The 5.5km Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan will now be known as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in honour of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister who passed away on April 14 at the age of 85.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the renaming on April 16, describing it as a tribute to Tun Abdullah’s significant contributions to the state during his leadership from 2003 to 2009.

Among his most impactful legacies was the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly known as the Second Penang Bridge. Announced during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan in 2003, the bridge became a catalyst for economic growth between Batu Maung on the island and the rapidly developing industrial hub of Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan.

Tun Abdullah also played a direct role in shaping the area, having officially named Bandar Cassia on August 24, 2004. The name was later endorsed by the state in 2016.

Chow further highlighted other major initiatives under Tun Abdullah’s tenure that benefited Penang, including the RM1 billion expansion of the Penang International Airport, the RM2.7 billion Penang Sentral transport hub, the Butterworth Outer Ring Road, and the creation of the Northern Corridor Economic Region.

“In honour of his enduring legacy, the state government has decided to rename the Bandar Cassia Highway as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” Chow stated.

To mark his passing, Penang’s state flag will be flown at half-mast across all government agencies and local councils on April 18, with private premises encouraged to follow suit.

A son of Penang, Tun Abdullah—fondly remembered as Pak Lah—was born in Bayan Lepas. His contributions to the state and nation will be remembered for generations to come.

Nestled in the tranquil heart of Tasek Gelugor, D’Aleena is more than just a place to live — it’s where peace, nature, and community come together to create a lifestyle you’ll cherish for generations.

Following the overwhelming success of its earlier commercial releases—with Double-Storey Shop Offices completely sold out—D’Aleena now introduces an exciting new collection of over 1,000 Single-Storey Terrace Homes, complemented by 94 Single-Storey Shop Offices. As part of a grand vision for modern family living, this thriving township is set to feature approximately 4,000 landed homes, solidifying its place as a premier destination in Tasek Gelugor.

A Lifestyle Inspired by Nature & Community

Life at D’Aleena flows to its own calm rhythm. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and scenic landscapes, the development includes thoughtfully curated public spaces like a mangrove recreational park, foot reflexology paths, bicycle tracks, and a multipurpose hall — perfect for community bonding and family fun.

Here, neighbours become friends. Families gather for weekend picnics. Children explore the great outdoors safely. Whether it’s a morning jog or an evening stroll, the environment at D’Aleena invites you to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty around you.

Connectivity Meets Convenience

Strategically located in North Seberang Perai, D’Aleena enjoys excellent connectivity via the North-South Expressway, placing nearby towns and essential amenities within easy reach. At the same time, nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Bukit Katak and the Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest, making it easy to balance urban access with natural serenity.

Whether you’re starting a family, upgrading your home, or looking to invest in a growing township, D’Aleena offers a holistic living experience unlike any other.

D’Aleena Sales Gallery at Tasek Gelugor is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Contact GSD Land at 1700-818-365 or visit https://www.daleena.com.my

You’re Invited: D’Aleena Hari Raya Open House!

Bring your family, enjoy the festivities, and discover why D’Aleena is the ideal place to call home.

📍Location: D’Aleena Sales Gallery, Tasek Gelugor
📅 Date: 19 April 2025 (Saturday)
🕥 Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm

Highlights of Hari Raya Open House:

• Ice-cream treats
• Aromatic coffee
• Sand art
• Delicious churros

About Lucerne Residences

The final phase of residential development by Ideal Property Group at Ideal Vision Park in Bayan Lepas. It is just a short drive to Penang International Airport, 10 minutes walking distance to Straits International School. The project will see two blocks of 36-storey skyscrapers featuring a European living concept. It offers 480 residential units with a 5-storey parking podium.

Find out more about Lucerne Residences

Paramount Property proudly introduces Embun Hills, a serene and sustainable residential enclave in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Set against the lush backdrop of the Bukit Mertajam rainforest reserve, this exclusive 69.2-acre freehold development offers a refreshing blend of nature and modern comfort — the ideal setting for families seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Located along the well-connected Jalan Kulim, Embun Hills sits at the heart of convenience. Residents enjoy seamless access to town centres like Bukit Mertajam, Kulim, and Alma, all within a 5km radius. The surrounding area is rich in amenities, from educational institutions and healthcare to vibrant cafés and shopping destinations. For nature lovers, the nearby hiking trails at Tokun Hill, Berapit Hill, and Bukit D.O. are just a short drive away, while major highways and rail links offer stress-free commutes across Penang and beyond.

A Masterplanned Haven of Wellness and Connection

Embun Hills is more than just a place to live — it’s a lifestyle designed to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul. The development features 497 gated and guarded strata-titled homes, and 30 double-storey commercial shop offices. With a strong emphasis on privacy, security, and sustainability, Embun Hills offers a safe and wholesome environment for families of all sizes.

Central to the community is a meticulously planned landscape of 7.23 acres of lush parkland and tranquil waterways, creating a serene green sanctuary for residents to unwind and reconnect with nature. Thoughtful Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) features and 24-hour CCTV monitoring ensure a secure living experience, while harmonious Feng Shui elements enhance the overall sense of well-being.

Wellness-Centric Facilities for All Ages

Residents of Embun Hills will enjoy exclusive access to a private clubhouse, offering a resort-style swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, multi-purpose hall, conference room, and a kindergarten. Designed for recreation, relaxation, and community bonding, these facilities cater to all generations.

Just 50 metres away, The Shoppes @ Embun Hills will be the new commercial heart of the neighbourhood. These 30 boutique shop offices bring everyday conveniences within easy reach — from dining and retail to services — creating a self-sufficient and walkable community.

Sustainable Living for a Better Tomorrow

True to Paramount Property’s commitment to sustainability, Embun Hills is currently undergoing the GreenRE certification process and adheres to strict ISO standards. Eco-conscious features are embedded throughout the development, including:

• Solar PV panels on the clubhouse
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Dedicated 3R recycling facilities
• Eco-friendly building materials
• Bio-char landscaping using repurposed boulders and tree debris

The community will also benefit from the planting of over 650 forest species trees, reinforcing its identity as a green and biodiverse sanctuary.

Spacious, Future-Ready Homes

Designed with multigenerational living in mind, the homes at Embun Hills come in two modern configurations:

• 22’ x 70’ 2-Storey Terrace Homes
• 35’ x 70’ 2-Storey Cluster Homes

Each unit ranges from 2,230 sq.ft. to 2,509 sq.ft., offering four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, open-plan living spaces, a seniors’ room with elderly-friendly features, and a private family area on the first floor. Homes are oriented north-south to minimise heat and maximise airflow, and come equipped with EV charger isolator points, solar PV readiness, and water-efficient WELPS-certified fittings — making them sustainable, practical, and future-ready.

Guided by its philosophy of Design for Life, People First, and Uplifting Communities, Paramount Property remains committed to building homes that improve lives at every stage. With Embun Hills, the developer continues its legacy of creating thoughtful, high-quality developments that balance lifestyle, sustainability, and community.

Whether you’re looking to plant roots, grow a family, or invest in a green future, Embun Hills offers a rare opportunity to live harmoniously by the hills of Bukit Mertajam.

Visit Paramount Property Gallery @ Embun Hills for more details.

Address: G-72, Jalan Icon City, Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam，Pulau Pinang (Waze)

Monday-Friday: 9 AM -6 PM
Sat & Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM

Call 012-5010733 for more information

The local property sector is expected to record moderate growth in 2025, with projected sales totalling RM21.5bil, amid heightened uncertainty stemming from potential risks associated with both current and former US presidents, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Investor concerns over the artificial intelligence diffusion policies introduced under the Biden administration are expected to persist and potentially intensify under a Trump-led US government.

This could moderate the pace of data centre expansion by multinational companies in Malaysia.

Affin Hwang Investment Bank Research (Affin Hwang Research) has maintained an “overweight” call on the sector, believing that solid fundamentals – such as improved connectivity, an industrial-led demand recovery and supportive policy measures – will drive long-term growth.

The research house said the fundamentals will be underpinned by sustained demand, ongoing infrastructure expansion, and strategic regional developments.

“With rising demand and gradual increases in average selling prices, we expect profit margins to improve,” it noted, adding that Eco World Development Group Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd and IOI Properties Group Bhd are among the developers well-positioned to capitalise on the sector’s positive outlook.

In 2024, the sector delivered strong sales of RM19.3bil, with homes priced below RM600,000 continuing to drive market activity. However, data from the National Property Information Centre showed that developers accounted for just 17% of total residential transactions in 2024, down from 22% in 2023.

While new launches surged to 75,784 units in 2024, the highest since 2017, absorption rates slipped from 40% in 2023 to 37% in 2024, pointing to weaker buyer appetite despite the increased supply.

Despite this shift, Affin Hwang Research observed that developers under its coverage outperformed the broader market, showing resilient sales growth driven by core residential offerings and strategic expansion into the industrial segment.

Developers also ramped up supply by 24% nationwide in 2024, reflecting their optimistic outlook, driven by expectations of a more favourable economic environment and continued government support.

Moving forward, Affin Hwang Research said key initiatives – such as the full stamp duty exemption on property transfers and loan agreements for first-time homebuyers, a flat 4% stamp duty, and a relaxed Malaysia My Second Home requirements – are expected to drive further growth in 2025 by attracting foreign investment and high-net-worth individuals.

“We reiterate our ‘overweight’ rating on the property sector, driven by improving property market sentiment, the resurgence of large-scale infrastructure projects – particularly in the Johor region – expectations of a stronger ringgit in 2025, and sustained high property sales among the listed property developers under our coverage.”