The Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway project will be carried out through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) method, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

According to Chow, the project’s cost also has increased to RM2 billion, from the initial estimate of RM1.8 billion.

He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for including the project in the 2025 Budget, which was announced on Friday (Oct 18).

The Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway is one of the key projects highlighted in the 2025 Budget.

“I welcome this important announcement from the Prime Minister. I also appreciate the dedication and commitment of the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) Prime Minister’s Department, which has collaborated closely with the Penang government to ensure this crucial project was included in the 2025 Budget.

“The next challenge will be the project’s implementation. I hope this project, along with several other key projects announced in the 2025 Budget, can be expedited due to their urgent necessity, as they can hugely benefit the people in the state,” Chow told reporters when asked about the matter today.

When asked whether the Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway project will be toll-free once completed, Chow replied that there are already existing tolls along the route from Juru to Sungai Dua.

Additionally, Chow also expressed appreciation for the announcement of a new Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in the Seberang Perai area, which he said would enhance the quality of public services at UTC@Komtar.

Several other key projects for Penang were announced in the 2025 Budget, including the raw water supply project from the Perak River to meet the water needs of northern Perak and Penang, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3.

Chow said all these projects are expected to contribute significantly to the state’s overall development.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Penang is poised to gain substantial advantages from a series of development projects highlighted in Budget 2025, unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 18).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described these projects as essential enhancements for the state, addressing the needs of its residents.

Anwar announced several key initiatives for Penang, including the Juru and Sungai Dua Elevated Highway projects, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP), and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3.

“In addition, a new Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Seberang Perai is set to enhance public services currently offered at UTC @ Komtar.

“In terms of education, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is exploring semiconductor artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with Malaysia’s emerging status as a global semiconductor hub.

“This initiative will bolster the university’s capabilities and attract further investment opportunities to Penang,” Chow said in a statement on Friday (Oct 18).

On the development of “wakaf” land by the federal agency UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) in Penang, Chow expressed the state government’s full support for the initiative.

He noted this aligns with requests from various parties, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state, to redevelop Malay settlements and increase their land ownership in Penang, especially on the island.

Chow also expressed hope that the implementation of all projects announced by the Prime Minister will be expedited and adhere to the scheduled timeline.

Source: Bernama

Today, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the Malaysian Budget 2025, with significant provisions for housing and development. Below are the key takeaways:

Support for First-Time Home Buyers

• The government’s Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) will now guarantee loans of up to RM500,000 for first-time home buyers purchasing homes on wakaf land.
• The SJKP has approved RM12.8 billion in government guarantees, benefiting over 57,000 first-time home buyers.

Housing Tax Relief

• A tax relief of up to RM7,000 is available for the purchase of residential properties priced up to RM500,000, aimed at encouraging first-time homeownership.
• For properties priced between RM500,000 and RM750,000, a tax relief of up to RM5,000 is offered.
• These reliefs can be claimed for three consecutive assessment years for sale and purchase agreements completed between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

• The government has allocated RM900 million to implement 48 People’s Residency Programs (PRR) and 14 Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) projects, including new PRR developments in Port Dickson and Seberang Perai Tengah.
• By the end of 2025, 30 PRR projects are expected to be completed, benefiting nearly 17,500 new residents.
• A maximum of RM90,000 in financial aid will be provided for the construction of new homes, including for residents of the hardcore poor housing programme (PPRT), fishermen, and Chinese new villages.
• The maximum allocation for people’s homes repair assistance has been increased to RM20,000.
• UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) will receive RM200 million to develop affordable housing on wakaf land, while the Public Sector Home Financing Board (LPPSA) will support civil servants purchasing homes on such land.

Housing and Facilities Maintenance

• RM200 million has been earmarked for the maintenance of low- and medium-cost public strata homes, including replacing old elevators.
• RM100 million will be used to upgrade 48 Madani Public Parks, enhancing recreational spaces across cities and towns.
• RM84 million has been allocated to upgrade basic and social facilities in Chinese New Villages.
• The Housing and Local Government Ministry will coordinate efforts to address the needs of Indian settlements.

Sinaran Residences has officially become a freehold development! This milestone provides Paramount Property’s valued homeowners with long-term benefits and a greater sense of ownership security. Their heartfelt testimonials speak to the happiness this change has brought to their lives:

“Sinaran Residences, now a freehold property, is a legacy I look forward to passing down to future generations.”, Mr. Alan Khor

“I’m truly exhilarated by the change of status as it strengthens the ownership security of my home.”, Ms. Noor

“Freehold ownership provides me with enhanced ownership security, which I am truly thankful for.”, Mr. Kam

“The conversion to freehold is a significant benefit to us homeowners and helps reduce future hassles.”, Mr. Nadarajan

“I chose Sinaran Residences for its convenient location, modern design, and comprehensive amenities.”, Ms. Chuan

This transformation brings peace of mind and lasting value to the residents of Sinaran Residences.

Expansion works on Penang International Airport (PIA) have officially begun, with the RM1.5 billion project set to be completed by 2028. The project is divided into three key packages aimed at enhancing the airport’s capacity and facilities to meet growing passenger demand.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the appointed project team is already on-site, carrying out preparations. “Package 1 focuses on the construction of ancillary buildings and associated works, while Package 2 will upgrade the apron and airside facilities. The main terminal building expansion will be undertaken under Package 3,” Wong explained.

Additionally, the project team will coordinate with MRT Corp to build a light rail transit (LRT) station near the terminal, enhancing connectivity to the airport.

PIA has seen significant growth in passenger movement this year. Between January and September, the airport recorded a 6.78% increase in total passengers, with 5,553,881 passengers passing through its gates compared to 5,201,419 in the same period last year. Wong estimates that by the end of 2024, the airport will handle around 7.8 million passengers, up from seven million last year. Once the expansion is complete, PIA will have the capacity to accommodate 12 million passengers annually.

The upgrades include the installation of 10 new autogates in the international departure and arrival halls, set to begin in November, along with the deployment of 30 additional Immigration personnel. The Immigration Department has also set up a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) help desk to assist foreign travelers.

Once complete, PIA will become Malaysia’s second-largest airport, with an increased aircraft parking capacity of 28 commercial planes, up from the current 16.