Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), Malaysia’s premier lifestyle property developer, yesterday announced its masterplan for Andaman Island, an ambitious, first-of-its-kind development in Malaysia. With an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM 60 billion, this masterplan reflects over 30 years of vision to create a vibrant, eco-conscious island township that harmonises Penang’s heritage with future-ready urban design.

Designed to address evolving market demands, Andaman Island aligns closely with Penang’s sustainability and economic growth objectives. As Penang solidifies its position as a key secondary city in Malaysia, demand for premium residential spaces and sustainable communities is accelerating.

According to a recent National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) report “Property Market Q1 2024 Snapshots”, in the first quarter of 2024 alone, Penang recorded a 33.4% increase in commercial property transactions and a 14.3% rise in industrial property activity, driven by the state’s economic expansion in high-value sectors such as semiconductors and technology.

High-end property prices in Penang have also seen a significant increase, rising by 7% to 10% in 2024 from the previous year, reflecting steady demand among both local and international buyers.

Kok Tuck Cheong, Managing Director of E&O Group, said, “E&O’s Andaman Island is strategically positioned to meet this demand, offering premium living spaces within a holistic urban environment that balances accessibility, sustainability, and quality of life.

“It also serves as a cornerstone of E&O’s long-term growth strategy, representing the Group’s commitment to international standards of eco-conscious developments”, he said.

The Andaman Island masterplan, is a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven living, advancing beyond traditional development models to reimagine island living.

Envisioned as an innovative 760-acre community guided by the principles of a “15-minute city”, the concept ensures that residents have convenient access to shopping, dining, wellness, and recreational spaces within a short walk or bike ride, promoting a lifestyle emphasising balance, connectivity, and convenience.

Kok added that Andaman Island also aims to elevate Penang’s role as an economic hub by creating new employment opportunities, attracting investment, and contributing to local tourism, directly supporting the Penang2030 vision of a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

Central to the Andaman Island masterplan are three distinctive districts: Shoreline, Gurney Green, and Canalside, each offering unique lifestyle experiences. Shoreline combines tranquil, nature-integrated living; Gurney Green serves as a lively commercial hub; and Canalside integrates community-oriented amenities with scenic waterfront access. Interconnected throughout, these districts offer residents a seamless, well-rounded living experience.

Kok added, “E&O has always aimed to create developments that elevate life at every address, and Andaman Island is a true embodiment of this vision. We see it as both a tribute to Penang’s unique heritage and a forward-looking model of sustainable, sophisticated living”.

Andaman Island serves as a cornerstone of E&O’s long-term growth strategy, representing the Group’s commitment to eco-conscious developments that appeal to both local and
international markets.

E&O also stated that all future projects on Andaman Island will aspire to meet GreenRE Gold or Platinum standards, with the masterplan itself and all recent projects already achieving GreenRE Platinum certification through eco-conscious practices like rainwater harvesting, renewable energy sources, and extensive green spaces.

Response to Andaman Island has been robust, with its high-rise developments, The Meg and Arica, and its landed offerings, Phase 1 and 2 of Fera and Senna fully sold out. In total, E&O have launched projects totalling a GDV of RM 1.359 billion.

Most recently, The Lume, a premium condominium development, reached over 42% in sales after its launch in August this year, reflecting strong demand for the island’s sustainable, lifestyle-oriented environment.

With prices starting from RM 2.2 million, Kok attributed demand to The Lume as its appeal as a luxury residence that combines panoramic views of Andaman Island through its Pavilion-In-The-Sky concept, premium finishes, and eco-conscious design, catering to buyers who value both sophistication and a commitment to sustainability in an integrated community.

Kok said, “This ongoing success highlights Andaman Island’s appeal among buyers seeking a balanced, sustainable lifestyle.

“Andaman Island is more than just a property development; it is a legacy project that reflects E&O’s enduring vision,” he added.

It is expected that E&O will introduce two waterfront condominiums and new phase of luxury landed project in 2025.

“Our approach to community building and sustainability ensures that Andaman Island not only remains a thriving, relevant community but also serves as a benchmark for future responsible developments in Malaysia,” Kok said.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has sounded the alarm over the rise of fake house rental agents in Malaysia, who pose as legitimate professionals to scam unsuspecting tenants, especially foreign students.

According to Fomca secretary-general Dr. Saravanan Thambirajah, these scammers use fake business cards, online ads, and social media profiles to appear credible. They arrange property viewings and create a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims to pay deposits for non-existent rentals. Once the money is transferred, the scammers vanish.

Dr. Saravanan highlighted that foreign students are particularly vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with local rental practices and limited access to reliable information.

To avoid falling victim, Dr. Saravanan advises tenants to verify agents’ credentials with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and avoid making payments to personal bank accounts. Renters should also insist on stamped tenancy agreements and official payment receipts.

He called on government authorities and educational institutions to educate the public and foreign students about these scams. Victims are urged to report cases to the police and contact the National Scam Response Centre via the hotline 997.

Fomca’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to exercise caution when dealing with rental transactions and to ensure proper verification to prevent financial losses.

Construction of the Air Itam bypass highway is progressing well, with several key milestones achieved. A recent site visit by YB Wong Hon Wai revealed that the piling work for the section between Lebuhraya Thean Teik and Farlim Market has been fully completed. Additionally, reinforced concrete piling for the monsoon drain cover slab in this section is now done, allowing contractors to move on to building the slab over the monsoon drain.

Currently, a stretch of Lebuhraya Thean Teik in front of Pizza Hut and KFC has been reduced to one lane in each direction to make space for heavy machinery. Traffic controllers are on-site to manage the flow of vehicles. Efforts are underway to complete the monsoon drain slab and related work before Chinese New Year 2025, with plans to restore two lanes in both directions by then.

Meanwhile, work near the Farlim Market continues, with the beam connecting two major sections expected to be launched this week. Several other beams in this area have already been installed, marking steady progress toward the completion of this stretch.

Once finished, the bypass is expected to greatly improve traffic flow in the Air Itam area, providing residents with a smoother and more efficient route.

The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) celebrated its 55th anniversary with an event at its Bayan Lepas headquarters, marking over five decades of transformative contributions to the state’s socio-economic landscape. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with other dignitaries, reflected on the agency’s achievements and its pivotal role in shaping Penang’s future.

Celebrating Milestones

Chief Minister Chow highlighted key accomplishments of PDC in 2024, particularly its advancements in infrastructure and investment. Among the highlights was the completion of the GBS TechSpace building, a 60,000 sq ft facility aimed at strengthening Penang’s integrated circuit (IC) design sector under the “Penang Silicon Design @5km+” initiative. Located in the Technoplex Bayan Lepas industrial park, this development is poised to enhance economic opportunities and talent retention, with its formal inauguration set for December 7.

The Chief Minister also announced significant progress on the GBS By The Sea building, which is 98.9% complete as of November 1. This 294,000 sq ft facility is expected to receive its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) in early December, expanding Penang’s capacity to host global business services operations.

In the industrial sector, PDC continues to support high-value investments with the ongoing development of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP3) and the Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP). Multinational corporations such as Siliconware Precision Malaysia, Plexus Manufacturing, and MKS Instruments have begun establishing facilities in these hubs, underscoring Penang’s commitment to clean and sustainable industrial growth.

“PDC has been the backbone of Penang’s socio-economic transformation for over five decades,” said Chow, emphasizing its strategic investments, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Community and Cultural Commitment

The celebration coincided with Deepavali, reflecting Penang’s multicultural spirit. Chow praised PDC for fostering inclusivity through community initiatives that align with the state’s Penang2030 vision of a prosperous, harmonious society.

PDC Hindu Association chairman N. Puveneswary echoed this sentiment, highlighting Deepavali’s symbolic significance of light triumphing over darkness. She expressed gratitude to PDC for supporting the event and announced a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution of RM500 each to six Tamil primary schools in Penang.

“This gesture reflects our shared commitment to fostering education and empowering the next generation,” Puveneswary said.

A Festive Atmosphere

The event featured vibrant performances, including a lively set by Zubir Khan, whose songs such as Yennode Macha and Deepavali Sudah Mari captivated the audience. His charismatic performance added a festive tone, making the celebration memorable for all attendees.

Looking Ahead

As PDC enters its 56th year, Chief Minister Chow expressed optimism for its future. He emphasized the importance of continued innovation and unity in driving the state’s growth trajectory.

“Let us work together to achieve even greater heights, driven by the spirit of unity and dedication. Congratulations to PDC on this remarkable milestone,” Chow concluded.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, and PDC CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar, among others.

With its enduring legacy and forward-looking projects, PDC remains a cornerstone of Penang’s socio-economic success, poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.

Taman Seri Villa Permai is a landed development by TID Development Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Tambun Indah) near Kota Permai in Bukit Mertajam. Strategically located near Jalan Kota Permai, just a few minutes’ walk to SJKC Beng Teik. It is neighboring with an abundance of amenities and easily accessible via Jalan Song Ban Kheng.

This development will feature 75 units of 2-storey terrace houses, to be completed in two phases. Adjacent to Residency Permai gated and guarded housing scheme by the same company.

Project Name : Taman Seri Villa Permai
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 75
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : TID Development Sdn. Bhd. (Tambun Indah)

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.