The Penang Forestry Department, in collaboration with the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), is exploring the possibility of transforming Pulau Jerejak into an eco-extreme sports island, according to the department’s director Muhammad Ezhar Yusuf.

Pulau Jerejak encompasses 367.02 hectares, with 286 hectares (77.88%) gazetted as permanent reserves under the National Forestry Act 1984 on March 26, 2020. This portion of land is owned by the Penang government.

The remaining 22.12%, which includes most of the now-defunct Pulau Jerejak Resort, is said to be privately owned.

The gazetted area falls under the supervision of the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) and the Penang Forestry Department.

Muhammad Ezhar said ever since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Malaysia, very few activities have been held on the island.

“The island has a lot of potential for revival once again. We have received requests from different parties to develop the island into an eco-extreme sports destination.

“Since the island was gazetted under the Act in 2020, there are guidelines and conditions that must be adhered to before we can proceed with other plans.

“We look forward to making this place active again, and another added advantage is that visitors will stand a chance to further explore the rich but forgotten history of Pulau Jerejak,” Muhamad Ezhar said during an exclusive site visit by Buletin Mutiara at the island on Aug 12.

The name Pulau Jerejak was given by fishermen who had lived on the island long before it gained its alias as the Alcatraz of Malaysia because of the Jerejak Prison.

In the early 1870s, the island also housed a leper asylum, which closed in the 1960s, with inmates transferred to Sungai Buloh Leprosarium.

Located between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, Pulau Jerejak is an island rich with history, flora, and fauna.

Based on recent findings by a group of researchers, the island, though not as famous as other islands in Malaysia, has had its fair share of significant historical events.

Francis Light, the founder of Penang, was said to have arrived at Pulau Jerejak in 1786 before heading to Penang.

Jerejak made its debut in colonial records when Colonel Arthur Wellesley of Wellington, England, proposed that the island act as an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis in 1797.

The military post in Jerejak was supposed to protect the new town opposite Jerejak, which was to be called Jamestown, now known as Bayan Lepas.

However, the plan was aborted due to a sudden outbreak of malaria, which resulted from extensive jungle cleaning.

Meanwhile, in 1910, Pulau Jerejak was made a quarantine centre for immigrants planning to go to the main island.

Upon passing the health check and completing the quarantine, the immigrants were then sent to Penang Island for work.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Residensi Rambai Indah, an affordable housing development in Bukit Mertajam. Undertaken by JSC Infrabina Sdn. Bhd, this development is located along Jalan Betek, next to Woodlands Park affordable housing scheme by PTL Properties Sdn. Bhd.  It just a stone’s throw away from SJK(C) Keow Kuang Primary School, with easy access to nearby amenities which include banks, famous eateries, markets and shopping malls.

This development includes a 24-storey residential building with 396 affordable units, each with a standard built-up size of 855 sq.ft. The building features a 10-level car parking podium, a 200-foot swimming pool, and a rooftop garden. Additionally, each unit comes with two designated parking spaces.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing
• Full list of affordable housing in Penang

Project Name: Residensi Rambai Indah
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Affordable Housing
Built-up Size: 855 sq.ft.
Total Units: 396 (affordable housing)
Indicative Price: RM347,400 (estimated)
Developer : JSC Infrabina Sdn. 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.

Following complaints received from the residents in Island Glades over the dust issue from the bypass project in the neighbourhood, a sudden inspection from the authorities was carried out by the authorities.

During the inspection, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, and a team from the Department of Environment (DOE) visited the site to monitor the situation.

In a lengthy discussion with the project contractor, Sundarajoo, who has extensive experience in site inspections, instructed the contractor to strictly adhere to the stipulated guidelines.

He advised the project contractor to address the residents’ concerns, citing numerous complaints received about potential health hazards.

Sundarajoo and the inspection team also assessed the measures that have been undertaken to mitigate the dust issue.

At a press conference after the inspection, Sundarajoo said the project contractor had undertaken various actions to tackle the dust issue.

“After my inspection, I found that insufficient water sprinkling at the site has contributed to the dust pollution.

“The contractor has been cooperative and has promised to implement additional measures to resolve the issue.

“The well-being and quality of life of residents in the neighbourhood will be prioritised at all costs. We will not compromise on this matter,” he told reporters.

Sundarajoo assured that the residents’ concerns would not be overlooked and that stern action would be taken against the contractor if the situation remains unresolved.

However, he noted that the discussion with the contractor was amicable, and the contractor expressed a willingness to address the problem.

“The situation worsened over the past three weeks due to windy and scorching weather. I have advised the contractor to use the sprinkling water system that has been prepared,” he added.

Sundarajoo has also urged the contractor to submit weekly reports to DOE, which could later transition to monthly reports. He added that he might revisit the site next week.

Connie Tan expressed gratitude for the smooth discussion.

“I have a strong bond with the constituents in the affected neighbourhood, and I will not hesitate to address their concerns,” she said.

Tan noted that the contractor had implemented various efforts, including a dust suppression system.

“So far, there has been a slight improvement compared to the previous situation, but I hope the dust issue can be reduced to a minimal level,” she said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

E&O Group yesterday announced the launch of The Lume, its latest luxury development on Andaman Island, Penang. This new project, situated in the prestigious Shoreline district, sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious living, offering 261 exclusive residences designed to harmonise sophisticated architecture with the natural beauty of the island.

“The Lume embodies the art of sophisticated living, with each exclusive residence crafted to ensure privacy whilst fostering a sense of community. This makes The Lume an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced work-life-play environment,” said Kok Tuck Cheong, Managing Director at E&O.

A unique feature of The Lume’s is its pavilion-in-the-sky design where living and dining spaces that seamlessly extend outward, offering residents breathtaking 180-degree views of the island and filling the interiors with natural light and optimal airflow.

Private spaces are thoughtfully positioned, with bedrooms within the main structure arrayed in a linear configuration, with strategically placed fins to maximise outward views while ensuring privacy.

The Lume caters to a diverse market of empty nesters, young families, and professionals seeking a second home. Each floor features just six apartments, with prices starting at RM 2.2 million and sizes ranging from 1,722 sq ft to 2,874 sq ft.

Kok added that The Lume is committed to integrating nature into everyday living, featuring lush tropical gardens and terraced landscaping framed against sweeping sea views.

The Lume offers amenities such as landscaped pools, lounges, and BBQ spaces, fostering opportunities for social interaction. With dedicated areas for children, including playgrounds and a wading pool, the development caters to families while also accommodating pet-friendly spaces for furry companions.

The Lume also has dedicated co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and function areas that facilitate the integration of professional and personal life. By aligning with the growing work-from-home trend, residents can now enjoy access to modern conveniences without sacrificing their well-being.

“The landscape architecture of The Lume is meticulously conceived to offer a profound experience of tranquil serenity,” explained Kok.

Andaman Island, awarded GreenRE Platinum certification, is a pioneering development in Malaysia, designed on four pillars—connectivity, sustainability, community, and quality of life. The first phase of this project comprises 253-acres, and is divided into three distinct segments: Shoreline, Gurney Green, and Canalside. Each district will offer a distinct place experience, guided by a masterplan that embraces the urbanism concept of a 15-minute city, supporting pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods with easy access to essential amenities and green spaces.

The Shoreline district encapsulates eco-conscious and sustainable living with The Lume conferred GreenRE Platinum certification to reflect how the development integrates environmentally responsible practices to minimise its carbon footprint while providing ample communal spaces for socialising and wellness activities.

Benefiting from the island’s strategic location near rising economic zones, residents of Andaman Island will also enjoy direct access to two bridges linked to Penang Island.

“This development establishes a new benchmark for future living spaces on Andaman Island, where innovation, well-being, and harmonious living are intertwined, reflecting our enduring commitment to meet and exceed the evolving aspirations of our residents”, he said.

Kok added that with the launch of The Lume, the E&O Group continues its legacy of crafting elegant homes that anticipate the future needs and lifestyle aspirations of the growing Andaman Island community. The Lume’s launch follows the highly successful launches of E&O’s The Meg and Arica on Andaman Island.

About Ventus & Tradesmen

A mixed commercial development by Jayamas Pintar Sdn. Bhd. at Batu Maung. It is strategically located within the vicinity of Southbay City by Mah Sing Group, just a mere minutes drive from Penang Second Bridge. The development comprises a 42-storey commercial building, featuring a mix of serviced suites, hotel rooms and shop lots.

Find out more about Ventus & Tradesmen