stated.

To mark his passing, Penang’s state flag will be flown at half-mast across all government agencies and local councils on April 18, with private premises encouraged to follow suit.

A son of Penang, Tun Abdullah—fondly remembered as Pak Lah—was born in Bayan Lepas. His contributions to the state and nation will be remembered for generations to come.