The Penang government, through the One-Stop Centre (OSC) of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), has set an ambitious goal to shorten the planning permission approval process to just 40 days.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said MBSP and all technical agencies are actively collaborating to streamline the process.

He acknowledged the current approval period under the MBSP OSC is around 58 days and stressed the need for applicants to submit comprehensive and compliant plans to ease the process.

“The relevant agencies have begun a mission to reduce the planning permission approval period to 40 days.

“To meet this ambitious goal, a workshop was held this week to map out the process meticulously.

“The process was mapped backwards from 40 days to identify the daily milestones,” he explained to the media when asked about the recently announced Rumah Bakat Baru Madani Affordable Housing Scheme.

The housing scheme was touted as the nation’s largest housing development targeted at the B40 and M40 income groups. The Rumah Bakat Baru Madani Affordable Housing Scheme is scheduled to commence in Penang by the first quarter of next year (2025).

Chow recently attended the signing ceremony of the joint development agreement for the project between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), its subsidiary PDC Properties, and SkyWorld Development Berhad. The event took place at the St. Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also present at the event in Kuala Lumpur, highlighted the efficiency of development processes in Kuala Lumpur, where planning permissions are approved in approximately 42 days.

“If Kuala Lumpur can do it, then Penang can do it too,” he remarked.

Chow had earlier mentioned that the state has identified two plots of land in Seberang Perai, namely 34 acres of land in Seberang Jaya (Jalan Todak in front of Penang Bird Park), and another 161.5 acres of land near Batu Kawan (Design Village Outlet Mall) for the development.

“From these two locations, more than 35,000 affordable housing units will be built and they are targeted to be completed in 15 years.

“The construction would employ the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method, making Penang the first state to adopt this approach under the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.”

Chow had also highlighted that the project would include facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, a multipurpose hall, and a playground. Each unit will be sold from RM225,000 to RM420,000.

“This initiative supports our efforts to retain local talent,” he said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

A newly proposed commercial property development on a 4-acre coastal site in Bayan Mutiara. The location is between The Pier serviced residence, currently under construction by Asia Green, and the police marine quarters. It is the last available piece of coastal land in the northern part of Bayan Mutiara, offering a clear view of the Penang Bridge.

The project includes a 39-storey serviced apartment building with 371 residential units. The design incorporates 10 floors of parking, and recreational facilities on levels 11 and 39. A 29-storey hotel is also part of the development, featuring 350 rooms. The hotel will include recreational spaces, parking across five floors.

The project is still in the planning stage. More details will be provided upon its official launch.

Property Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Bayan Mutiara
Property Type : Commercial
Total Units : 371 (serviced residence)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more in the future)

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 19th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final recently celebrated the pinnacle of real estate excellence across the region. Hosted at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, this prestigious event brought together over 130 award-winning finalists, spotlighting their exceptional contributions to the property sector.

Malaysia stood out at this year’s awards, securing an impressive 11 accolades that highlight its robust and innovative property development sector. Among the notable winners was Bangsar Heights Pavilion for Quayside JBCC, a project that exemplifies Malaysia’s commitment to architectural innovation and quality. Sime Darby Property Berhad also made a strong impression with Serenia Industrial Park, a sustainable and functional development tailored for modern needs. Malton Berhad’s The Park 2 Pavilion Bukit Jalil further underscored Malaysia’s reputation for creating luxurious and high-quality developments.

Other significant Malaysian winners included City Motors Group, recognized for the stylish Alfa Bangsar, and Tropicana Corporation Berhad for Avisa Residences, Tropicana Alam, showcasing the country’s diverse and competitive real estate market. Developers like Eupe Corporation Berhad, awarded for Helix2 @ PJ South, and Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd, honored for Iconia Garden Residence, continued to push the boundaries of residential innovation. JLand Group Sdn Bhd’s Sanubari @ Bandar Dato Onn and Iskandar Investment Berhad’s Medini Innopolis demonstrated Malaysia’s versatility and forward-thinking approach to urban and industrial development.

The Philippines emerged as the most awarded market with 12 accolades, led by Federal Land, Inc., which was named Best Luxury Developer (Asia) and recognized for Riverpark. Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. was honored as Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia), while Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates claimed the title of Best Industrial Developer (Asia), alongside a win for LIMA Estate. Other Philippine winners included RLC Residences for The Residences at The Westin Manila and Robinsons Offices for GBF Center 1, further cementing the country’s reputation for excellence.

Mainland China also made its mark with five wins, including the prestigious Best Developer in Asia award for Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. Other standout achievements included Lead8’s designs for MixC Changchun and K11 Shanghai, Jiang & Associates Creative Design for Alibaba Beijing Chaoyang Science & Technology Park, and Sybarite for SKP Chengdu.

Indonesia celebrated eight wins, led by Paramount Land’s recognition as Best Township Developer (Asia). Sinar Mas Land garnered multiple accolades for its projects BSD City and Biomedical Campus, alongside joint ventures like Navapark and Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas. Singapore, meanwhile, continued its strong performance with eight accolades, including UOL Group Limited’s dual titles of Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) and Best Hospitality Developer (Asia). Australia also secured seven wins, with three awards going to BLVD by OSK Property.

Jeremy Williams, managing director for Marketplaces at PropertyGuru Group, emphasized the importance of sustainability in the awards: “PropertyGuru’s commitment to a sustainable future in Asia is truly reflected in this year’s award winners. By raising benchmarks for resilience and sustainability, we power communities to live, work, and thrive in tomorrow’s cities.”

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, highlighted the diversity of this year’s achievements: “We celebrated the strengths of emerging and established property markets, expanding to new regions and revisiting the region’s leading real estate destinations. Through the People’s Choice Awards, we engaged with property buyers, giving them a platform to support developers who share their aspirations and values.”

Malaysia’s achievements at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final reflect its growing stature as a leader in innovative and sustainable property development. The country’s developers continue to set benchmarks in residential, commercial, and industrial real estate, elevating the nation’s presence on the international stage. With their remarkable performance, Malaysian developers are poised to lead the way in shaping the future of the region’s built environment.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

Master Community Developer Sunway Property has officially launched Serene Villas, the latest addition to the thriving Sunway Wellesley master-planned community.

The GreenRE-certified townhome development combines sustainable designs with exclusive clubhouse facilities, thoughtfully crafted for multigenerational living in Bukit Mertajam, one of Penang’s most sought-after areas. The launch also marked the grand opening of its newly unveiled show units.

Spanning 9.03 acres with a gross development value (GDV) of RM 150 million, Serene Villas introduces 210 thoughtfully designed townhomes that seamlessly blend modern architecture with sustainable living in an exceptional landed living experience. As part of the 86-acre Sunway Wellesley master-planned community—with a total GDV of RM 1 billion—the launch builds on the sell-out success of earlier phases, including Sunway Wellesley’s Precincts 1 and 2, Uptown 2 (62 shop office units), and Garden Villas (60 semi-detached homes and 154 townhouses).

“Serene Villas reflects our vision as a Master Community Developer to create sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life,” said Chong Sau Min, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Property (Central and Northern Regions). “With GreenRE certification, energy-efficient designs, and thoughtfully planned amenities, Serene Villas offers families and individuals a safe, connected, and sustainable living environment. Its strategic location and value-added facilities make it a compelling choice for homeowners and investors alike, promising strong potential for capital appreciation in this thriving area.”

Guided by Sunway Property’s proprietary Sunway Design & Development Architecture (SDDA), Serene Villas embodies the four core pillars of Sustainability, Innovation, Health & Wellness, and Lifestyle & New Experiences.

GreenRE certification provides homeowners numerous benefits, including lower energy and water bills, improved indoor air quality through natural lighting and ventilation, and a reduced carbon footprint—contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Designed for durability, these homes also offer maximum comfort and long-term energy savings.

At the heart of the development is a thoughtfully designed clubhouse featuring a swimming pool and an elevated gym with views of the pool, creating a refreshing and enjoyable experience for residents. The clubhouse is surrounded by lush outdoor spaces, including linear gardens, a gathering plaza, green pavilions, soothing gardens, jogging trails, outdoor fitness zones, and a multi-purpose court for basketball and pickleball—offering the perfect balance of fitness, relaxation, and community engagement.

The innovatively designed 1.5-storey townhomes are crafted to support multigenerational living, featuring flexible layouts that cater to families or close friends who value proximity and privacy. Each home is equipped with EV charger-ready infrastructure and parking for up to four vehicles.
The overall Serene Villas development prioritizes safety and modern living with comprehensive security features, including 7-foot perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, and 40-foot-wide internal roads with pedestrian walkways. Additionally, the development is equipped with broadband-ready infrastructure, concealed drainage systems, and underground cabling, delivering a clean and streamlined aesthetic throughout the community.

Strategically located in Bukit Mertajam, Serene Villas offers seamless connectivity to key transportation networks, including the proposed Raja Uda-Bukit Mertajam LRT line, ETS Train Station, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, and Penang Bridge. With Bukit Mertajam Town Centre just 0.5 km away and Bandar Sunway Seberang Jaya 9.5 km away, the development is ideally positioned for professionals and families seeking unparalleled convenience and accessibility.

Residents of Serene Villas enjoy proximity to a wide range of amenities, including vibrant retail hubs such as Sunway Carnival Mall and top-tier healthcare facilities like Sunway Medical Centre Penang. The area is also home to renowned educational institutions such as Jit Sin Independent High School, SMK Convent, and KPJ International College of Nursing & Health Sciences, catering to the needs of families. For recreation, residents can explore nearby attractions like DO Hill Recreational Park and the SPT Sports and Recreational Complex, offering diverse options for leisure and fitness.

Additionally, Sunway Wellesley’s Serene Villas buyers will automatically be enrolled in Sunway Property’s exclusive aftersales program, Sunway Property+. This offers benefits such as Rent+ (rental advantages), Care+ (home maintenance services), and Rewards+ (special invites and discounts).

The Sunway Wellesley development continues to evolve with more exciting projects on the horizon. Following the launch of Serene Villas, Sunway Property is set to introduce an upcoming high-rise development in 2025, further expanding the masterplan’s offerings and reinforcing its position as a vibrant, sustainable hub for generations to come.

To experience the modern elegance of Serene Villas, prospective buyers are invited to visit the newly launched show units, open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. (More about Serene Villas)

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced a 14-hour scheduled water disruption affecting 7,238 residential and commercial premises in Seberang Perai Selatan. The interruption will begin at 10pm today and is expected to end by noon on Wednesday.

This is due to the temporary shutdown of a 600mm pipeline to facilitate diversion works at Sungai Kerian, as part of a bridge upgrading project by the Public Works Department (JKR).

Affected areas include Jalan Besar Dato Keramat, Jalan Besar Permatang Keling, Jalan Sempadan, Permatang Tok Mahat, Tanjung Berembang, Sungai Acheh, Sungai Udang, Sungai Chenaam, and Sungai Bakau.

PBAPP has urged consumers to store adequate water during this period and will provide updates via its official Facebook page. The corporation apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates public cooperation.