In a continued effort to ensure housing affordability and uplift living standards, the Penang State Government yesterday officially handed over offer letters for the Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) affordable housing projects to selected recipients during a ceremony held at Auditorium F, Level 5, KOMTAR.

The ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo A/L Somu, Penang State EXCO for Housing and Environment, and was attended by senior officials from the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP), developers JKP Sdn. Bhd. and Palmington Sdn. Bhd., and other key stakeholders.

The event marked the symbolic handover of offer letters for:

• Rumah Pangsa Mutiara Indah Phase 4 (Block D) in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS),
• Pangsapuri Mutiara Anggun in the Southwest District (DBD), and
• Ceria Residence, located in the Northeast District (DTL).

A total of 40 recipients – including 36 from Mutiara Indah, 3 from Mutiara Anggun, and 1 from Ceria Residence – were invited to receive their letters of offer. These offers were approved during the second meeting of the 2025 Housing Performance and Achievement Committee (HOPE) held on 9 May 2025.

Aligned with the Penang2030 Vision and the state’s Strategic Initiative A1 under the “Service Delivery” agenda, the Penang government continues to make significant strides in three key housing targets:

• 220,000 affordable housing units (RMM) by 2030 – with 167,574 units (76.17%) already delivered.
• 22,000 Rent-to-Own (RTO) units – current achievement stands at 5,066 units (23.16%).
• Urban Renewal (PSB) programme – surpassing the target of 3,000 families, with 6,814 units under six pilot projects (227.13%).

Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo expressed his gratitude to all partners, including Palmington Sdn. Bhd., JKP Sdn. Bhd., and Orientside Development Sdn. Bhd., for their commitment in realizing the state’s housing vision.

He also urged recipients to make their new RMKu homes a foundation for a more comfortable and fulfilling life — not merely a financial asset to be rented out to third parties.

“Let these homes be the start of a better future for your families,” he said.

About London Pavilion

London Pavilion @ Bayan Lepas is a 46-storey freehold apartment by M Summit Premium Sdn. Bhd., offering 527 units with 12 levels of car park. Located opposite SMK Bayan Lepas, it’s close to the Free Industrial Zone, Penang Airport, LRT stations, Silicon Island, and Second Bridge. Facilities are located on the 13th and rooftop levels

*Photo taken in May 2025

Find out more about London Pavilion

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has reassured stakeholders that the state possesses adequate industrial land reserves to support economic expansion for the next 10 to 15 years, despite widespread concerns over land scarcity.

Speaking at the launch of the Penang State Industrial Master Plan 2030 at Eastin Hotel in Bayan Lepas, Chow highlighted that the state’s development strategy is tailored to meet the unique demands of each industry, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach such as vertical expansion.

“It depends on the industry,” Chow said. “We already have sufficient land planned to accommodate industrial production capacity for the next decade or more.”

He revealed that over 2,000 acres of industrial land are currently in various stages of planning and development, including land acquisition, reclamation, and request-for-proposal (RFP) exercises. With an annual demand of about 100 acres, he noted that land supply is more than sufficient. As an example, he cited the Batu Kawan Industrial Park, which spanned 1,000 acres and has supported industrial growth for nearly 15 years since 2008.

“Not all investors require new land. Many expand existing facilities or prefer to move into ready-built factories for faster setup,” Chow added. He pointed out a growing private sector trend of developing such factories for rent or sale, particularly to meet the expectations of fast-moving foreign investors, including those from China.

While land sales bring in relatively low direct revenue, Chow emphasized that the long-term value lies in attracting quality investments, which is spearheaded by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

He also underscored the importance of a holistic industrial ecosystem, stressing that infrastructure must go beyond land. “Industrial development requires access to utilities, skilled talent, supply chains, and efficient transport,” he said.

On foreign labour, Chow reaffirmed the state’s commitment to responsible planning. Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQs) will be introduced within or close to industrial zones to provide proper housing for foreign workers. “We will not allow foreign workers to stay in residential housing areas, as this is not permitted under the law,” he stated.

The master plan aligns with Penang’s broader vision under the State Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP2030), aiming to position the state as a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial hub.

Pinnacle Petaling Jaya & Sheraton PJ Hotel

Penang’s property market is about to welcome a new name, one that has already commanded attention and made its mark in the Klang Valley. Since its establishment in 2011, Pinnacle Homes has built a reputation for delivering high-rise developments that not only stand tall, but stand out.

With a proven track record in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Pinnacle Homes ensures long-term value and growth potential for homeowners and investors alike. Its first move into Penang brings over a decade of experience in shaping city skylines and creating spaces where modern lifestyle thrives.

Pinnacle Homes is managed by an experienced leadership team committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, with a clear emphasis on delivering developments that appreciate in value and stand strong in a competitive market.

Shaping the City: Iconic Developments in the Klang Valley

Pinnacle Homes is known for turning ambitious concepts into skyline-defining realities. Its portfolio includes several of the most recognisable towers in the region:

• Pinnacle Ara Damansara (Ongoing Project)
  Launched in 2023, this development is crafted for modern living, featuring smart dual-key units ideal for both own stay and investment. Located near three LRT stations with a direct covered link to SS7 LRT3 Station, it offers seamless connectivity within a vibrant, transit-oriented neighbourhood.
• Pinnacle Subang Jaya (Ongoing Project)
  Launched in 2023, this iconic development is the crown jewel of Subang Jaya. Just 180 metres from the LRT and KTM interchange in SS16, it offers modern layouts, lifestyle facilities, and superb connectivity, ideal for professionals, couples, and families seeking comfort, convenience, and contemporary urban living in a prime location.
• Pinnacle Sri Petaling
  Completed in 2021, Pinnacle Sri Petaling is a mixed development with three residential towers, a Leisure Podium, and a retail annex featuring a supermarket and shops offering daily essentials. Located in a well-connected neighbourhood, it offers convenient access to dining, shopping, healthcare, entertainment, and education amenities, all within easy reach.
• Pinnacle Bangsar
  Completed in 2020, this luxury condominium is situated in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Defined by its refined architecture and strategic location, it offers an elevated living experience tailored for discerning homeowners who value both prestige and convenience.
• Pinnacle Kelana Jaya
  Completed in 2017, Pinnacle Kelana Jaya is a distinctive development where prestige meets practicality. With its Renaissance-inspired facade, it blends timeless architectural elegance with modern functionality, creating a vibrant space where business and daily living come together effortlessly.
• Pinnacle Petaling Jaya
  Completed in 2016, this iconic development is Selangor’s tallest building. Featuring premium office suites, commercial spaces, and the 5-star Sheraton PJ Hotel, wholly owned by Pinnacle Homes. It is strategically located along the Federal Highway, serving as a key landmark for business and hospitality.

What’s Next: Upcoming Developments in the Pipeline

Pinnacle Homes continues to strengthen its development portfolio with a series of upcoming projects designed to meet the evolving needs of modern communities:

• Pinnacle Ara Damansara 2
  The next phase of serviced apartments in the vibrant and well-established township of Ara Damansara, offering contemporary living with urban convenience.
• Pinnacle Dengkil
  A thoughtfully planned residential project featuring modern townhouses, designed to support a growing and vibrant community with practical living spaces and well-connected surroundings.
• Pinnacle Ridge Valley
  Nestled in the lush landscape of Pinggiran Sri Gombak, this low-density enclave of semi-detached homes promises serene living amid nature, with easy access to city amenities.

First Foray into Penang

Pinnacle Homes is set to make its debut in Penang with the upcoming launch of its first high-rise residential development on the island. Backed by over a decade of expertise in delivering high-rise and integrated projects across key urban centres, the Penang venture marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion.

While full details remain under wraps, the project is expected to reflect Pinnacle Homes’ hallmark approach—well-located, thoughtfully designed residences that balance value with liveability.

With a proven track record in skyline-defining developments, strategically connected locations, and a commitment to quality, Pinnacle Homes is ready to introduce a fresh perspective to Penang’s dynamic property market.

The next Pinnacle is on the horizon.

For updates and more information, visit www.pinnaclehomes.com.my.

The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal by 49 apartment owners at the One Tanjong condominium seeking to overturn the rezoning of an adjacent parcel of land in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. The court denied them leave to appeal, ruling that none of the 10 legal questions raised met the threshold under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

A three-member panel led by Justice Zabariah Yusof found that the questions did not involve novel constitutional or legal issues of public importance. Justices Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh and Lee Swee Seng also sat on the panel.

As a result, the court ordered the applicants to pay RM30,000 in costs to the Penang State Planning Committee and its director of urban and country planning, as well as another RM30,000 to developer Lone Pine Residence Sdn Bhd.

The dispute arose after Lone Pine, which acquired the land in 2015, successfully applied in 2021 to rezone it from its original designation as a marina centre to a “general business zone,” enabling plans for serviced apartments and a wellness centre. The approval came with the condition that the land be used solely for retirement and health suites.

The condominium owners challenged the rezoning in court, arguing that the authorities acted without public consultation and failed to prepare a local plan as required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (TCPA). They claimed this deprived them of the legal right to participate in shaping their neighbourhood.

However, the High Court in 2023 dismissed the judicial review, finding no procedural errors in the rezoning process and no legal provision under the TCPA requiring public involvement. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision earlier this year.

Lawyers for the state authorities and developer argued that the process was lawful and within the state’s discretion. The applicants, represented by counsel Azhar Azizan Harun, had sought clarification from the Federal Court on whether the TCPA allows for public input in rezoning decisions.

With this final ruling, the rezoning stands, allowing the development to proceed as planned.