About Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan

Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan is a dynamic commercial hub by Metrio Group, offering approximately 20 customizable retail spaces across 7 primary units. With an average unit size of 1,700 sq. ft., it caters to cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Strategically located near high-traffic landmarks like Caltex, Burger King, and Zus Coffee, Metrioplace ensures prime visibility and convenience. Its diverse mix of F&B, drive-thru services, and lifestyle retailers creates a vibrant community hub for both locals and visitors.

Find out more about Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan

The physical construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line in Penang is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year. Chief Minister Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow expressed confidence in the project’s progress following an update presented at the State Executive Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan – MMK) meeting yesterday.

According to Chow, the CEO of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp.), Datuk Mohd. Zarif Hashim, and Mutiara Line Project Director, Azmi Rahman, met with him on March 11 to discuss the latest developments. A formal presentation was then made to MMK members, covering three key aspects: the current status of the LRT project, the proposed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Tapak Pesta, and land acquisition matters.

From March 12 to March 14, MRT Corp., together with SRS Consortium and the Ministry of Economy, is conducting a value management lab to finalize the project’s design and costs. This stage is crucial as the finalized details will be incorporated into project agreements.

Chow also mentioned that planning approval will be processed under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), allowing for consultation with technical agencies. On February 25, 2025, an application was submitted to PLANMalaysia for review, a necessary step before physical works can begin.

Additionally, the railway scheme approved by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) requires updates to include an extension from Macallum to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This extension, designated as Package 2, involves stakeholders such as the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). Meanwhile, soil investigation works are currently underway at multiple sites.

Regarding the Tapak Pesta development, MRT Corp. has proposed not only a station but also a secondary depot, leveraging the site’s ample land for TOD initiatives. The state government supports this plan while ensuring a portion of Tapak Pesta is preserved as a heritage site, in line with the Prime Minister’s recommendations. A formal proposal from MRT Corp. is expected for further deliberation.

On land acquisition, the MMK has approved the federal government’s plan to acquire properties along the alignment in the Northeast and Southwest districts. The acquisition involves both private and government-owned lands, including those under local authorities, the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC). Over 100 landowners are expected to be affected, with compensation determined through valuation by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and public hearings.

Penang is accelerating its transition towards electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by setting an ambitious target of installing 600 electric vehicle charging bays (EVCBs) by the end of 2025. The initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of deploying 10,000 EVCBs nationwide by 2025, will see 300 EVCBs installed on Penang Island and another 300 in Seberang Perai.

State Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye made this announcement at the launch of an EVCB at Gat Lebuh China in George Town. He emphasized the importance of expanding the EV charging network to support the increasing number of EV users in the state.

Strategic Implementation of EVCBs

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been actively studying the feasibility of installing EVCBs within the limited space available on the island. To maximize accessibility, MBPP has converted existing parking spaces into EVCBs at various locations, including MBPP complexes and on-street parking areas.

In January, 52 EVCB ports were installed across 26 locations, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) currently connecting the power supply. These chargers are expected to be operational by April. MBPP is also working on Phase 2 of its Request for Proposal (RFP), which will see EVCBs installed at an additional 27 locations, targeted for completion by December.

Of the 52 EVCBs installed so far, 50 are DC chargers (60kW), while two are AC chargers (22kW). The charging rates are RM1.09/kWh for AC chargers and RM1.39/kWh for DC chargers. A profit-sharing arrangement has been established with service providers to ensure sustainable operations.

Penang Surpasses Initial EVCB Target

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran announced that, with 52 new EVCBs installed by ChargeSini and 261 EVCBs already established by the private sector, Penang Island has surpassed its initial goal of 300 EVCBs. However, the state is not stopping there. To accommodate the growing number of EVs, an additional 100 EVCBs are planned by year-end through the Phase 2 RFP.

Rajendran also highlighted a new policy requiring all new developments to allocate 2% of their parking bays for EV charging, ensuring the state’s infrastructure keeps pace with the rising adoption of electric vehicles.

ChargeSini Development Lead Bruce Sui encouraged EV users to download the ChargeSini app, which provides real-time information on charging station locations, rates, and advance booking options. To prevent idling, each EVCB is equipped with a parking barrier, allowing users to reserve a charging bay before arriving.

With Penang’s strong commitment to EV infrastructure expansion, the state is well on its way to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility, supporting both residents and visitors in their transition to electric vehicles.

List of EVCB Locations

The 26 locations where ChargeSini has installed EVCBs include:

• Persiaran Karpal Singh
• Jalan Concordia
• Precinct 10
• Lebuh Union
• Gat Lebuh China
• Pasar Tanjong Bungah
• Gat Lebuh Gereja
• Lebuh Cintra
• Jalan Masjid Negeri (Berjaya Gallery)
• Pasar Kompleks Jalan Permai
• Tlk Jalan Lenggong (Jalan Lenggong/Jalan Jelutong)
• Lebuh Pasar (Lebuh Pantai-Lebuh Penang)
• Pasar Batu Lanchang
• Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim
• Tlk Jalan Pasar/Jalan Balik Pulau (Kek Lok Si)
• Lebuh Dickens
• Jalan Arratoon, George Town
• Pasar Rajawali
• Pasar Bayan Baru
• Jalan Servis off Jalan Balik Pulau (in front of 7E Simpang Empat)
• Pasar Lengkok Kelicap
• Jalan Sungai Air Putih (MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd)
• Kompleks Sukan Relau
• Medan Kampung Relau 1 (Maybank)
• Jalan Khidmat Jalan Paya Terubong (Golden Triangle)
• Pasar Teluk Kumbar Heights

The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty return for their 12th edition in 2025 with more categories than ever before.

Part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its historic 20th edition in 2025, the enhanced awards programme will recognise excellence in property development and design throughout Malaysia. Supported by the country’s leading property portals, PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my, the awards are expected to set new benchmarks for the property sector nationwide.

Key dates for the 2025 edition are as follows:

• 30 May 2025 – Entries Close
• 17-29 June 2025 – People’s Choice Awards Voting Period
• 1-3 July 2025 – Live Judging Days
• 9 October 2025 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 12 December 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Expanding award categories

With the continued expansion of the real estate market, the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are launching a total of 132 categories in 2025. These categories were officially unveiled during launch events in Johor Bahru on 24 February 2025 and in Kuala Lumpur on 26 February 2025, attended by industry stakeholders ranging from company representatives to judges and customers.

This year’s edition introduces nine new awards recognising outstanding landed and high-rise developments in the Central, Northern, and Southern regions of Malaysia. These are Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Central); Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Northern); Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Southern); Best Mid End Landed Development (Central); Best Mid End Landed Development (Northern); Best Mid End Landed Development (Southern); Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Central); Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Northern); and Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Southern).

Seven new categories will honour residential projects across all regions of Malaysia: Best Townhouse Development; Best Completed Mixed Use Development; Best Oceanview High-Rise Development; Best Oceanview Landed Development; Best Serviced Apartment Development; and Best Heritage Development.

Two new categories will recognise outstanding commercial projects throughout the country: Best Lifestyle Commercial Development and Best Nature Integrated Development.

Finally, six design categories have been introduced to celebrate excellence in architecture and interior aesthetics: Best Townhouse Architectural Design; Best Townhouse Interior Design; Best Sales Gallery Design; Best Retail Interior Design; Best Office Architectural Design; and Best Townhouse Landscape Design.

The expansion of categories builds on the success of the ESG Developer Awards introduced at the 2024 awards, reinforcing PropertyGuru’s support for sustainable development. These special awards will return this year and recognise five champions in ESG initiatives.

Ongoing, meaningful change

Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2020-2022 and chairperson of the judging panel, said: “The quality of last year’s award winners reflected ongoing, meaningful change within Malaysia’s property sector and highlights our market’s ability to adapt and elevate standards. Participating in the awards is essential for developers as it not only establishes higher benchmarks in real estate development and design but also promotes healthy competition as well as collaborative innovation. Ultimately, our industry benefits by guiding consumers toward affordable and aspirational built spaces.”

Led by Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, a 14-member panel of specialists will assess entries and select winners during the Live Judging Days In July 2025. The panel of judges comprise diverse experts including town planners, ESG consultants, valuers, engineers, property managers, architects, designers, and legal experts.

As the official supervisor of the awards, HLB Ler Lum Chew – HLB Malaysia, part of “2024 Network of the Year” winner HLB International, will oversee this selection process, ensuring the credibility of the judging system.

Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Awards will empower the public to vote in June 2025 for their favourite developers based on reputation, track record, timely project delivery, and overall quality. As official balloting partner, HLB Ler Lum Chew – HLB Malaysia will verify the results of this public voting process.

All winners will be revealed during a prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

Representing Malaysia on the international stage

Major winners of the 12th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty will represent the country on the international stage at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in December 2025. Leading developers from across Asia Pacific, including those from markets such as the Middle East, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, will compete against those from Malaysia at the 2025 Grand Final.

At last year’s Grand Final, Malaysian projects earned various awards, with winners including Bangsar Heights Pavilion, Berinda Group, City Motors Group, Eupe Corporation Berhad, Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd, Iskandar Investment Berhad, JLand Group Sdn Bhd, Malton Berhad, Sime Darby Property Berhad, Tropicana Corporation Berhad, and Triterra Sdn Bhd.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 12th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are supported by official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my; official ESG knowledge partners Green Building Index, GreenRE and Malaysia Green Building Council; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; and official supervisor and balloting partner HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com/en/award/malaysia.

Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan – Commercial Hub by Metrio Group – is a thriving commercial destination designed to elevate retail and dining experiences. Featuring 7 versatile primary units subdivided into approximately 20 customizable retail spaces, the development offers businesses flexibility with an average unit size of 1,700 sq. ft.—perfect for cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and more.

Strategically positioned alongside high-traffic landmarks like Caltex Petrol Station, Burger King, Zus Coffee, and Asa No Hikary Bakery, Metrioplace guarantees exceptional visibility and convenience for both local patrons and visitors. The curated mix of F&B outlets, drive-thru services, dessert shops, and lifestyle retailers will foster a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere ideal for daytime gatherings and evening leisure.

Currently open for leasing, this project presents a prime opportunity to capitalize on the rapid growth of the Batu Kawan and Bukit Tambun neighborhoods. Construction is progressing smoothly, with completion slated for Q3 2025, ensuring timely occupancy for tenants ready to thrive in this emerging hotspot.

Commercial Hub by Metrio Group open for leasing, please contact Metrio Group at +6019-429 2441 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
Forescape Sales Gallery @ Metrioplace
1818-3, Jalan Perniagaan Vorteks 1,
Pusat Perniagaan Vorteks,
Simpang Ampat, Penang
(Waze)

SITE PROGRESS

SITE PROGRESS: Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan (Mar 2025)