The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced a 50% increase in parking rates on Penang Island, effective March 2025.

Mayor Rajendran Anthony explained that the adjustment is necessary to fund the maintenance of smart parking sensors and system upgrades under the Penang Smart Parking initiative.

Under the new rates, parking fees will rise to 60 sen for 30 minutes, RM1.20 per hour, and RM9 for a full day. The last adjustment was in 2014, marking a significant gap since the previous increase in the 1990s.

The revised rates will apply to all 19,000 parking spaces on the island. Meanwhile, the cost of annual parking passes will decrease from RM1,800 to RM1,200 starting March 1, though monthly passes will remain at RM150.

This measure aligns with MBPP’s efforts to enhance parking facilities and technology for better user convenience.

The ‘Skim Perumahan Sewa Khas’ (SPSK) scheme, aimed at providing housing for youths and singles in Penang, is currently in its initial phase. Once implemented, it is expected to significantly benefit these groups.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (PH-Perai) revealed this during the Penang Legislative Assembly session at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.

Sundarajoo highlighted that the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), to be developed in Jelutong by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, will serve as the pioneer project for the SPSK scheme.

“The process of appointing a contractor will commence once funding is secured. The PPR in Jelutong will comprise 500 units,” he said.

He elaborated that the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) has proposed allocating 250 units, each 650sq ft, for young families, while the remaining 250 units, sized at 450sq ft, will cater to youths and singles.

Sundarajoo made these remarks in response to an oral question by Lee Boon Heng (PH-Kebun Bunga).

Additionally, he shared that the LPNPP is studying a proposal to repurpose unsold affordable homes as transit housing for youths and singles under the SPSK scheme.

“Priority will be given to older, unmarried individuals within the ‘single’ category,” he added.

He also announced that the LPNPP will reserve 10% of affordable housing units built on state-owned land for a rent-to-own scheme.

As part of the initiative, redevelopment projects such as Kampung Ujung Batu and Kampung Manis will be included.

For applicants of the affordable housing scheme who have been rejected by banks three times, Sundarajoo confirmed that they would be eligible for the rent-to-own option under the LPNPP.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About The Meg @ Andaman

The first project in Andaman Island, the highly-anticipated prime reclaimed island of Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2A by E&O. Features two blocks of 27 and 34-storey serviced apartments with an estimated GDV of RM690 million. It comprises 1,020 residential units with innovative layouts designed to suit young executives and new families.

Find out more about The Meg @ Andaman

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!