The reclamation for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Depot on Silicon Island is making remarkable progress, with the land now extending over 28 hectares. This depot will serve as a cornerstone of the island’s ambitious transportation network, supporting a visionary shift toward green mobility and sustainable urban living.

A transformative vision

Silicon Island, a 931-hectare reclaimed area off Bayan Lepas, is being designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable urban planning. Central to its development is the concept of a “15-minute city,” ensuring that residents can easily access essential services within a short walk or cycle. This strategy promotes low-carbon living and aligns with Penang’s broader goal of achieving a 70:30 public-private transport modal split.

The island’s design incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, with a dedicated city management unit overseeing adherence to Urban Design Guidelines. This ensures orderly growth and positions Silicon Island as a future-ready, livable urban space.

Comprehensive connectivity

The Mutiara Line LRT project, spearheaded by MRT Corporation, will connect 21 stations, with 20 on Penang Island and Silicon Island and one at Penang Sentral on the mainland. The alignment starts from Silicon Island and extends north through key locations, including the Penang International Airport, Free Industrial Zones, SPICE, and Komtar.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari highlighted the strategic value of Silicon Island’s inclusion in the LRT network. “The depot’s location on the island optimizes land use and enhances regional connectivity, supporting sustainable urban mobility in the southern region of Penang Island,” Zairil explained.

All stations will be elevated, ensuring seamless integration into the urban landscape. With the LRT connecting Penang’s island and mainland, commuters can look forward to a modern, efficient public transport system that reduces dependence on private vehicles.

Mobility-centric development

Silicon Island’s green transport strategy extends beyond the LRT. Plans include autonomous trams, buses, and electric water taxis operating along a 5-kilometer canal network. These initiatives aim to reduce transport-related emissions by 44% compared to traditional urban developments. The island’s emphasis on walking, cycling, and other low-impact mobility devices underscores its commitment to creating a sustainable, human-centric urban environment.

Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, CEO of Penang Infrastructure Corporation, emphasized the project’s alignment with global trends. “Corporations are increasingly prioritizing locations with robust, sustainable systems. Silicon Island’s design meets these expectations, paving the way for a low-carbon city.”

Looking ahead

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently confirmed that the Mutiara Line LRT project is set to commence next year, with final design and cost negotiations nearing completion. The depot’s strategic placement on Silicon Island reflects the state’s forward-thinking approach, utilizing scarce land resources efficiently while setting the foundation for a greener Penang.

By integrating cutting-edge public transport with environmentally conscious urban planning, Silicon Island is poised to become a model for sustainable development in Malaysia. The Mutiara Line LRT depot symbolizes a critical step toward realizing Penang’s vision of a connected, low-carbon future.

Source: The Star

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Penang CM Chow Kon Yeow has emphasized that all foreign worker dormitory projects in the state must adhere strictly to established guidelines, including conducting Social Impact Assessments (SIA) and Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA). These measures aim to ensure that such projects consider their effects on surrounding communities before receiving approval from local authorities.

Speaking at a press conference in Komtar two weeks ago, Chow highlighted the ongoing refinement of these guidelines. One debated proposal involves locating centralized workers’ quarters (CLQ) within factory grounds. However, Chow dismissed this option, citing Penang’s stature as the “Silicon Valley of the East” and human rights considerations. “How can we confine workers within the factory for 24 hours every day?” he asked, stressing the importance of allowing workers access to a life beyond their workplace.

To address current practices where foreign workers are housed in residential areas, Chow said CLQs provide a structured solution. These quarters are equipped with essential amenities such as sundry shops, hair salons, laundromats, and food stalls, allowing workers to access necessities within the compound. This arrangement prevents overcrowding in residential properties while ensuring better living standards.

Chow also underlined the necessity for CLQ projects to comply with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, which align with broader efforts to ensure sustainable and equitable practices. To date, Penang has approved five to six CLQ projects, including completed facilities in the Penang Science Park, Batu Kawan, which are already housing workers.

Addressing concerns raised by residents of Taman Cendana in Juru about a proposed 32-storey workers’ dormitory, Chow revealed that the developer is conducting an SIA to gather feedback from nearby residents. The project, which plans to accommodate 20,000 workers on a 5.6-hectare site, has yet to receive planning approval pending the submission of both SIA and TIA reports. Protests from local residents have highlighted safety and traffic congestion concerns, which will be reviewed during the application process.

Chow reaffirmed the state’s commitment to balancing development with community well-being, ensuring that foreign worker accommodations are both humane and sustainable while minimizing disruptions to local neighborhoods.

The Penang state government is advancing its ambitious Penang2030 vision, aiming to deliver 220,000 affordable housing units (RMM) to address the growing demand for quality, affordable homes.

As of October 31, 2024, 162,689 units are in various stages of development. These include 51,680 units ready for construction, 22,456 under construction, and 88,553 in the design phase. Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Chairman of the State Housing and Environment Committee, shared these updates during the recent State Legislative Assembly.

In a significant move, the state announced that its affordable housing initiative will be rebranded as Rumah MutiaraKu (RMK) starting January 2025. The rebranding aims to instill a stronger sense of pride and ownership among recipients. “This change underscores our commitment to improving the quality and perception of affordable housing in Penang,” Sundarajoo remarked.

To ensure that subsidised housing benefits the intended groups, a maximum household income limit of RM20,000 has been set for open market applications, effectively excluding higher-income groups, especially the T20 category.

Quality and Assurance

The state government has mandated rigorous quality standards for all RMK developments. Developers are required to meet the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) Qlassic standards with a minimum score of 70%. Additionally, final inspections by local authorities and technical agencies are necessary before issuing the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Buyers will also benefit from a 24-month Defects Liability Period (DLP), during which developers must address any defects in new housing units.

Redevelopment Projects on the Horizon

The state is also focused on revitalising older housing areas. The Ujong Batu redevelopment project is nearing the final stage of its Request For Proposal (RFP). Another redevelopment initiative, involving Taman Siakap, will deliver 400 affordable units divided equally between the RMM B2 and RMM C3 categories.

However, not all projects have received the green light. The Padang Tembak redevelopment study was not approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Sundarajoo assured that the state would appeal this decision to the Ministry of Economy.

In line with its green agenda, the state plans to distribute free recycling bags to selected areas starting early next year. By December 2025, free distribution will cease, and bags will be sold for RM2 each to encourage sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.

Penang government is carefully evaluating the establishment of a Special Financial Zone (SFZ), recognising its potential as a transformative economic driver. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the Penang Institute (PI) is leading the study into the proposal.

During a winding-up speech at the Penang Legislative Assembly, Chow highlighted the findings from a public engagement workshop held on September 24. Over 100 participants from the logistics, trade, and financial sectors attended, with more than 93% expressing support for the SFZ initiative.

Key benefits identified included job creation for young graduates, increased foreign investment, and enhanced support for advanced manufacturing. Participants also recommended focusing on financial subsectors such as fintech, startup financing, equity crowdfunding, maritime trade, and cryptocurrency finance.

Potential sites for the SFZ include Gurney Bay and Andaman Island. However, concerns were raised regarding challenges such as traffic congestion, talent shortages, and low wages, which could hinder the project’s success.

A roundtable discussion with industry experts on November 27 aimed to refine the framework for the SFZ. Further research findings will be presented to the state executive council for consideration.

This initiative underscores Penang’s commitment to maintaining its position as a regional business hub in Southeast Asia while addressing economic and infrastructure challenges.

Tuan Pavilion, a high-rise residential development spanning 2.4 acres along Solok Zoo 1 in Air Itam, conveniently located near the Permata Sports Complex. Situated less than 2km from Sunshine Central Mall, it offers easy access to the upcoming Air Itam Bypass, scheduled for completion in 2025.

This project consisting of two towers with a total of 280 units. Tower A comprises 21 levels with 120 units, offering six units per floor, while Tower B features 28 levels with 160 units, with eight units per floor. The units range in size from 1,173 sq. ft. to 1,592 sq. ft. and include configurations of up to four bedrooms. The development is supported by a six-level car parking podium and offers over 20 facilities located on Level 7.

Project Name : Tuan Pavilion
Location : Air Itam
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: 1,173 sq.ft. – 1,592 sq.ft.
Total Units: 280
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : Milenium Baru Sdn. Bhd. (M Summit Group)

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.