The Penang government will redevelop three long-standing squatter settlements in Seberang Perai into modern residential areas, offering improved housing to residents at no cost. This initiative is part of the state’s broader aim to eliminate squatter settlements and raise living standards.

The affected villages—Kampung Manis (nearly 300 homes), Kampung Main Road in Perai (128 homes), and Kampung Ujung Batu in Bagan Dalam (357 homes)—have all agreed to the proposed redevelopment. Kampung Manis, the largest of the three, has existed for over 70 years.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu announced the plans during the Penang Housing Board’s (LPNPP) 2024 Excellence Appreciation Ceremony on April 21. He noted that most of the existing homes were built without proper approval and no longer meet modern living standards.

The redevelopment will begin with the construction of relocation homes for current residents. This will be followed by mixed housing developments that include affordable Rumah MutiaraKu units and commercial shop lots. A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued, and the project cost is currently being finalised. The state aims to break ground on at least two sites—Kampung Manis (36.7 acres) and Kampung Ujung Batu (15 acres)—within the year.

Sundarajoo also reported that Penang has delivered 166,607 housing units to date, reaching 75.73% of its 2030 target. For the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme, 5,096 units have been completed. Additionally, six urban renewal pilot projects are expected to benefit over 6,800 families.

MRT Corp has addressed recent public concerns regarding the progress of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, reaffirming that the project remains on track and within schedule.

In the past three months, MRT Corp has made key progress, including securing approval for advance works under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, which was officially obtained on 15 April 2025.

The project has also achieved a major milestone in land acquisition, with access secured for 86 plots and the issuance of the Section 8 Gazette under the Land Acquisition Act 1960. This milestone was reached ahead of the initial target of October 2025.

On the construction front, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS), the appointed Civil Main Contractor for Package 1, is currently working to fulfil post-award conditions as stated in their contract. The official Notice to Proceed (NTP) will only be issued once these conditions are met.

Following the NTP, SRS will begin finalising designs and construction drawings for the civil structures. In parallel, utility relocation works must be completed before any station or viaduct construction can commence.

MRT Corp assures the public that the project is progressing steadily and appreciates continued support and understanding as it moves through the initial phases.

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.