The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) is accelerating its efforts to complete the initial phase of hoarding works at the key sites involved in the highly anticipated Penang Hill Cable Car project. The hoarding works, which involve the Garden Station, Hill Station, Turn Station, and the proposed car park building, are essential in keeping the public informed about the project’s progress.

According to an interview with Buletin Mutiara, PHC General Manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng stated that hoardings have already been installed at the Garden Station and Hill Station, with ongoing work at the Turn Station. Although the hoardings at the Garden Station are technically complete, PHC plans to enhance them with graphic displays that will showcase the project’s development and the final appearance once completed.

One significant delay is anticipated at the car park building site, due to ongoing efforts to relocate hawkers currently operating opposite the Penang Botanic Gardens Department. The multi-storey car park, proposed for this location, is a crucial part of the cable car project. Cheok explained that while hoardings at the back of the hawker centre, near the river, have been completed, work on the front part can only proceed once the hawkers have been moved to a temporary site nearby. PHC aims to relocate the hawkers by September 30, allowing them to resume operations by October 1. Once the car park is completed, the hawkers will return to their original location, which will be integrated into a complex offering leisure and dining options for visitors.

In addition to the hoarding works, PHC is planning significant construction activities, including the installation of pylons, cable car equipment, and a walkway connecting the multi-storey car park to the Garden Station. To ensure public awareness and transparency, PHC intends to provide regular updates on its social media platforms. Cheok emphasized the importance of clear communication, particularly with stakeholders such as residents living near the Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill, to address any potential disruptions like road diversions or construction methods.

The Penang Hill Cable Car project is a major initiative led by the state government through PHC. The project, which operates on a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DFBOT) basis, has been awarded to Hartasuma, a pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry. Hartasuma, which has secured a 30-year concession for the cable car, has appointed Austria-based Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, a leader in the ropeway market, to supply the cable car system. Doppelmayr’s extensive experience includes over 15,400 ropeway installations worldwide, making it a trusted partner for this ambitious project.

The Penang Hill Cable Car project, with an investment of RM245 million, saw its groundbreaking ceremony on June 29, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The project is expected to enhance Penang’s tourism offerings, with visitor turnout at Penang Hill already showing promising numbers. From July to August, the hill attracted an average of 4,000 visitors daily on weekdays, and nearly 7,000 on weekends. This balanced visitor turnout is a positive trend, reflecting the hill’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.

PHC is also committed to maintaining the funicular service on Penang Hill, with daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance routines in place. Swiss engineers visit twice a year to service the funicular coaches, ensuring that the system remains reliable and operational.

As PHC continues its work on the Penang Hill Cable Car project, the corporation remains focused on delivering a world-class attraction that will enhance the region’s appeal and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

*Image source: Buletin Mutiara

Penang is set to see 10 new hotels with 4,000 rooms over the next few years as the state continues to attract more tourists, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said he does not think there will be any issue of an oversupply of hotels in the state.

“In fact, when international conferences or conventions are held, there is often a shortage of hotel rooms. There is definitely room for more hotels to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and tourists to Penang,” he told a press conference on Thursday.

Chow said this after witnessing the signing ceremony between MTT Hospitality, a division of the MTT Group Companies, and Pan Pacific Hotels Group to transform Evergreen Laurel Hotel into Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal partner hotel. The chairman of the MTT Group of Companies Datuk Seri Kenny Ong and the chief executive officer of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Choe Peng Sum, signed on behalf of their respective companies.

During his speech at the ceremony, Chow said the tourism industry has long been a crucial economic driver for Penang, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

He noted that in 2023 alone, Penang recorded almost seven million tourist arrivals, a clear sign of the industry’s resilience and appeal and that the increasing availability of direct international flights to Penang will undoubtedly continue to fuel this growth.

Chow described the signing ceremony as a significant milestone for the MMT Group of Companies and the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, marking a new chapter in Penang’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

Meanwhile, Ong said in March this year, the MTT Group acquired the hotel and then embarked on a thorough search for an ideal partner to elevate the property to new heights, and found it in the Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG).

On Sept 1 the hotel will officially be known as the Gurney Bay Hotel – a Parkroyal partner hotel – and after the completion of renovations, which is expected to take between 18 and 24 months, the hotel will be rebranded as the Parkroyal Gurney Bay Hotel.

Source: Bernama

PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. (PDCP), a prominent subsidiary developer under the esteemed Penang Development Corporation (PDC), has been at the forefront of transforming the real estate landscape in Penang. With a steadfast commitment to enhance communities through the delivery of high-end projects at affordable prices, PDCP stands as a beacon of innovation, convenience, and sustainability.

PDCP epitomizes a rich legacy of excellence, rooted deeply in its affiliation with the Penang Development Corporation. The company’s mission is to diversify the property market through a variety of innovative projects. This mission has enabled PDCP to build a reputation for delivering high-quality developments, ranging from luxurious landed houses to contemporary apartments. Their vision of enhancing lives and empowering all societal strata through affordable housing is woven into the fabric of their operations.

Cassia Cempaka @ Bandar Cassia

One of PDCP’s standout projects, Cassia Cempaka, exemplifies their dedication to delivering top-tier developments. This project, which includes both semi-detached units and terrace houses, has quickly garnered attention not merely for its sales success but for its emphasis on quality construction and modern design. The recognition of Cassia Cempaka with The BrandLaureate Property Branding Awards 2024 further underscores PDCP’s commitment to excellence and their ability to set new benchmarks in residential living standards.

Phase Two of Cassia Cempaka is now open for sale, inviting discerning homeowners to experience the pinnacle of contemporary living, characterized by modern design and offering an unparalleled living experience.

Future ventures

Ir. Ismail Ishak
CEO of PDC Properties

Looking ahead, PDCP is preparing to unveil a series of exciting projects in 2024 and 2025, poised to redefine modern living standards in Penang. These include a housing development in Bertam and the forthcoming Cassia Cempaka Phase 3 in Batu Kawan. These ventures continue to reflect their niche approach, focusing on creating high-quality, thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to diverse lifestyles.

Moreover, PDCP’s commitment to affordability and sustainability is evident in projects such as One Mutiara, an affordable housing initiative near Pantai Jerejak. According to the CEO, Ir. Ismail Ishak, “One Mutiara is an affordable housing project with QLASSIC Assessment to ensure that we meet the quality and standard set by the government/authorities.” Additionally, a new condominium development at Bukit Jambul, featuring 583 meticulously crafted units, promises to offer luxurious yet affordable living options. The CEO highlights, “The Bukit Jambul project is distinguished by its freehold status, reasonable price, strategic location, and low density, setting it apart from other developments in the area.”

Commercial development at Burmah Square

PDCP’s upcoming commercial development at Burmah Square is set to become a bustling hub for commerce and innovation, further enriching the community fabric of Penang. Burmah Square will include condominiums, office suites, commercial spaces, office co-working spaces, and double-storey shop houses. All these components are freehold and will be available for sale in 2026.

Visionary development

At PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd., the approach to development transcends mere construction. PDCP views itself as a visionary entity dedicated to shaping the future of living in Penang. Their unwavering focus on innovation, convenience, and sustainability underscores every project they undertake. This focus ensures that each development not only meets but exceeds the expectations of their esteemed clientele.

A prime example of PDCP’s visionary approach is the ongoing township development in Batu Kawan. This ambitious project is aiming to create a self-sustaining community that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The development is a testament to PDCP’s dedication to building vibrant, modern communities that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.

In response to the ever-changing market trends, PDCP actively engages with homebuyers to understand their needs and keeps abreast of market developments. This proactive approach enables PDCP to adapt its strategies effectively, ensuring they remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of homebuyers in Penang.

Join the journey

PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. invites everyone to join them on this transformative journey. Their continuous efforts to enrich lives, empower communities, and redefine the standard of excellence in Penang’s real estate landscape have set a new benchmark in the industry. With PDCP, quality meets affordability, and dreams find their true home. Experience the pinnacle of contemporary living with PDCP and witness firsthand how they are shaping the future of Penang’s real estate.

To find out more about the latest projects, please contact PDC Properties
at 04-240 1999 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. 
Level 1, Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Building,
No. 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru,
11909, Bayan Lepas, Penang

Penang is set to welcome its latest lifestyle destination, The Bayana, an innovative project poised to enhance the ecosystem of the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone. The Bayana comprises three key elements: Food Bayana, Bayana Parc, and Bayana Hub.

Food Bayana is positioned as Malaysia’s first semi-automated food court, bringing together a curated selection of renowned hawkers under one roof. Pentamaster Corporation Berhad’s Group Executive Chairman, Datuk Chuah Choon Bin, shared that the project aims to provide convenience and quality dining options for those working and living in the industrial zone.

“The initiative began five years ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic,” Chuah explained. “The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) issued a tender to transform three parcels of land into vibrant food and lifestyle destinations.” These parcels have now been transformed into Bayana Hub, Food Bayana, and Bayana Parc.

Food Bayana is a two-storey food court featuring food stalls on the ground floor and dining areas above. A fleet of automated robots will transport food between floors, with customers placing orders at the counter. Once the meals are ready, the robots will deliver the food to designated lockers, notifying customers via their smartphones when their orders are ready for pickup. Chuah expressed his confidence in the success of Food Bayana, driven by his passion for good food and the convenience it offers to the local community.

Chuah also revealed plans to introduce a Sunday market beside Food Bayana, inspired by the popular market at Hin Bus Depot, to attract weekend crowds from across the island.

Bayana Parc, located directly opposite Food Bayana, is designed as a tranquil oasis for relaxation and community connection. Scheduled to open on January 1st next year, this nature-inspired leisure space will offer diners a unique ‘forest-feel’ dining experience. Chuah emphasized the importance of creating a serene environment where people can unwind after work, adding that he is pursuing the Green Building Index (GBI) Gold rating certification for both Food Bayana and Bayana Parc.

The third component, Bayana Hub, is a five-storey complex located just a short distance from Food Bayana and Bayana Parc. Designed to enhance the quality of life for the local community, Bayana Hub will feature a drive-thru restaurant, convenience stores, a café or restaurant, a gym, an indoor rock-climbing facility, and co-working spaces. Chuah expects Bayana Hub to receive its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) by April next year.

Chuah disclosed that he has invested over RM50 million in The Bayana, viewing it as part of his commitment to corporate social responsibility. He noted that while the return on investment may take decades, he is driven by a passion for creating value and leaving a lasting legacy. Chuah’s dedication to this project is evident in his approach to “emotional engineering,” which focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of customers and tenants.

As Penang’s newest lifestyle hub, The Bayana is set to become a landmark in the Bayan Lepas area, offering a unique blend of dining, leisure, and community experiences that cater to the needs of the local population. With its innovative features and commitment to sustainability, The Bayana is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s development.

*Image source: Facebook

Cassia Cempaka, the latest landed residential development by PDC Properties, is nestled in the thriving township of Batu Kawan. This project combines modern living with affordability, making it the perfect choice for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet well-connected community. With thoughtfully designed semi-detached and bungalow homes available in various layouts to meet diverse lifestyle needs, Phase 1 has already sold out, and Phase 2 is now open for booking!

Be among the first 10 buyers to secure financing, pay 10% of the purchase price, and sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for Cassia Cempaka between 16 August 2024 and 17 September 2024 to get a gold bar!

*T&C apply

To find out more about the latest projects, please contact PDC Properties
at 04-240 1999 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. 
Level 1, Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Building,
No. 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru,
11909, Bayan Lepas, Penang