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.

Marriott Residences Queens Waterfront is a residential component of Queens Gate, the fourth phase of the Queens Waterfront development at Queensbay in Bayan Lepas. Developed by Ideal Property Group in collaboration with Marriott International, it features 228 residences designed with modern interiors, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include an infinity pool, fitness center, private theatre, and concierge services.

The residences are available in five layouts, ranging from 765 sq. ft. to 1,450 sq. ft., with configurations from 1+1 to 3+1 bedrooms. The development is part of Queens Gate, which also includes the upcoming Penang Marriott Hotel Queens Waterfront, a 262-room hotel designed to complement the residential offerings.

Located along Queensbay, the development provides access to retail, dining, and entertainment options. It is 6km from Penang International Airport and connected via the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, ensuring accessibility to George Town and other key locations.

Project Name: Marriott Residences Queens Waterfront
Location : Queensbay
Property Type : Hotel residence
Total Units: 228
Built-up Size: 765 sq. ft. to 1,450 sq. ft.
Land Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer: Ideal Property Group

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.

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Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai celebrated its soft opening on Monday, 3rd March 2025, marking an exciting milestone as Malaysia’s first-ever Holiday Inn & Suites property. Designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort and convenience, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers, bringing a fresh take on modern hospitality to Penang’s mainland.

The soft opening was celebrated with an exclusive ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Datuk Oh Aik Kim, Datin Amy Oh, Mr. Lye Hock Peng, Mr. Wee Yee Tat, and Ms. Sharmila, alongside General Manager Nick Ng, and Exopuri Development Sdn. Bhd. owner, Ng Kock Leong. Their presence underscored the significance of this new addition to Penang’s growing hospitality landscape.

Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, the hotel offers 332 thoughtfully crafted guest rooms and suites, designed to meet the diverse needs of every traveller. With options ranging from contemporary standard rooms to spacious suites featuring kitchenettes, Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai ensures every guest experiences a stay that’s as flexible as it is comfortable.

A Space to Celebrate, Work, and Unwind

Whether planning an event, indulging in leisure activities, or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat, the hotel’s facilities are built for every occasion. Highlights include:

Tiffins: An all-day dining venue inspired by the traditional tiffin carriers, serving a fusion of local and international dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Brewin: A vibrant lobby lounge offering curated beverages and light bites, perfect for casual conversations or winding down after a busy day.

Recreational Amenities: Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a kids’ pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a serene yoga space for relaxation.

For meetings and events, Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai offers over 2,066 sqm of versatile function spaces, including a grand, pillarless ballroom that accommodates up to 1,000 guests in banquet seating. What sets this ballroom apart is its unique drive-in vehicle access, making it ideal for car launches, weddings, and grand celebrations. Additional meeting spaces, an outdoor garden, and poolside venues ensure every event is personalized and memorable.

A Landmark of Warm Hospitality

“We are thrilled to announce that Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai has celebrated its soft opening today, marking the dawn of a new era of modern comfort on Penang’s mainland. Our vision was to create a space that feels like home for every guest. Whether you’re here for work, relaxation, or a celebration, Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai is designed to cater to your every need. It’s a destination that embodies the Holiday Inn promise of making travel brighter and delivering meaningful moments. Our grand opening is eagerly anticipated later in Q2 this year, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests,” said Nick Ng, General Manager, Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai.

Convenience at Its Core

The hotel is strategically located near the Prai Industrial Zone, just a short drive from Penang International Airport, offering unmatched convenience for business travelers, corporate clients, and leisure guests alike.

For more information or to book your stay, visit Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai or contact ConnectWithHISPP@ihg.com or call +604-271 8888.

Image: Buletin Mutiara

The long-awaited Package Two bypass road, linking Bandar Baru Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, is progressing ahead of schedule, marking a significant step towards alleviating traffic congestion in Penang.

State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that the project had reached 73% completion as of February 28, demonstrating efficient coordination and execution. During a site visit to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Gelugor, he led a delegation to oversee the installation of massive beams, a critical phase of the elevated road construction.

“We are installing some of the longest beams at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, each weighing 140 tonnes,” Zairil stated. Six beams will be installed at this section, with three supporting each side of the carriageway. Similar installations are planned for other key areas, including Jalan Bukit Gambir.

The RM851.04 million project, spearheaded by Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) under the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Once operational, the new road will drastically reduce travel time between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the expressway from 40 minutes to just 10 minutes.

Emphasizing safety, Zairil urged contractors to maintain stringent safety protocols despite the accelerated progress. “While we are ahead of schedule, I urge contractors to ensure safety remains the top priority,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the project’s current status.

Meanwhile, project director Asward Indra Firhad detailed the next construction phases, including netting and deck slab works to provide structural support and enhance road user safety.

Residents affected by the ongoing works are encouraged to stay informed about road closures and alternative routes through social media and news portals.

The Package Two project will feature three major interchanges: Interchange One at Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Interchange Two at Jalan Bukit Gambir-Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and Interchange Three at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, incorporating a left in-left out junction and an elevated U-turn.