The Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project is set to enhance connectivity with 20 stations on Penang Island and one on the mainland at Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This landmark project, developed by MRT Corp, aims to provide seamless transport options for residents and commuters.
State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari presented the latest updates during the Penang Legislative Assembly, emphasizing the strategic alignment of the proposed route. The LRT will begin at Silicon Island and pass through major locations, including the Penang International Airport, Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), SPICE, Sungai Nibong, Komtar, and several residential and commercial hubs. The mainland station at Penang Sentral will offer an essential link between Seberang Perai and the island. All stations on the Mutiara Line will be elevated.
To improve convenience and alleviate traffic congestion, nine stations will include park-and-ride facilities, offering approximately 1,100 parking spaces. These facilities will enable commuters to park their vehicles and seamlessly switch to the LRT, reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting the use of public transportation. These facilities are planned for stations at Permatang Damar Laut, Jalan Tengah, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Dua, Jalan Universiti, Penang Sentral, Gelugor, Sungai Pinang, and Bandar Sri Pinang. Land acquisition processes are currently underway to finalize these plans.
Zairil also addressed traffic management concerns, highlighting the development of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) that will be monitored by local councils and the state Public Works Department (JKR). Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Rapid Penang and MRT Corp to introduce feeder bus services to enhance accessibility to LRT stations.
“This initiative underscores Penang’s commitment to improving public transportation while addressing congestion challenges. Further updates on feeder bus services will be announced soon,” Zairil stated.
A significant milestone was achieved on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Jayamas Property Group and The Ark International School. The ceremony took place at Jayamas Property Group’s headquarters in Bukit Mertajam, marking a key step in redefining the RU Square Commercial Center in Raja Uda, Butterworth.
Jayamas Property Group’s Managing Director, Ir. Ooi Wei Chong, and The Ark International School’s directors—Mr. Michael Anthonysamy, Mr. Goh Wooi Beng, Madam Gan Siew Guat, and Madam Leu Kim Siew—formalized this partnership, which will see the establishment of The Ark International School within RU Square.
Spanning 14.58 acres, RU Square comprises several commercial zones, including Nanyang Street, Kings Galleria, a drive-thru, and various retail outlets. Currently, Nanyang Street and Kings Galleria are open for sale, adding vibrant commercial opportunities to the development.
The Ark International School will be the first international school in Raja Uda, offering a world-class educational experience based on the English IGCSE curriculum. With 21 years of expertise in education, the school is set to be completed by Q3 2027, promising to enhance the local community’s access to quality education.
Congratulations to both Jayamas Property Group and The Ark International School on this landmark collaboration!
The construction of Le Meridien Penang Airport and Rackson’s Serviced Apartment near Penang International Airport (PIA) marks a significant milestone in Penang’s journey towards becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. These projects, part of the visionary Penang Gateway development, carry a gross development value of RM1.5 billion.
Speaking at the second groundbreaking ceremony at Jalan Mahkamah, Bayan Lepas, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives. The construction phase alone is projected to create over 1,000 jobs, with an additional 300 direct employment opportunities once the projects become operational.
Le Meridien Penang Airport, a five-star luxury hotel, will feature 200 rooms tailored to meet the needs of business travellers, leisure guests, and event organisers. Complementing this is the Avion Serviced Apartment, offering 608 premium residential units designed for long-term residents and expatriates.
Strategically located near Penang International Airport, the upcoming LRT airport station, and the planned Mitsui Outlet Park, these developments are set to benefit from seamless integration with Penang’s evolving transportation ecosystem. “This synergy underscores Penang’s commitment to accessibility, connectivity, and smart urban planning,” Chow noted.
Tourism remains a vital pillar of Penang’s economy, with the state’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector contributing an estimated RM1.033 billion last year. Meanwhile, Penang International Airport handled nearly 7 million passengers, underlining its role as a key gateway.
Chow emphasised that these projects will enhance Penang’s infrastructure and elevate its global standing.
Land management continues to serve as a cornerstone of Penang’s economic stability, contributing a significant 40% to 50% of the state’s annual revenue. This income is derived from land tax collections, premium payments, and transaction fees. To bolster this crucial revenue stream, the Penang government is embarking on a comprehensive digitisation and modernisation of its land management systems.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, addressing the Penang Legislative Assembly during the tabling of the 2025 state budget, announced a proposal to revise land tax rates starting January 1, 2026. Submitted to the National Land Council, the proposal also includes reclassifying certain rural lands into urban lands. This initiative follows a directive by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, urging innovative strategies to enhance state revenue.
“The last land tax revision in Penang was in 1994. A dedicated task force is now reviewing 370,000 land titles to ensure a fair and balanced outcome,” Chow stated. The review, involving diverse stakeholder consultations, is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. The proposed changes aim to increase annual land tax revenue by RM50 million to RM100 million from 2026 onwards.
Chow also highlighted enhanced policies on lease renewal and ownership grants, introduced in 2023. These measures include discounts of up to 90%, benefiting 31 landowners in 2023 and 91 in 2024, with total premium reductions reaching RM170 million.
To streamline land management further, the state now allows simultaneous applications for land-use category changes or rezoning alongside lease renewals. However, these concurrent applications are contingent upon fulfilling rezoning conditions.
Through these initiatives, Penang aims to strengthen its fiscal foundation while fostering economic growth and social equity.
Andaman Island is rapidly emerging as a prestigious and innovative development, setting new standards for sustainable living in Malaysia. This 253-acre project by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) comprises three districts: Shoreline, Gurney Green, and Canalside, each designed around the pillars of sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life.
Andaman Island: A Model of Sustainable Urbanism
Located just off Gurney Drive, Andaman Island is easily accessible via two bridges that connect it to Penang Island. Its strategic location near major economic zones offers residents the convenience of a 15-minute commute to essential amenities, including shopping centres, medical facilities, and international schools. This island fully embraces the concept of a “15-minute city,” where all daily necessities are within walking distance. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, ample green spaces, and eco-friendly infrastructure make Andaman Island a model for sustainable urbanism.
Each of its three districts provides a unique living experience: Shoreline, home to The Lume, is designed for eco-conscious, sustainable living; Gurney Green will serve as a future business hub; and Canalside promises scenic, waterside living. This variety of lifestyle options makes Andaman Island a highly desirable destination for those seeking both luxury homes and a forward-thinking community.
Introducing The Lume: A new standard in luxury
The Lume is a pioneering residential condominium within Shoreline. After the success of their Quayside Condominium in Seri Tanjung Pinang, E&O continues to raise the bar for luxury living with The Lume. This exclusive development offers only 261 residences, ensuring that residents enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquillity amidst the vibrant Andaman community. With only six units per floor, The Lume offers an unparalleled level of exclusivity.
Designed with spacious layouts, The Lume caters to families and individuals seeking generous living spaces. The three- and four-bedroom units, each offering panoramic views of the ocean, hills, and city skyline, are perfect for multi-generational living. Each unit is thoughtfully planned with privacy fins that ensure seclusion from neighbours, providing a peaceful and soothing living environment.
In addition to the spacious interiors, each unit comes with three or four dedicated car parks, a rarity in modern developments, ensuring that residents have hassle-free parking. The master bedroom is designed as an oasis of privacy, separated from the other living spaces, making it an ideal retreat for families who value personal space within a shared environment.
Luxury meets sustainability
What truly sets The Lume apart from other developments is its commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury. As part of Andaman Island, The Lume has been awarded the GreenRE Platinum Provisional Certification, a testament to its eco-friendly design and green living features. The resort-style living experience is enhanced by lush landscaped gardens and green spaces that are perfect for relaxation or recreation.
The Lume’s appeal is enhanced by its proximity to Andaman’s future business district, Gurney Green, and its closeness to Gurney Drive and Tanjung Tokong, where major shopping malls, international schools, and hospitals are located. Residents can enjoy the convenience of urban living while still being surrounded by nature. This combination of connectivity and tranquillity makes The Lume an attractive option for those looking for a modern lifestyle within a sustainable community.
The fast-selling gem in Penang
The Lume officially launched for sale at the end of July 2024, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. By the end of September, the development had already achieved a 40% sales uptake. This strong demand reflects the growing interest in sustainable luxury living, particularly among local buyers.
The majority of purchasers are Malaysian, reflecting the strong local demand for high-end residential properties. However, The Lume also appeals to international buyers, with a small but significant portion of units being purchased by buyers from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other countries. This diverse buyer base underscores the global appeal of Penang as a desirable location for both living and investment.
Why The Lume?
The Lume offers a compelling mix of features that make it an ideal home. First and foremost, the development’s spacious layouts are perfect for those looking to upgrade to larger living spaces or downsize from landed properties without sacrificing comfort. The thoughtful design of the units, including privacy features and scenic views, adds to the allure of the property.
The convenience of The Lume’s location, near international schools, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities, ensures that residents have everything they need within easy reach. Moreover, the commitment to sustainable living, from eco-friendly building materials to green communal spaces, appeals to those who prioritize environmental consciousness.
Buyers can have full confidence in E&O’s longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality developments. Known for their attention to detail, innovation, and commitment to excellence, E&O has consistently set the benchmark in luxury residential projects, as seen in their successful developments at Seri Tanjung Pinang in Penang. The Lume continues this legacy, offering not only superior craftsmanship but also a thoughtfully designed living experience that prioritizes both comfort and sustainability. With E&O at the helm, buyers can trust that The Lume represents a sound investment that promises lasting value and an elevated lifestyle.
