Marriott International Inc. has announced a significant new development in collaboration with Ideal Property Group to bring the Penang Marriott Hotel Queens Waterfront and Marriott Residences Queens Waterfront to Penang island. Scheduled to open in 2029, the project will feature a 262-room hotel and 228-unit residential complex, strategically located in Bayan Lepas.

The official signing ceremony, held at the Penang Marriott Hotel on Gurney Drive, was attended by key representatives from both organizations. Marriott International was represented by its senior director of hotel development, Andree Susilo, while Ideal Property Group was represented by its executive chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi Kee Liang. The event was also graced by the presence of Penang’s Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow.

Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, boasts a vast portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Ideal Property Group, based in Penang, is a premier real estate developer with over 25 years of industry experience and a track record of completing more than 30,000 residential and commercial units.

Susilo highlighted the strategic importance of the new development, which marks the company’s second Marriott Hotel and Marriott Residence on the island. He noted that the location, in close proximity to the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, positions the development at the heart of a bustling industrial and commercial hub with views of the Penang Bridge.

“This prime location offers convenient access for guests traveling by road to the island from the mainland, and it is only a 15-minute drive from Penang International Airport,” Susilo said. He also expressed excitement about expanding Marriott’s portfolio in Penang, a vibrant leisure destination and thriving economic zone in Malaysia. “This signing further underscores our commitment to the future of hospitality in Penang and is a testament to the confidence our owners have in our brand.”

Ooi shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the shared vision and mutual dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. “We are very excited to announce our agreement with Marriott International, which cements our contribution to Penang’s appeal as a commercial and leisure destination with an array of world-class hospitality offerings. Known globally for setting the gold standard in hospitality, Marriott International brings its expertise and commitment to excellence to this partnership,” Ooi stated.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hailed the signing ceremony as a significant milestone in Penang’s journey toward becoming a premier destination for hospitality and residential excellence. He highlighted the synergy between Marriott International’s reputation for excellence and Ideal Property Group’s extensive experience, which promises to set new standards in hospitality and residential living in Penang.

“The synergy between these two esteemed organizations is poised to deliver an unparalleled experience for all who visit or reside here. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Marriott International and Ideal Property Group for this remarkable collaboration. Your partnership signifies a strong vote of confidence in Penang’s future and showcases your commitment to our island’s growth and prosperity,” Chow said.

Chow further noted that the project is expected to enhance existing infrastructures and developments in the vicinity, including the SPICE Convention Centre, Penang International Airport, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, and the upcoming Penang IC Design and Digital Park. He emphasized that the development represents a significant investment in the state and aligns with the vision for holistic and inclusive growth, creating high-impact jobs for local employment.

During  the press conference, Chow also expressed his full support for the new guidelines for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program introduced by the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry. He highlighted that Penang, already a preferred destination for MM2H applicants, fully supports these new guidelines.

Hijauan Jernih, a landed residential development by Asas Dunia Berhad, situated within the serene Tokun township in Bukit Mertajam. This gated housing community is conveniently located off Jalan Muhibbah, adjacent to Taman Jernih, and just a few minutes’ drive from Maju Jaya Business Center with easy access to nearby townships via Jalan Kulim.

The development comprises 42 semi-detached houses, available in three distinct layout types:

• Type A: 10 units of single-storey semi-detached houses (back-to-back) featuring 4 bedrooms.
• Type B: 20 units of single-storey semi-detached houses (back-to-back) with 3 bedrooms and an open kitchen concept.
• Type C: 12 units of single-storey semi-detached houses (side-by-side) with 3 bedrooms and an open kitchen concept.

Each unit is designed with a car porch spacious enough to accommodate up to 3 cars.

Project Name : Hijauan Jernih
Location : Tokun, Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Gated & guarded
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 50′ x 78′ (Type A), 50′ x 67′ (Type B), 41′ x 78′ (Type C)
Built-up Size: 30′ x 58′ (Type A), 30′ x 47′ (Type B), 31′ x 50′ (Type C)
Total Units : 42
Indicative Price : RM975,000 onwards
Developer : Asas Dunia 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.

Penang is gearing up for a significant infrastructural leap with the proposed third link between Penang Island and the mainland – a railway bridge for the Mutiara LRT Line. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the alignment for this light rail transit (LRT) has been finalized, featuring a railway bridge across the Penang Strait. This will be the second rail connection in South-East Asia to cross a sea, following the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.

The Mutiara LRT Line is expected to attract a higher ridership than initially anticipated, connecting mainland Penang residents to the island’s financial and industrial hubs. It will also provide a direct rail route from Butterworth to Penang International Airport. The mainland’s LRT station will be at Penang Sentral in Butterworth, an integrated transport hub for buses, interstate trains, and ferries. The train will then reach the island at the densely populated Macallum Street Ghaut area, covering a straight-line distance of just over 3 kilometers across the sea.

The construction of this railway bridge will be a notable engineering endeavor. South of Penang Sentral lies Penang Port’s deepwater wharf, bulk cargo terminal, vegetable oil tanker pier, and additional wharves and warehouses. Maintaining maritime traffic access to these port facilities presents a significant challenge for the engineers.

Minister Loke addressed reporters, stating that the cross-strait railway bridge will not feature a drawbridge or a tunnel beneath the seabed. “We will take into consideration all the engineering aspects, including Penang Port’s maritime traffic and future expansion plans. It will go through a detailed study before the design is announced,” he said. This announcement came during the national celebration of Day of the Seafarers and World Aids to Navigation Day.

About Mezzo @ The Light City

The first residential project at The Light City – a large-scale 32.76 acre integrated mixed-use waterfront development by  IJM Perennial Development in Gelugor, Penang. Strategically located next to The Light Collection, just a mere minutes drive from Penang Bridge and George Town.

It comprises two 34-storey residential towers, featuring 456 seaview condominium units with various built-up sizes.

Find out more about Mezzo @ The Light City

In a landmark event heralding a new chapter for Penang’s iconic landscape, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Penang Hill Cable Car project was recently held at the Penang Botanic Gardens. The ceremony, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marks the culmination of meticulous planning and signals the beginning of physical construction for this eagerly awaited project.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his address, described the occasion as historic for Penang, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing connectivity and accessibility to Penang Hill. With its 2.73-kilometer route spanning from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the summit of Penang Hill, the cable car promises not only to ease transportation but also to elevate Penang Hill as a premier tourist attraction.

Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026, the cable car system will feature 50 eight-seater gondolas, ensuring a quick and scenic ride of less than 10 minutes. This development aligns with sustainable practices, committed to achieving Green Building Index (GBI) Gold certification, highlighting Penang’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The project, spearheaded by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) and awarded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, represents a strategic investment in Penang’s tourism infrastructure. Hartasuma’s commitment to eco-friendly construction methods and energy-efficient technologies underscores their pledge to minimize environmental impact while maximizing visitor experience.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved and emphasized the project’s importance in fostering sustainable tourism. He stressed the significance of preserving Penang’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, urging rigorous environmental monitoring throughout the construction phase.

Moreover, the integration of an electric feeder bus service linking the Botanic Gardens station with the Air Itam funicular station promises seamless connectivity for visitors. This cohesive transit loop not only enhances accessibility but also supports local communities and economic growth.

As Penang prepares to embark on other transformative projects like the Penang International Airport expansion and the LRT system, these initiatives underscore Penang’s ambition to emerge as a leading global destination, blending cultural vibrancy with sustainable development.