The Penang government is setting the stage for a significant industrial expansion with the development of Silicon Island, a sprawling 2,300-acre reclaimed land project located off the southern coast of Penang Island. According to Zairil Khir Johari, the state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital, the first factory on Silicon Island is projected to begin construction in 2026 and is expected to be operational by 2027.

Silicon Island, previously known as Penang South Island, is designed with a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Of the total reclaimed area, 40% will be devoted to infrastructure, open spaces, and blue-green corridors, ensuring that the island fosters a sustainable and environmentally friendly atmosphere. In line with these values, approximately 700 acres will be designated for a Green Tech Park, which aims to attract leading global technology companies and create high-income jobs in advanced industries.

The entire reclamation process is slated for completion by 2032, with the overall development projected to span 25 years. Zairil highlighted that Silicon Island is poised to play a transformative role in Penang’s economic landscape, much like Bayan Lepas did in the 1970s when it evolved from a swampy agricultural area into a premier industrial zone in Malaysia.

As Penang remains a key contributor to Malaysia’s exports, the state is focused on attracting high-quality investors to drive the next wave of industrial growth. The goal is to further expand research and development activities, integrated circuit (IC) design, and other advanced manufacturing processes on the island.

In addition to the industrial developments, Penang is also advancing critical infrastructure projects, including the Light Rail Transport (Mutiara Line) system, which is expected to be operational by 2030. These initiatives, along with the Penang Hill Cable Car Project, underscore Penang’s commitment to sustainable development and its vision of becoming a leading economic hub in Malaysia.

About Foreshore Residence

A mixed development by Tanjung Villa Development Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Tah Wah Group) in the heart of George Town. Strategically located along Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway, adjacent to Sandilands Condominium. It is only about 5 minutes drive to Penang Bridge, with an abundance of essential amenities easily accessible within 10 minutes walking distance.

This development comprises a 50-storey building with 9 levels of car parking podium, offering a mix of affordable homes, serviced apartment and shop offices.

Find out more about Foreshore Residence

The Penang Forestry Department, in collaboration with the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), is exploring the possibility of transforming Pulau Jerejak into an eco-extreme sports island, according to the department’s director Muhammad Ezhar Yusuf.

Pulau Jerejak encompasses 367.02 hectares, with 286 hectares (77.88%) gazetted as permanent reserves under the National Forestry Act 1984 on March 26, 2020. This portion of land is owned by the Penang government.

The remaining 22.12%, which includes most of the now-defunct Pulau Jerejak Resort, is said to be privately owned.

The gazetted area falls under the supervision of the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) and the Penang Forestry Department.

Muhammad Ezhar said ever since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Malaysia, very few activities have been held on the island.

“The island has a lot of potential for revival once again. We have received requests from different parties to develop the island into an eco-extreme sports destination.

“Since the island was gazetted under the Act in 2020, there are guidelines and conditions that must be adhered to before we can proceed with other plans.

“We look forward to making this place active again, and another added advantage is that visitors will stand a chance to further explore the rich but forgotten history of Pulau Jerejak,” Muhamad Ezhar said during an exclusive site visit by Buletin Mutiara at the island on Aug 12.

The name Pulau Jerejak was given by fishermen who had lived on the island long before it gained its alias as the Alcatraz of Malaysia because of the Jerejak Prison.

In the early 1870s, the island also housed a leper asylum, which closed in the 1960s, with inmates transferred to Sungai Buloh Leprosarium.

Located between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, Pulau Jerejak is an island rich with history, flora, and fauna.

Based on recent findings by a group of researchers, the island, though not as famous as other islands in Malaysia, has had its fair share of significant historical events.

Francis Light, the founder of Penang, was said to have arrived at Pulau Jerejak in 1786 before heading to Penang.

Jerejak made its debut in colonial records when Colonel Arthur Wellesley of Wellington, England, proposed that the island act as an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis in 1797.

The military post in Jerejak was supposed to protect the new town opposite Jerejak, which was to be called Jamestown, now known as Bayan Lepas.

However, the plan was aborted due to a sudden outbreak of malaria, which resulted from extensive jungle cleaning.

Meanwhile, in 1910, Pulau Jerejak was made a quarantine centre for immigrants planning to go to the main island.

Upon passing the health check and completing the quarantine, the immigrants were then sent to Penang Island for work.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Residensi Rambai Indah, an affordable housing development in Bukit Mertajam. Undertaken by JSC Infrabina Sdn. Bhd, this development is located along Jalan Betek, next to Woodlands Park affordable housing scheme by PTL Properties Sdn. Bhd.  It just a stone’s throw away from SJK(C) Keow Kuang Primary School, with easy access to nearby amenities which include banks, famous eateries, markets and shopping malls.

This development includes a 24-storey residential building with 396 affordable units, each with a standard built-up size of 855 sq.ft. The building features a 10-level car parking podium, a 200-foot swimming pool, and a rooftop garden. Additionally, each unit comes with two designated parking spaces.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing
• Full list of affordable housing in Penang

Project Name: Residensi Rambai Indah
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Affordable Housing
Built-up Size: 855 sq.ft.
Total Units: 396 (affordable housing)
Indicative Price: RM347,400 (estimated)
Developer : JSC Infrabina 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.

Following complaints received from the residents in Island Glades over the dust issue from the bypass project in the neighbourhood, a sudden inspection from the authorities was carried out by the authorities.

During the inspection, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, and a team from the Department of Environment (DOE) visited the site to monitor the situation.

In a lengthy discussion with the project contractor, Sundarajoo, who has extensive experience in site inspections, instructed the contractor to strictly adhere to the stipulated guidelines.

He advised the project contractor to address the residents’ concerns, citing numerous complaints received about potential health hazards.

Sundarajoo and the inspection team also assessed the measures that have been undertaken to mitigate the dust issue.

At a press conference after the inspection, Sundarajoo said the project contractor had undertaken various actions to tackle the dust issue.

“After my inspection, I found that insufficient water sprinkling at the site has contributed to the dust pollution.

“The contractor has been cooperative and has promised to implement additional measures to resolve the issue.

“The well-being and quality of life of residents in the neighbourhood will be prioritised at all costs. We will not compromise on this matter,” he told reporters.

Sundarajoo assured that the residents’ concerns would not be overlooked and that stern action would be taken against the contractor if the situation remains unresolved.

However, he noted that the discussion with the contractor was amicable, and the contractor expressed a willingness to address the problem.

“The situation worsened over the past three weeks due to windy and scorching weather. I have advised the contractor to use the sprinkling water system that has been prepared,” he added.

Sundarajoo has also urged the contractor to submit weekly reports to DOE, which could later transition to monthly reports. He added that he might revisit the site next week.

Connie Tan expressed gratitude for the smooth discussion.

“I have a strong bond with the constituents in the affected neighbourhood, and I will not hesitate to address their concerns,” she said.

Tan noted that the contractor had implemented various efforts, including a dust suppression system.

“So far, there has been a slight improvement compared to the previous situation, but I hope the dust issue can be reduced to a minimal level,” she said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara