Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (SPIL), a leading global semiconductor packaging and testing company, celebrated the groundbreaking of its Malaysia P1 plant at Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Pnenag. This state-of-the-art 8-hectare facility, representing a RM6 billion investment, is expected to create nearly 3,000 skilled jobs over the next 15 years. The plant will feature advanced packaging and testing technologies, including wafer bumping and wafer-level chip packaging, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.

The ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including YBhg. Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of MITI; Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy CEO of MIDA; Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang; and Mr. Michael Chang, CEO of SPIL Malaysia. Their attendance highlighted the significance of this project to the region and the industry.

YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of MITI, warmly welcomed SPIL’s investment. He emphasized that this development affirms Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global semiconductor companies. He noted, “The National Semiconductor Strategic Task Force (NSSTF) and MIDA’s expertise are key to the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, aiming to increase economic complexity, forge stronger global linkages, and create high-paying jobs for Malaysians.”

Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, underscored the benefits of SPIL’s investment, stating, “This facility enhances Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, creating high-value engineering jobs and accelerating the export of Malaysian products globally.” He added that this project positions Malaysia as a key player in the international semiconductor market, driving sustained economic growth.

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian highlighted Penang’s substantial contribution to the semiconductor sector, stating, “Penang is proud to host SPIL, reflecting foreign investors’ confidence in our region as a hub for advanced technologies. This facility will advance Penang up the value chain, reinforcing its reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.”

Mr. Michael Chang, CEO of SPIL Malaysia, expressed gratitude to MIDA and InvestPenang for their support. He stated that the P1 plant will foster innovation, cultivate semiconductor talent, and enhance technological capabilities in Penang. He emphasized SPIL’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming for GBI Green Globes Certification and a net-zero carbon reduction goal by 2050.

As part of ASE Technology Holding, the world’s largest packaging and testing group, SPIL is expanding its global footprint with the P1 plant. This initiative introduces advanced packaging technology, strengthens the packaging and testing industry, and drives innovation and economic growth in Penang and beyond.

About Maldives Residences

A residential development by Ideal Property Group at Bayan Lepas. Strategically located along Jalan Sungai Tiram 6, just across the road from Havana Beach Residences. It is conveniently connected to Jalan Tun Dr Awang, less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. This development comprises 46-storey building with 4 residential towers. It features a mix of affordable and upgraded units, with a built-up size of 850sq.ft. onwards.

Find out more about Maldives Residences

Source: The Star

Commuters in Penang are delighted with the newly upgraded Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (TSN), which now offers significant improvements aimed at enhancing user experience. Regular commuter Chum Soon Choi, 60, praised the new e-ticket system, saying, “The e-ticket system is more convenient for commuters compared to how we were previously harassed by ulat tiket (ticket touts).” He also noted the more user-friendly waiting areas, improved seating, and better information displays, although he suggested that installing air-conditioning would make the terminal even more comfortable.

Marketing executive Syaira Bahari, 25, from Kuala Lumpur, echoed these sentiments. “It’s spacious now. It is well-lit at night too, and has become a comfortable place for commuters to wait for buses,” she said, recommending the addition of more eateries for greater convenience.

The RM7 million upgrading project, which began in August 2021 and was completed last month, was launched by state local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Moon Lye. The building, owned by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), was developed in collaboration with terminal management company Easybook (M) Sdn Bhd, UDA Holdings Bhd, and agencies under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, as reported by The Star newspaper.

H’ng highlighted the terminal’s popularity, noting that approximately 1,000 people use the terminal daily, with the number tripling during festive seasons. He commended MBPP and Easybook for their successful collaboration despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic recovery phase.

Since 2021, Easybook has operated the bus terminal with management rights extending until this August. During this period, the company has been responsible for upgrading and constructing additional terminal buildings, as well as overseeing fee collection, management, operational supervision, cleanliness, and security systems.

Easybook is the largest integrated and online ticketing operator in Malaysia, managing operations at various terminals across the country and Southeast Asia. CEO and founder William Lee explained that the TSN upgrade included modern systems such as the Easybook Terminal Management System (ETM), which encompasses a Centralised Ticketing System (CTS), Terminal Operating System (TOS), and Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) modules, as implemented by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).

Originally built in 2004, the terminal’s upgrade cost increased from an initial RM6.2 million to RM7 million due to rising construction costs and additional improvements, including five-star-standard restrooms, new floor tiles, and upgraded infrastructure.

UDA Group Asset Management chief operating officer Azrudyn Rashid announced that TSN would be integrated into the light rail transit (LRT) system, currently in the early stages of development. The alignment will run from Penang Sentral on the mainland to Macallum on Penang Island, passing through key areas and extending to Silicon Island.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently announced that the Federal Government has taken over the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project, with Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) appointed as the developer and asset owner. The project procurement is divided into three main components: civil construction works for Segment 1 (Silicon Island to Komtar), civil construction for Segment 2 (Komtar to Penang Sentral), and a turnkey contract for system and carriage works.

Source: Facebook

The contractor for the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two) has been hit with a stop-work order. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) issued the order to Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd due to non-compliance with established guidelines, as reported by The Star newspaper.

Penang infrastructure, transport, and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari stated that the order was issued after it was found that the developer continued construction activities on public holidays, violating the prescribed work limitations. “The stop-work order was issued today because the project developer kept working on public holidays. They were supposed to do only mitigation work at the construction site, but they did more than that,” Zairil explained.

According to a notice by MBPP, work on the stretch between Thean Teik Highway and Changkat Tembaga was halted after the council determined that the construction activities caused a nuisance. Construction is permitted only between 8 AM and 8 PM from Monday to Saturday, with no work allowed on Sundays and public holidays, except for necessary mitigation work approved by MBPP if site conditions pose a danger to the public.

“Any deviation from these regulations will be met with strict enforcement action, including potential fines and work stoppage,” the notice read. The stop-work order was issued under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976. The duration of the stop-work order remains uncertain.

Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan expressed her disappointment with CZC over the disturbances caused to the community. Despite numerous attempts to engage with the developer for better coordination and updates, the residents’ requests were met with inaction. Tan highlighted that construction activities extended until 12:30 AM on Monday, depriving residents of rest, and causing damage to nearby properties and muddy floods.

Tan urged the project developer to immediately halt all overtime construction activities and strictly adhere to prescribed working hours. She emphasized the need for better scheduling to ensure safety and minimal disturbance, calling on the Penang Infrastructure Corporation to enhance its monitoring systems and ensure strict compliance with regulations.

Last month, debris from blasting works at the site damaged two condominium blocks in Island Park, causing property damage but no injuries. The construction work has also affected several nearby houses, particularly during rain, as residue from the site flows into the neighborhood compounds.

When completed, the project aims to reduce the current 40-minute drive between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to under 10 minutes. Package Two includes three interchanges and will involve upgrading the drainage system and existing roads, as well as utility relocation work. The project is scheduled for completion next year.

Ari Mellizo, an affordable housing development by PTL Residence Sdn. Bhd. at Sungai Dua in Butterworth. Located near Jalan Sungai Dua Utama 3, just stone’s throw away from SK Desa Murni. It is less than 2km from Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) / North South Expressway (NSE) interchange, about 15 minutes drive to Penang Bridge. Neighboring communities include Taman Sungai Dua Utama, Taman Casa Maya and Casa Utopia.

This development comprises a 17-storey condominium with 4 levels of car parking podium. It offers 357 affordable units with a standard bulit-up size of 950sq.ft. Proposed facilities include a hall, swimming pool, gymnasium and a few others.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

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

Project Name : Ari Mellizo
Location : Sungai Dua, Butterworth
Property Type : Affordable housing
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: 950sq.ft.
Total Units : 357
Indicative Price : RM250,000 onwards
Developer : PTL Residence 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.