Source: Malay Mail

The construction of the Jawi Immigration Detention Depot and Quarters, which was delayed for five years, has now reached 98 percent progress and is expected to be fully completed by the end of July.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the construction of the RM77.5 million project on a six-hectare plot began on May 27, 2019 and was supposed to be completed on May 8, 2022, but was given three delays following the Movement Control Order when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“This was an open tender project under the Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency. It is expected to be completed on July 28,” he said after reviewing the project’s progress yesterday, with Penang Immigration director Nur Zulfa Ibrahim also present.

The project also includes the construction of a pump house and a suction tank as well as a two-kilometre-long water reticulation line to the depot to overcome the issue of low water pressure in the Jawi area, which has been affecting the water supply to the prison area and Taman Widuri.

“This project costs RM5.78 million, also through an open tender, with the total amount for both projects being RM83.28 million,” he said.

Ahmad said the construction of the depot is a project under the First Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan, under the Home Ministry and belongs to the Penang Immigration Department, which aims to provide a conducive detention centre for illegal immigrants with enhanced security features.

Additionally, the project includes housing quarters for immigration officers, which will improve the readiness of officers to respond quickly to any disturbances in the detention blocks.

“This project will replace the existing Juru Immigration Detention Depot, built in 1976, which is now dilapidated and unsuitable for occupancy.

“On average, the Juru depot has a capacity for 500 detainees (350 men and 150 women). However, that capacity can be augmented with the completion of this new depot, which can accommodate some 1,200 detainees (834 men and 324 women),” he said.

Ahmad said JKR remains committed to ensuring that projects given by the ministry are completed on schedule or earlier.

Source: Bernama

About Sactuary Row

A freehold commercial development at Permatang Sanctuary by IJM in Bukit Mertajam. Located along Jalan Santuari 2, right across the road from Sanctuary Villa. It is only 2km away from AEON Mall and Tesco Hypermarket, about 15-minute drive to Juru Auto-City and Penang Second Bridge. This development features 24 units of double-storey shop offices.

Find out more about Sanctuary Row

The Penang state government has selected the best alignment for the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp). This decision was confirmed by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during a press conference at his office in Komtar. The state government sent a confirmation letter to the Transport Ministry two weeks ago, solidifying their agreement with the proposed alignment.

Chief Minister Chow stated that the chosen alignment aligns closely with their original plan, albeit with some modifications. Notably, the original LRT line did not include an extension to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. The new alignment begins at Silicon Island and connects Penang Sentral to the Macallum area in George Town, enhancing future connectivity to other lines.

MRT Corp has since discarded other proposed alignments, focusing solely on this selected route. With all critical decisions made, the project is now in the open tender phase. Construction is set to commence once the tender process is finalized.

The Transport Ministry officially assumed control of the Penang LRT project following Cabinet approval on March 22. SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd has been appointed to build the first segment of the project, with construction anticipated to begin in September.

D’Aleena, is part of a proposed 380-acre mixed development by Maple Meadow Sdn. Bhd., located in Kubang Menerang, Tasek Gelugor. Situated along Jalan Kubang Menerang, it is just a 10-minute drive from the well-established township of Bertam Perdana. The project is adjacent to two ongoing affordable housing developments, Scientex Tasek Gelugor and D’Halona Place.

This development will feature a total of 1,009 single-storey terrace houses, available in three different layouts. Each unit includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a typical built-up area of 1,001 sq. ft. Additionally, every unit offers parking space for two cars, ensuring convenience for residents.

Project Name : D’Alenna
Location : Tasek Gelugor
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: 1,001 sq.ft. onwards
Total Units : 1,009
Indicative Price : RM380,000 onwards
Developer : Maple Meadow Sdn.Bhd.

Source: Facebook

In a recent Facebook post, the Penang Chief Minister announced a fruitful discussion with Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The meeting focused on several critical infrastructure projects previously proposed to the Federal Government, including the Perak-Penang Water Project, the expansion of the North-South Expressway (from Juru Toll to Sungai Dua Toll), and the return of 20% of collected taxes.

A key highlight was the proposal for a matching grant initiative to support the establishment of an integrated circuit (IC) design park and a chip design academy in Penang. Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan expressed keen interest in these innovative projects, recognizing their potential to elevate the local industry to compete with major global corporations. The involvement of government-linked investment companies (GLICs) was also identified as crucial for the sector’s development.

Additionally, the Penang State Government presented the ‘Penang STEM Talent Blueprint,’ designed to meet the human capital needs of various industries while also benefiting family welfare. Further discussions with the ministry will focus on implementing this blueprint to ensure it aligns with industry demands and supports the local workforce.