The urgent need to accelerate the upgrading and expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA) has been emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The project has been delayed for some time and it is congested.

“Additionally, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which holds significant importance, is progressing smoothly per our plan,” Anwar replied to journalists after attending the Penang Development Briefing 2024 in Komtar yesterday.

Anwar said several issues were highlighted during the meeting.

“The meeting convened to address both delayed projects and those slated for priority attention.

“Among the projects mentioned was the building of a clinic in Bayan Lepas, where an allocation of about RM11 million was set aside,” he added.

Anwar also stressed the collaboration between the state and Federal agencies.

“The meeting also centred on the necessity for driving growth in the industry. The remarkable success and swift implementation achieved by Penang serve as a testament to the high level of efficiency in state administration and management.

“We also stress the need to concentrate on sectors with exceptionally high capabilities, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, and microchips, where Penang has garnered international attention and recognition,” Anwar said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About Havana Beach Residences

Affordable housing development by Ideal Property Group at Bayan Lepas. Strategically located near Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. It is about 5 minutes walking distance to  SMJK Heng Ee (Bayan Baru branch).

Find out more about Havana Beach Residences

The Penang Housing Board has again urged applicants to update their data in the state Housing Information System (HIS).

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said that as of April 3 this year, there were 42,160 applications for affordable homes Category A, B, and C registered in the HIS.

“However, despite calls urging applicants to update their data in the system, only 8,135 applicants, constituting 19.30% of the total, have complied with this update as of April 3 this year.

“The Penang Housing Board encourages the applicants to update their data to streamline the selection process.

“Maintaining updated information in the HIS is pivotal for active application status and eligibility. We encourage applicants to update their data in the system, particularly their marital status and monthly income once every three years,” he told a media conference at his office in Komtar this evening.

Sundarajoo and the Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE), under the Penang Housing Board, had their sixth meeting today (April 4). The committee held its first meeting on Sept 14 last year (2023).

HOPE was set up to streamline the process of offering affordable housing units to eligible applicants, and to ensure the execution of housing policies at the state level are aligned with the Madani initiatives, the Penang2030 vision and the Penang unity government manifesto.

Selection process by HOPE

Sundarajoo said a total of 2,722 applications (for Category A, B and C) had been approved throughout the six HOPE meetings. There were 802 Category A applications, 571 (Category B), and 1,349 (Category C).

“HOPE will meet monthly to offer affordable housing units to eligible applicants,” he added.

On a separate note, Sundarajoo said that, as of April 3 this year, the Penang government has approved a total of 47 projects (for maintenance works) under the Penang Maximum 80% Housing Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP), with a combined allocation of RM9,206,448.50, allocated to 47 eligible stratified housing schemes.

“The Penang Housing Board has taken a proactive step by digitising the applications for TPM80PP starting from April 1, this year, aiming to streamline the application process for applicants.

“Now, applicants can conveniently apply for TPM80PP online through the official portal of the Board. As of April 3, there are 93 pending applications for TPM80PP, totalling an estimated RM35 million, which will be processed in order of submission,” he said.

Sundarajoo also highlighted that under the TPM80PP initiative, the state government has allocated a total of RM78.8 million from 2013 to April 3 this year.

“The amount covered 845 projects. The most significant scope of work includes the upgrading or replacement of elevators, with 450 projects, followed by the replacement or repair of water tanks, amounting to 290 projects.

“Others include upgrading or replacement of roofs, painting, road paving, as well as various maintenance works,” he added.

Sundarajoo also announced that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), has approved an allocation of RM3,780,000 for 12 Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP) public housing projects under the supervision of the Penang Housing Board; and RM1,201,800 for three public housing projects under the supervision of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

“Furthermore, the Federal Government has approved the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM), amounting to RM6,520,000 for 15 projects overseen by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP); and RM9,674,000 for 21 projects under the purview of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), specifically designated for maintenance endeavours of eligible private housing schemes.

“Overall, the Federal Government has approved a total of RM21,175,800 for 51 projects that will benefit residents in both public and private housing.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Penang is set to unveil its first-of-its-kind transformation of a wet market into a hypermarket-style concept.

Constructed in the 1990s to serve the community, the Bayan Baru wet market is currently undergoing a significant makeover.

Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said the market has not undergone any major changes for over 30 years.

“We are extremely thankful to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for spearheading the initiative to upgrade the Bayan Baru wet market.

“We recognise the necessity of refurbishing the market to stay competitive amidst the presence of various hypermarkets in the vicinity. To maintain its competitiveness, it is time for us to refurbish the market similar to those hypermarkets.

“The upgrading process consists of three phases. The first phase will accommodate the fishmongers, followed by the inclusion of the poultry, vegetable, and pork traders in the second phase.

“We have yet to decide on the third phase. The completion of the first phase is expected to be the end of this month,” he said.

The cost for the first phase is RM1.3 million, while the second phase requires RM 3.3 million. However, the cost for the final phase has yet to be decided.

MBPP is funding the expenses, while Sim has allocated 30% of its parliamentary allocation towards the project.

As the upgrading works for the first phase are being carried out, Sim said the fishmongers are operating their businesses at makeshift stalls near the market premises.

“They will move into the market once the works are completed,” he said, adding that the air ventilation, walls, and drainage system would see overhaul changes.

Sim stressed the importance of transitioning the market into a ‘dry’ style of market for the convenience of market-goers.

“We have engaged with various stakeholders to gather their input before proceeding with the upgrading works,” he said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Marriott International yesterday announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with Westfield Global Sdn. Bhd., to bring The Westin brand to the popular island of Penang.

Located along the iconic, sea-facing promenade of Gurney Drive, The Westin Hotel, Penang is slated to open in 2026. With 217 rooms and suites featuring the brand’s iconic Heavenly® Bed, the hotel will offer guests sweeping views of greenery and the Andaman Sea beyond. Overlooking newly opened Gurney Bay Park, a seafront public recreational space including a skate park and retail areas, the hotel’s prime location is a mere stone’s throw from Gurney Drive’s popular attractions of local street food, with Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and popular shopping malls of Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon.

It is only a few minutes drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and its multitude of cultural, historical, and, culinary attractions. It is also close to other popular Penang attractions including Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple and Batu Ferringhi, known for its beach and water activities. For business travellers, it is an excellent option being just a 30-minute drive from Penang International Airport and less than an hour’s drive from Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, home to several multinational high-tech manufacturing firms.

The Westin Hotel, Penang will form part of a larger development known as the Westin Hotel & Residences, striking the perfect balance between vibrant city living and an exclusive residential environment.

“We are delighted to bring the beloved Westin brand to the celebrated destination of Penang and be a part of the island’s offering for both leisure and business travellers. As a destination, it continues to excite with its unique appeal. We are confident that The Westin Hotel, Penang will exceed expectations in offering both leisure and business travellers a thoroughly fresh, yet familiar and certainly enjoyable stay in Penang”, said Andree Susilo, Senior Director – Development, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Marriott International to bring The Westin Hotel to Penang. This partnership is a significant step towards advancing Penang’s tourism sector and this underscores our goal of providing a world-class wellness hospitality experience which enhances the reputation of Penang as a global travel destination. We both share a commitment to offering guests an experience and residents a life like no other and The Westin is known around the world to offer the gold standard of hospitality”, said Dato Yeoh Yih Sean, Group Managing Director of Westfield Global Sdn. Bhd,

Plans call for the hotel to feature all-day dining and speciality restaurants, a lobby lounge and a pool bar, with additional leisure facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, WestinWORKOUT ®

Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ for ultimate pampering, as well as the Westin Family Kids Club. Guided by Westin’s six pillars of well-being, the brand continues to evolve and deliver its signature wellness programs to adapt to the needs of the modern traveller and deliver industry-leading experiences designed to empower guests to be the best version of themselves.

The hotel will also be an ideal destination for events of all sizes such as weddings, seminars, workshops, and conferences. Not only is there a spacious grand ballroom to accommodate up to 1,000 people, it is also equipped with various event spaces and meeting rooms.

The hotel is anticipated to be Marriott International’s fourth Westin in Malaysia, in addition to The Westin Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

Source: Tourism.gov.my