Source: PBA

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced six major water supply projects valued at over RM1.8 billion to meet the rising water demand in the state. Four of these projects, costing a total of RM824 million, are set to begin this year under the state’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).

The planned initiatives include two new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 228 million litres per day (MLD). The Mengkeng Dam plant will cost RM250 million, while the Sungai Kerian plant is valued at RM402 million. Additionally, PBAPP will install a 13km pipeline from the Sungai Dua plant to Butterworth at a cost of RM128 million and a 3.9km pipeline connecting Macallum to the Bukit Dumbar Reservoir and Pumping Station Complex on Penang Island for RM44 million.

PBAPP, a subsidiary of PBA Holdings Bhd, has secured a commitment from Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), a Ministry of Finance-owned entity, to fund two additional water treatment plants. The Sungai Perai plant will have a capacity of 136 MLD and cost RM588 million, while the Sungai Muda plant, with a 114 MLD capacity, is estimated at RM435 million. PBAPP will repay PAAB through long-term financing arrangements.

PBAPP CEO Datuk K. Pathmanathan emphasized the importance of these projects, stating that PBAPP and the state government are also advocating for federal funding. Between RM500 million and RM700 million is projected for six federal water projects, including the Lahar Yooi Pump House and a dual-purpose pipeline linking Mengkuang Dam and the Sungai Dua Canal.

Furthermore, Penang plans to apply for federal support for two off-river storage schemes under the 13th Malaysia Plan, ensuring sustainable water management for the state’s growing needs.

Penang Smart Parking (PSP) users can continue to enjoy free parking from 6 January 2025 at 3:30 PM until 11 January 2025 at 11:59 PM. This extension comes as the app continues to face technical issues, providing users with a temporary relief while the problems are being resolved.

For users who have made parking payments during this free parking period, refunds will be processed automatically. The refunded amount will be credited to the PSP eWallet within seven working days starting from 12 January 2025. This ensures that users are not financially impacted by the app’s technical difficulties.

Users requiring assistance or further clarification can contact PSP’s customer support team. The PSP hotline is available at 1700-81-8113 or 1300-30-0080. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to support_psp@htpsmartsolution.com.my or through direct messages on PSP’s official social media platforms.

The initiative to offer free parking underscores PSP’s commitment to minimizing inconvenience for its users while the system issues are addressed.

Photo: @DroneAriel

This year’s iconic Pesta Pulau Pinang is set to be the last held at the Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, as the venue will soon make way for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line development.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced during the festival’s launch that part of the site will be repurposed for the LRT project, which includes a secondary depot and transit-oriented development.

“While the 2025 edition will likely take place at a new location, the essence of Pesta Pulau Pinang – a celebration of Penang’s culture and community – will remain unchanged,” Chow said.

Launched by Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, the 58th Pesta Pulau Pinang carries the theme “Nostalgia Pesta” and reflects the festival’s rich history since its inception in 1966. Over the years, it has grown into a major tourism highlight, drawing both local and international visitors.

Chow also revealed that the state government has allocated RM4.5 million for the 2024/2025 edition to cover operations, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced visitor experiences.

Running for 44 days until February 2, the festival has already attracted over 150,000 visitors and generated RM745,840 in ticket sales. Organisers anticipate a total turnout of 500,000 attendees by its conclusion.

As Penang looks ahead to hosting the event at a new venue, the state remains committed to preserving the spirit of Pesta Pulau Pinang as a vibrant celebration of unity, culture, and innovation.

Picture: Pre-launching of Damai Lestari (Dec 2024)

Damai Lestari is a proposed landed residential project by PDC Properties, situated in Bertam, near Jalan Bertam 2. The development is strategically located close to Lotus’s hypermarket, Northern Seberang Perai Police Quarters, and other government buildings, providing convenient access to amenities and services.

Spanning 4.481 acres, the project will feature 28 double-storey terrace houses and 20 double-storey semi-detached houses, all with freehold tenure. The built-up areas range from 1,830 sq. ft. to 2,356 sq. ft. The development is expected to be launched for sale in the first quarter of 2025.

Property Project : Damai Lestari
Location : Bertam
Property Type : Residential
Total Units: 28 (terrace), 20 (semi-detached)
Built-up Area: 1,830 sq. ft. to 2,356 sq. ft.
Land Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price: (to be confirmed)
Developer: PDC Properties 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 eagerly awaited Elvina project celebrated a significant milestone as homeowners received their keys during a grand handover ceremony. The highly anticipated Elvina project in Jalan Sungai Nipah 2, Balik Pulau, Penang reached a major milestone with a successful key handover ceremony held on January 6, 2025. The event marked the completion of 26 double-storey terrace homes, with proud homeowners officially receiving the keys to their new properties.

The ceremony took place at the project site, and was officiated by YBhg Tan Sri Khalid Bin Ramli, the Chairman of JKP Sdn. Bhd. During the event, YBhg Tan Sri Khalid Bin Ramli expressed gratitude to buyers for their trust and support, promising continued quality and timely delivery in future projects.

“We are delighted to hand over the keys to these beautiful homes today,” said Encik Farizul Arif Abdul Mutalib, CEO of JKP Sdn. Bhd. “Our team has worked hard to ensure this project meets our high standards of quality and is delivered on schedule. We look forward to seeing families create lasting memories in these homes.”

Elvina strategically located in Balik Pulau, feature spacious layouts, modern designs, and are surrounded by key amenities such as schools, healthcare centers, and commercial hubs. With the handover of keys, the new homeowners will contribute to the growing community in Elvina, Balik Pulau.

Following the key handover ceremony, JKPSB is preparing for the launch of upcoming projects located in Nibong Tebal expected to fall in second quarter of 2025 and Permatang Pauh in first quarter of 2026.

The highly anticipated Seri Saujana Permai Phase 2 project in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal, is set to launch in the second quarter of 2025. This development, involving 38 units of double-storey terrace houses, is the second and final phase to be built in Taman Seri Saujana Permai, offer residents modern living in a strategic location. Located close to key amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial hubs, this project is perfect for families seeking comfort and convenience. It is situated approximately 3 kilometers south of Nibong Tebal town and 3 kilometers north of Parit Buntar town in Perak.

The Seri Saujana Phase 6/7 also located in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal, comprises 32 units of double-storey semi-detached houses and 42 units of double-storey terrace houses. The basic amenities around Taman Seri Saujana are already in place, and the area is recognized as a well-planned new residential settlement. Featuring stunning and captivating designs, along with a strategic neighborhood environment, this project marks the final development in Taman Seri Saujana, located in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal. Both projects will be open for registration and is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in May 2025.

The upcoming 31 Residence is set to be one of the most exciting mix developments feature an attractive design and are centrally located in Permatang Pauh, Penang and in front of UiTM Penang. The serviced apartments range in size from 500 square feet to 1,100 square feet, consisting of 180 units of dual-key, 226 units with three-bedroom, and 44 units of studio type. 31 Residence also offers 300 units of affordable apartment and 34 units of shop lot. This project will be open for registration and is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2026, with construction expected starting in June 2026. 31 Residence will have access to a child day care centre, youth game lounge, mini cinema, rooftop garden, infinity pool, and also community hall. These facilities are designed to enhance the lifestyle of urban families and it will become a new landmark in Permatang Pauh.