Seberang Perai motorists will face higher parking charges beginning 1 Jan 2025, following the Seberang Perai City Council’s (MBSP) announcement of a 100% increase in parking fees.

Under the revised rates, hourly parking will cost RM0.80, up from RM0.40, while daily rates will increase from RM3 to RM6. Monthly parking passes will also see a hike, rising from RM75 to RM150. A new short-term option of RM0.40 for 30-minute parking will be introduced. However, the RM200 monthly fee for designated business premises parking spaces will remain unchanged.

MBSP Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid highlighted that this adjustment was overdue, as the previous rates had remained unchanged for 29 years. He emphasized the need for the increase to support infrastructure development and foster sustainable growth in Seberang Perai.

Currently, the city boasts 22,000 parking spaces equipped with battery sensors under the Penang Smart Parking (PSP) system, along with 2,000 monitored by camera sensors.

“This adjustment aligns with our vision of making Seberang Perai a livable and inclusive city,” Baderul said during a press conference in Bukit Mertajam.

For further inquiries, residents can contact MBSP’s Parking Management Department at 04-5402581.

About G’Vinton

A serviced residence development by GSD Land in George Town. The project spans approximately 1 acre and is strategically positioned between Ambank and the NSTP building, offering convenient access to KOMTAR and Gurney Drive. The development will include 508 serviced suites, a nine-level car parking podium, and four shop offices on the ground floor. Recreational facilities will be located on level 38.

*Photo taken in Nov 2024

Find out more about G’Vinton

Setia Suria, the latest terraced homes at Setia Fontaines township development in Kepala Batas. The township features key amenities such as a 63-acre lake and the 37-acre Penang Heritage Park. Earlier phases, including the City Centre Business Hub and NusaCinta, are fully sold, with Amansara North sub-phases seeing strong demand. The township is connected by the Setia Fontaines Link Road and Ring Road, with nearby schools, commercial areas, and facilities like Penang Golf Resort and MPSP Sports Complex.

The latest 49.55-acre Setia Suria comprises 333 single-storey terraced homes with built-ups ranging from 1,189 to 1,221 sq ft. Each unit will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with indicative prices starting from RM430,000. The project will be divided into two sub-phases and scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Project Name : Setia Suria
Location : Kepala Batas, Penang
Property Type : Residential
Land Tenure: Freehold
Total Units: 333
Built-up Size:  1,189 – 1,221 sq ft
Indicative Price: RM430,000
Developer : Setia Fontaines 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.

The development of Penang’s Silicon Island, a 2,300-acre reclaimed land project, continues to progress on schedule, with key milestones in place to transform it into a high-value economic hub.

The depot land for the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line, located on the island, is set to be handed over to Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) by the end of 2025. Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) CEO Datuk Seri Farizan Darus revealed during a media site visit that 70 acres have already been reclaimed, with six acres prepared for the depot. Farizan noted that reclamation will accelerate, with 300 to 400 acres targeted annually from 2025.

To support construction activities, a temporary bridge connecting Silicon Island to Penang Island will be operational by March 2025. The permanent four-lane bridge is set to open in phases, with two-way traffic available by mid-2027 and full completion by late 2028.

Silicon Island’s infrastructure employs advanced construction techniques, including prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) for soil stabilisation and a temporary steel bridge. These innovations align with the state government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and green mobility.

Economic potential and industrial growth

Silicon Island is poised to become a cornerstone of Penang’s economy. CEO of Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd, Datuk Szeto Wai Loong, highlighted its potential to generate 220,000 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced categories.

The Green Tech Park, spanning the first 100 acres, will be ready for industrial development by the first quarter of 2026, focusing on high-value sectors such as semiconductors, medical technology, industrial automation, R&D, and artificial intelligence. Construction of manufacturing facilities is expected to begin shortly thereafter, with operations starting by mid-2027.

Support for local communities

Inclusivity remains a priority, as evidenced by the state government’s support for local fisherfolk. Of the 877 fishermen registered under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), 722 have received full ex-gratia payments. Additionally, 77 fishermen have been provided with new boats and engines, with further support planned for other communities.

Silicon Island’s development not only symbolizes Penang’s ambition to lead in technology and innovation but also reflects a vision of sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. With strategic planning and community-focused initiatives, this transformative project is set to redefine Penang’s future and its role in the region.

Image source: Buletin Mutiara

Penang is set to break new ground in addressing housing affordability with the launch of the Rumah Bakat Baru Madani Affordable Housing Scheme, the nation’s largest housing initiative targeting the B40 and M40 income groups.

The project, announced today, will be developed on two strategic plots of land in Seberang Perai: 34 acres in Seberang Jaya, located along Jalan Todak in front of Penang Bird Park, and 161.5 acres near Batu Kawan, close to Design Village Outlet Mall. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025. This initiative is a collaboration between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), its subsidiary PDC Properties, and SkyWorld Development Berhad. The signing of the joint development agreement was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Affordable housing for all

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the project as a landmark initiative under the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025.

“This is a golden opportunity for Penangites and non-Penangites working in the state to own affordable homes,” Chow said. “Each unit under the Rumah Bakat Baru Madani scheme will offer a built-up area of 900 square feet, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with prices ranging from RM225,000 to RM420,000.”

Residents will also enjoy modern facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, multipurpose hall, and playground. The project’s construction will utilize Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC), making Penang the first state to adopt this innovative method under the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.

Strong Federal and State support

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his personal connection to the initiative, particularly given his ties to Seberang Jaya. “Seberang Jaya holds a special place in my heart, as it was my childhood home. I am excited to see this project come to life,” he said.

Anwar underscored the urgency of addressing housing demand and pledged full Federal support. He expressed confidence in the state’s ability to achieve the necessary approvals by February 2025, emphasizing Penang’s track record of delivering housing solutions.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming echoed these sentiments, pledging to expedite the approval process and affirming Anwar’s intention to attend the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.

Commitment to housing development

Penang has already delivered 170,000 affordable homes, with plans to complete an additional 50,000 units by 2030. Chow credited Penang’s strong housing policies and partnerships for its success.

The project is a result of an open tender, with SkyWorld Development Berhad emerging as the successful bidder. “We are confident that SkyWorld Development Berhad will deliver this project on time and meet the required standards,” Chow said.

The event also saw the attendance of PDC general manager Datuk Aziz Bakar, SkyWorld Development Berhad founder Datuk Seri Ng Thien Phing, and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.

The Rumah Bakat Baru Madani scheme represents a significant step forward in providing accessible housing and improving the quality of life for Penang’s growing population.