The upcoming construction of the Bandar Cassia Public Market and Hawker Complex is set to bring a wave of socioeconomic benefits and new business opportunities for the local community in Batu Kawan.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the project, which spans 7.69 acres of land owned by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will include a total of 82 stalls, a 32-unit food court, 20 enclosed stalls, 78 open hawker lots, and 449 parking bays. The project is expected to be completed by June 23, 2027.

“The strategic location of this project was chosen to support the area’s rapid residential, industrial, and educational growth. Situated just three kilometers from Batu Musang Jetty, the market will be accessible not only to nearby residents but also to surrounding communities,” Chow said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

He added that the project will also include the upgrading of Jalan Batu Kawan, improving traffic flow and overall connectivity in the area. Once completed, the facility will be handed over to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for management.

Also present at the ceremony were State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town Planning Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, PDC CEO Dato’ Aziz Bakar, and other local dignitaries.

Chow noted that this would be the first and largest public market complex built in the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency. He explained that the state had waited nearly two decades to initiate the project due to Batu Kawan’s previously low population, which did not justify such a large facility.

“Now that Batu Kawan has reached a significant stage of development, it is time to provide key public amenities such as mosques, places of worship, markets, halls, and schools,” he said, adding that Batu Kawan is a vital responsibility for PDC in driving Penang’s economic, industrial, and commercial growth.

Highlighting Batu Kawan’s industrial progress, Chow shared that nearly all industrial lots in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) have been sold, with factories already established. He also mentioned the upcoming Medi-City project, currently in its final planning stages, and other future developments including the Madani Talent Housing Project and a new site launch in Seberang Jaya.

PDC CEO Aziz Bakar added that Medi-City, covering around 230 acres, will cost over RM10 billion and be developed in phases. The planning application for Phase 1 (50 acres) is expected to be submitted to MBSP by September.

Chow concluded by expressing hope that Batu Kawan will evolve beyond just a development site, becoming a key catalyst to elevate Penang’s position in industrial and commercial excellence.

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