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.

Seberang Perai is set to become the focal point of Penang’s industrial expansion as the state government and private sector join forces to drive development forward. In a significant move, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and SP Setia Berhad have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to establish a cutting-edge industrial park within the growing township of Setia Fontaines in Kepala Batas.

This industrial park will span 323 acres within the 1,693-acre Setia Fontaines development, contributing to Penang’s vision of sustainable economic growth. SP Setia’s Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Zaini Yusoff, emphasized that the park will integrate Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring responsible and sustainable industrial practices.

With an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.2 billion, the industrial park is expected to attract businesses seeking a secure and well-planned environment. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in complementing the growth of multinational corporations in the state. The park will provide SMEs with a vital platform to expand and contribute to the evolving supply chain.

Beyond the industrial park, the Setia Fontaines township itself is a major undertaking, with a total projected GDV of RM12 billion upon completion. The development will include commercial spaces such as office buildings, a trade centre, warehousing facilities, a technological hub, shopping malls, food and beverage outlets, a convention centre, a hotel, and leisure areas.

The MoC was officially signed yesterday by PDC’s CEO, Datuk Aziz Bakar, and SP Setia’s CEO, Datuk Choong Kai Wai, with Chief Minister Chow witnessing the historic moment. Also present were state officials overseeing trade, entrepreneurial development, housing, and environmental affairs.

This collaboration marks a crucial step in Penang’s ongoing transformation, reinforcing Seberang Perai’s role as a key driver of the state’s economic future.

Seiras at Utropolis Batu Kawan is a co-living development by Paramount Property, featuring 411 dual- and triple-key serviced apartments designed for modern professionals. As the fifth phase of the 44.3-acre Utropolis Batu Kawan, it offers flexible living spaces with seamless connectivity to Penang Island and key amenities like UOW Malaysia KDU, Columbia Asia Hospital, and Design Village Outlet Mall.

Spanning 2.27 acres, Seiras introduces Penang’s first triple-key concept, with 1,033 sq ft units catering to homeowners and investors. Residents enjoy co-working spaces, a gym, pools, and commercial units for dining and retail. Designed for flexibility, community, and sustainability, Seiras redefines urban living in Batu Kawan.

Project Name : Seiras @ Utropolis
Location : Batu Kawan, Penang
Property Type : Serviced apartment
Built-up Area : 1,033 sq.ft.
Land Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 411
Indicative Price: RM693,000 onwards
Developer : Paramount Property

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.

After three decades of serving the community, the Seberang Jaya Sony Sports and Recreation Complex is about to undergo a significant transformation, with an RM12 million upgrade designed to elevate its facilities and foster the next generation of sports talent in Penang.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project would be fully financed by Sportizza Sdn Bhd, the company awarded the contract following an open tender process. The upgrade will include the refurbishment, management and long-term maintenance of the complex.

Located on an 8.5-acre (3.4-hectare) site, the project is expected to take one year, with completion scheduled for early March next year before opening to the public.

New facilities will include an artificial turf football pitch with seating for 200 spectators, as well as five futsal courts, one of which will meet FIFA standards.

“The project will also include 12 badminton courts and five pickleball courts, as well as essential amenities such as changing rooms, a gym, a pro-shop, prayer rooms, toilets, meeting rooms and parking.

Artist’s impression

“The futsal and badminton courts will also be adaptable for other sports, including netball, volleyball, indoor hockey, dodgeball, tennis and basketball,” said Chow at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.

State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Sportizza chief executive officer and managing director Chiew Chun Yong, and Seberang Perai Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid were present at the event.

Chow, who also chairs the Penang Stadium and Open Space Corporation, added that Sportizza would manage the complex for 30 years. The company will also run training programmes to nurture new sports talent.

Meanwhile, Gooi pointed out that the original complex opened on Nov 30, 1991, with only two football fields and courts for netball, volleyball, basketball, tennis and sepaktakraw, along with multi-purpose rooms.

“It’s time for an upgrade to meet the growing demand for recreational and sports facilities,” he said.

He also hoped that the improved complex would become a hub for nurturing sports talent, not just at the state level, but nationally and internationally.

Source: Bernama

The Malaysian property market recorded its best performance in a decade in 2024, according to the latest report by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH). The sector saw a 5.4% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in transaction volume, reaching 420,525 transactions. Meanwhile, the total transaction value surged by 18% y-o-y to RM232.3 billion, reflecting growing confidence in the market.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan attributed this robust performance to the government’s efforts in revitalizing industry activities. He emphasized that the property market remains a key indicator of the country’s economic health, with increasing transaction volumes and occupancy rates signifying positive industry momentum.

Residential Market Shows Strong Growth

The residential segment continued to drive the market, with 75,784 units launched and a sales rate of 37.3%. This growth was observed across nearly all states, supported by government policies and improved buyer sentiment.

A notable improvement was seen in the overhang situation, where the number of unsold completed residential units declined to 23,149, valued at RM13.94 billion. This represents a 10.3% drop in volume and a 21.2% decrease in value compared to 2023. Similarly, the overhang in serviced apartments reduced to 19,564 units, valued at RM15.7 billion, marking a decline of 6.1% and 5.6% y-o-y in volume and value, respectively.

Despite the positive market performance, affordability concerns remain a challenge. The Malaysian House Price Index stood at 225.6 points in 2024, with an average property price of RM486,678 per unit. The index recorded a moderate annual growth of 3.3%, lower than the 4.1% y-o-y increase seen in 2023.

Market Confidence and Future Outlook

Rahim & Co International Sdn Bhd’s director of research, Sulaiman Saheh, highlighted that the total transaction value included primary sales by developers, which may have been recorded before applying discounts and rebates. However, he noted that even with adjustments, the record-high figures indicate a resilient market with improving conditions.

The cautious optimism among buyers persists amid rising costs and income stagnation. While affordability remains a concern, the ongoing growth in transactions reflects a balance between market confidence and government support through incentives and policies.

On the overhang situation, Sulaiman pointed out that the total unsold completed and under-construction units increased by 22.3%, reaching 115,674 units. He stressed the importance of monitoring the market’s ability to absorb these units to prevent future oversupply issues.

Looking ahead, JPPH anticipates continued market growth in 2025, driven by sustainable transaction activities and an expanding construction sector. Strategic infrastructure projects and non-residential developments are expected to bolster market momentum.

Additionally, Budget 2025 introduced measures to further stimulate demand, including individual income tax relief for housing loan interest payments. These initiatives are expected to encourage homeownership and sustain the positive trajectory of the property sector.