KLIDC land parcel at Taman Manggis (Image Source: Kwong Wah Yit Poh)

Any attempt to revive the long-delayed Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre (KLIDC) development in George Town will require fresh applications and approvals, as all previous planning permissions have expired, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

In a statement issued today, Chow clarified that Lot 10011, Section 16, Bandar George Town, located at Jalan Zainal Abidin/Lorong Selamat, remains registered under Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre Sdn. Bhd. (KLIDC) on a 99-year leasehold tenure expiring on April 22, 2114.

The 4,061 sq m site is designated for “building” use, with express conditions requiring 66% of the development to be used for hospital purposes and the remaining 34% for service suites and hotel components that are not intended for sale to the public. Any transfer, charge or other transactions involving the land are subject to the approval of the state authority.

According to Chow, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had approved KLIDC’s planning permission twice, on Nov 18, 2014 and Mar 19, 2019. The latest approval involved the construction of a 21-storey mixed-use building comprising hospital facilities, a hotel, mechanical parking systems and supporting amenities.

However, checks by MBPP found that no construction or development activities have been carried out on the site to date. The council also confirmed that it has not received any new applications, amended plans or subsequent development submissions from KLIDC following the approval granted in 2019.

“As the previous planning approval has lapsed, any action to proceed with the project is subject to new applications and approvals to be submitted by the developer to MBPP,” Chow said.

Meanwhile, the state government, through the State Economic Planning Division (BPEN), has formally requested KLIDC to provide an update on the current status and future direction of the project. A letter seeking clarification was issued to the company on June 16, 2026.

The KLIDC site had previously attracted widespread public attention following earlier proposals for a mixed development that sparked legal disputes and planning controversies. The latest statement by the state government indicates that no valid planning permission currently exists and that any future development will need to undergo a fresh approval process.

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