After more than 160 years of operation—surviving even the Japanese invasion during World War II—the Penang Turf Club (PTC) will cease its horse-racing activities by June. An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on April 20 is expected to formalize the decision, with a two-thirds majority vote needed to dissolve the historic club.

Founded in 1864, PTC is Malaysia’s oldest horse-racing club but has struggled financially in recent years. A club official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that losses had become unsustainable, leading to the inevitable shutdown. The final race meeting is scheduled for May 31, closing a storied chapter in Penang’s sporting history.

Following the EGM, PTC will notify authorities, wind down operations, and terminate contracts with suppliers. Its 150 employees will be offered voluntary separation or retrenchment packages. The club’s next challenge is disposing of its prized 81-hectare land in Batu Gantong—valued at RM2-3 billion but unsold as a single parcel. Plans may now involve subdividing the land to attract buyers.

PTC’s closure reflects a regional trend. Last year, Singapore Turf Club ended its 180-year racing legacy, while Macau Jockey Club shut down after financial struggles. For Malaysian racing enthusiasts, only the Perak and Selangor Turf Clubs remain.

As PTC prepares for its final curtain call, its legacy—from wooden attap structures in 1864 to a modern-day icon—will be remembered as a symbol of Penang’s colonial past and sporting heritage.

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About Laguna Bay Residences

An affordable housing project by Kobay Properties Teluk Kumbar, strategically located within walking distance of Lexis Suites and a short drive from Penang International Airport. Spanning approximately 1 acre, the development features a 31-story residential tower with a 9-level car parking podium. Offering 900 sq. ft. units with majority of homes boast stunning views of the Malacca Straits.

*Photo taken in Mar 2025

Find out more about Laguna Bay Residences

31 Residence is a mixed-use development planned for Permatang Pauh. Undertaken by JKP Sdn. Bhd., the project is located along Jalan Permatang Pauh, right opposite UiTM Penang Campus. This development is centrally located between Seberang Jaya and Bukit Mertajam. Amenities within 3 km includes hypermarkets, hospital, university, banks and several popular eateries.

The project comprises serviced apartments ranging from 500 to 1,100 square feet, with 180 dual-key units, 226 three-bedroom units, and 44 studio units. Additionally, it will feature 300 affordable apartment units and 34 shop lots.

The project is still in planning stage. More details will be available during official launch.

Project Name : 31 Residence
Location : Permatang Pauh
Property Type : Mixed development
Land Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 300 (affordable unit)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price: (to be confirmed)
Developer : JKP Sdn. Bhd.

Penang’s buildings and bridges are designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 7 on the Richter scale, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. His statement comes after tremors from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar were felt in various parts of Penang, including George Town and Butterworth.

While Penang is not within an earthquake-prone zone, seismic tremors from regional earthquakes in Southeast Asia are often experienced on the island. Nearby countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines lie within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making them more susceptible to seismic activity.

Chow assured that critical structures, including Komtar and bridges, have been designed with earthquake resistance in mind. However, the extent of seismic considerations varies across different types of buildings in the state.

Mayors of Penang’s two city councils, A Rajendran of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Baderul Amin Hamid of Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), provided further insights into earthquake resilience in local construction. Rajendran stated that seismic effects are considered for projects, but earthquake-resistant designs are not strictly imposed across all buildings. A guideline prepared by MBPP and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) has been shared with developers to ensure best practices in construction.

Findings from IEM indicate that shorter, rigid buildings are more vulnerable to earthquake damage compared to taller structures, which are designed to flex under seismic forces. Meanwhile, Baderul Amin emphasized that Seberang Perai, with fewer high-rise buildings and large dams, has a lower necessity for stringent seismic design regulations. He noted that making earthquake-resistant designs mandatory would significantly increase construction costs.

The Myanmar earthquake, which struck near Mandalay, resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and thousands of injuries. The country sits between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates along the Saigang Fault, placing it at high risk for seismic activity.

While Penang remains outside an earthquake danger zone, the tremors from neighboring countries highlight the importance of incorporating structural resilience into future developments to ensure public safety.