SkyWorld Development Berhad (“SkyWorld”), Malaysia’s leading city developer, marked a significant milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony in Seberang Jaya, officially commencing the development of the nation’s largest affordable housing project under the Rumah Bakat MADANI initiative. The event was officiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Anwar Bin Ibrahim.

This momentous occasion also marks SkyWorld’s first venture in Penang, coming just eight months after the signing of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Properties, demonstrating rapid execution and strong collaboration under the Malaysia MADANI vision.

SkyWorld Pearlmont will be the first development in Penang to fully adopt Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) technology, setting a new standard in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. It will also feature a vertical school, the first of its kind to be incorporated within an affordable housing development in the state, offering greater convenience and accessibility for working families.

This development will serve as a public-private initiative aimed at delivering more than 35,000 units under the Rumah Bakat MADANI scheme.

Innovation Through PPVC: Building Better, Faster, Smarter

SkyWorld Pearlmont introduces a new benchmark for affordable homes by becoming Penang’s first PPVC residential development. Often described as the “LEGO” of construction, PPVC modules are fully built, tiled, painted, and fitted off-site before being assembled onsite, drastically improving construction speed, quality, and site safety, while minimizing environmental impact.

“Because of PPVC technology, we are able to bring high quality and a new standard of living at a faster pace,” said Mr. Lee Chee Seng, CEO of SkyWorld. “This is a product built with premium quality but priced affordably, a breakthrough made possible by our PPVC innovation.”

The project will come with real, tangible benefits:

• 10-year warranty on waterproofing and piping.
• RM0.18/sf maintenance fee cap for 10 years.
• A benchmark of 85% QLASSIC build quality score certified by CIDB.

A Vertical School Supporting Modern Families

To reduce time, cost, and stress for working parents, SkyWorld Pearlmont will include the country’s first Vertical School, directly accessible within the development.

Vertical schools represent an architectural evolution in educational design, where learning environments are structured within multi-level, purpose-built towers rather than sprawling, land-intensive campuses. 

This vertical format is especially suited for urban and high-density settings, allowing architects to maximise limited land while maintaining functional, child-centric spaces. Each floor is typically designed to serve a specific age group or learning theme, with clear spatial zoning that supports developmental needs and intuitive wayfinding. 

SkyWorld Pearlmont – Designed for Generations

Set on 31 acres of freehold land in the heart of Seberang Jaya, Phase 1A of SkyWorld Pearlmont offers:

• 1,846 units in 3 towers, 900 sq ft each with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Prices from RM328,000 – RM382,000, including options with 1 or 2 carparks
• 10-acre elevated landscape park, the largest in Penang
• SkyWorld Healthy Home features: passive design, natural light & ventilation
• Pay-per-Use clubhouse with infinity pool, pickleball/badminton courts, kids’ playland, gym
• Smart community living via the SkyWorld Connects App

Inclusive Ownership, Economic Impact

Unlike traditional public housing, Rumah Bakat MADANI units are freehold and open to all Malaysians, including non-Penangites working in the state, particularly in the E&E (Electric and Electronic) and industrial sectors that drive Penang’s economy.

This project aims to not only invite young talents from across Malaysia to call Penang home or only about housing, but it is also about building a stronger economy and community. 

A National Model for Public-Private Collaboration

SkyWorld Pearlmont is part of a broader initiative to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025 and stands as a national model for collaborative governance.

Backed by SkyWorld’s proven track record of three consecutive FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence wins, the company is now bringing that global standard into affordable housing, demonstrating its consistency and commitment to delivering quality developments across Malaysia.

For illustration only

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-anticipated expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) by June 2028. Estimated at RM1.55 billion, the project is aimed at addressing long-term capacity constraints and elevating the overall passenger experience at one of the country’s busiest regional airports.

The expansion will more than double PIA’s annual handling capacity—from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers—preparing the airport to meet future demand. According to MAHB group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, the project is being carried out in three phases. Phase One, which includes relocating government agency offices such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Malaysian Meteorological Department, is already underway. Phase Two, focusing on apron expansion, is also in progress. Meanwhile, Phase Three, which involves the main terminal expansion, is in the final design stage. MAHB expects to secure board approval and appoint a contractor by the end of the year.

“The target completion date remains June 2028, and we are committed to meeting that timeline,” said Mohd Izani during a recent media briefing outlining MAHB’s strategic direction.

The expansion is not only expected to ease current congestion but also to position Penang as a more competitive regional hub, particularly as the island continues to see growth in tourism, business travel, and industrial activity. Mohd Izani highlighted that the airport plays a vital role in Penang’s broader economic ecosystem, and the upgrade will ensure it is equipped to support the state’s long-term development goals.

While the focus remains on Penang, MAHB is also moving forward with upgrades at other key airports. These include expansion plans for Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and improvement works at tier-two airports such as Tawau, Miri, and Kota Bharu. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding a new airport proposal in Sarawak and further enhancements to Subang and Langkawi airports.

A recent survey by a market research firm has revealed deep generational and ethnic divides on the issue of racial discrimination in Malaysia’s rental housing market. The findings suggest that while many Malaysians support regulation, views differ sharply on whether landlords should be allowed to select tenants based on race.

The survey, which involved over 1,100 respondents, showed that nearly 57% were in favour of a law to regulate residential tenancies, with only 10% expressing outright opposition. However, opinions diverged when it came to banning racial discrimination in the rental process.

Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 39% supported making it illegal for landlords to choose tenants based on race — the only age group where this view was the most common. In contrast, nearly 59% of those aged 35 to 54 believed landlords should retain the right to make rental decisions based on racial considerations. Overall, almost half of all respondents supported landlords’ discretion to select tenants by race, while 31% favoured a legal ban on such practices.

The findings were shared during a public forum held by a civil society organisation focused on diversity and inclusion. The forum coincided with the release of a new report highlighting discriminatory practices in the rental market and renewed calls for the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act to be passed.

A key concern raised was the disproportionate impact of discrimination on young Malaysians from minority backgrounds, particularly those who rely on rental housing for education or employment opportunities in urban centres. Many participants described landlords’ racial preferences as being driven by fear of problematic tenants, concerns over cultural or religious differences, or personal biases disguised as preference.

Among the ethnic groups surveyed, Malaysian Indians reported the highest levels of discrimination and the strongest support for legislative change, with nearly 64% in favour of banning racial criteria in rental decisions. Full-time students and unemployed individuals also showed high levels of support for reform, though they were among the groups least supportive of an additional proposal — a rent tribunal to help resolve disputes.

The idea of setting up a rent tribunal received majority support overall, especially among older respondents and higher-income groups, who viewed it as a low-cost alternative to resolving issues such as deposit disputes and wrongful evictions. Advocates say such a tribunal could improve transparency and accountability without the burden of legal fees.

Critics at the forum also raised concerns about flawed housing data that may be misguiding national policy. A researcher pointed out a significant discrepancy between official rent statistics and actual market listings, calling for better data collection methods.

Forum participants stressed that while landlords’ concerns are not unfounded, regulation should aim to strike a balance between protecting property owners and ensuring fair access to housing for all. Advocates warned that passing a tenancy act without addressing racial bias would be a missed opportunity for meaningful reform.

As one speaker put it, the existence of discrimination — even if affecting a minority — is reason enough for action. “The law exists to draw a moral line and provide recourse to those harmed,” they said, urging lawmakers not to ignore the experiences of those who continue to face unjust barriers in finding a place to live.Younger Malaysians Push for Ban on Racial Discrimination in Rental Housing

About G’Vinton

A serviced residence development by GSD Land in George Town. The project spans approximately 1 acre and is strategically positioned between Ambank and the NSTP building, offering convenient access to KOMTAR and Gurney Drive. The development will include 336 serviced suites, a nine-level car parking podium, and four shop offices on the ground floor. Recreational facilities will be located on level 39.

Find out more about G’Vinton

Nestled in the peaceful enclave of Teluk Kumbar, D’Tiara Residence by GSD Land offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring homeowners to enjoy modern living in a serene environment — at an affordable price.

Strategically located off Cangkat Bukit Belah 2, nearby the developer’s own D’Starlingtton, D’Tiara sits just minutes away from the upcoming Penang Silicon Island and is about 4km to Penang International Airport. Whether you work in the Free Industrial Zone or travel frequently, convenience is at your doorstep.

Urban Comfort Meets Tranquil Surroundings

Built on a freehold land of approximately 3,388 sqm, D’Tiara features a 25-storey tower with 230 thoughtfully designed residential units, each with a built-up of 700 sq. ft. Priced affordably from RM300,000, D’Tiara makes owning your dream home within reach.

At the ground level, 14 units of shop offices offer daily essentials right downstairs. A 3-level car park podium (Levels 2-4) ensures residents’ vehicles are well accommodated.

Lifestyle-Focused Facilities, Inside & Out

D’Tiara is more than just a home — it’s a lifestyle. The Level 5 and rooftop facilities are designed to encourage relaxation, wellness, and community:

Level 5 & 6 Landscaped & Indoor Amenities:

• Kids’ playground, cycling and camping corners
• Jogging track, reflexology path, soft lawn
• Community room, gym, games room, dance room
• Sauna, kids’ corner, reading and chilling corners

Rooftop Retreat:

• BBQ area, meditation and yoga decks
• Tranquil seating spaces with stunning views

Your Sanctuary, Designed for Everyday Living

Each unit at D’Tiara is designed with comfort in mind, maximizing functionality and natural light to create a seamless flow for daily living. Enjoy peace of mind and a lifestyle that blends the best of nature and city access.

A Home You Can Afford. A Lifestyle You’ll Love.

From accessibility to affordability, from thoughtful layouts to lifestyle-driven facilities, D’Tiara Residence is an ideal choice for first-time buyers and young families alike.

Visit D’Tiara Sales Gallery today and discover your future home in Teluk Kumbar.

Contact GSD Land at 1700-818-365 or +6012-426 0932.