IJM Land yesterday unveiled Merione Residences, the residential component of its latest mixed-use development at THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang, following the 100% take-up of commercial units at Merione Grand.

The response to Merione Grand ahead of the residential launch underscores confidence in Merione’s integrated live-work-play proposition and gives the new homes strong market momentum. Together, Merione Grand and Merione Residences form a 39-storey address that brings homes, workplaces, retail and leisure into one connected waterfront setting.

Elevating the everyday living experience, Merione offers an exclusive collection of resort-style facilities on Level 10, featuring an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium, pickleball court and BBQ Pavilion — thoughtfully curated for relaxation, recreation and an elevated waterfront lifestyle.

“The take-up at Merione Grand is a strong vote of confidence in the broader vision for Merione,” said Dato’ Tony Ling Thou Lung, Chief Executive Officer of IJM Land. “It shows that businesses recognise the value of being part of a fully integrated waterfront destination. With Merione Residences, we are building on that momentum with homes that offer privacy and calm, while keeping residents close to the people, places and possibilities that shape everyday life.”

A Private Residential Address within a Connected Precinct

Located from Levels 11 to 39, Merione Residences comprises 145 semi-furnished homes across 29 residential floors, with just five units per floor. The low-density configuration is designed to enhance privacy and maximise views of the waterfront and Penang’s cityscape.

Three layouts are available, measuring approximately 1,055 sq ft, 1,195 sq ft and 1,206 sq ft, with two to three parking bays allocated to each residence.

Residents will have a dedicated private entrance and separate drop-off area, creating a clear distinction between the residential and commercial components. At the same time, covered pedestrian connections will provide convenient access to Merione Grand’s retail and dining offerings, The Waterfront Shoppes, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre and the upcoming hotel under the prestigious Hyatt brand — allowing residents to move easily between home, work, leisure and social activities within the wider precinct.

Connected to Penang’s Key Economic and Urban Corridors

Situated next to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (LCE) Expressway, Merione offers convenient access to Penang Bridge, George Town, Bayan Lepas, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Penang International Airport. The location also reflects IJM’s longstanding infrastructure legacy in Penang, as a section of the expressway was originally constructed by IJM Corporation.

Road access will be further enhanced by the upcoming RM850 million Ayer Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway Bypass. The six-lane, toll-free route is targeted for completion in April 2027. Once operational, it is expected to improve access from inland areas including Ayer Itam, Farlim and Paya Terubong.

Merione Residences is also set to feature a direct, covered elevated pedestrian link to the future Penang Waterfront Station on the Mutiara Line. Upon completion, the development will elevate everyday convenience with a station-to-doorstep connection within THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang — bringing seamless connectivity directly to residents’ doorsteps.

The sheltered network is also planned to connect residents to the convention centre, retail mall and hotels within the precinct, giving residents and commercial occupants greater choice in how they move within the development and beyond.

“Connectivity is ultimately about choice — the choice to travel by road or rail, to move easily between home and work, and to enjoy daily conveniences within walking distance,” Dato’ Tony
added.

“Merione Residences brings those choices together in one address. It reflects how we see the future of urban living in Penang: connected, purposeful and designed around a better quality of life.”

A Proven, Award-Winning Waterfront Destination

THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang is one of IJM Land’s flagship projects and reflects more than four decades of the Group’s involvement in Penang’s growth.

The masterplan has received the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2014 in the Master Plan category, The Edge Notable Property Achievement Award 2015 and the StarProperty Poseidon Award 2018 for Best Waterfront Development.

Most recently, The Light Collection IV earned the World Gold Award in the Residential Low Rise category at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2025. With the strong commercial response at Merione Grand and major road and rail infrastructure enhancements to come, the grand launch of Merione Residences marks the next chapter for this award-winning waterfront precinct.

It offers homebuyers the privacy of a low-density residence together with the convenience and connectivity of an established integrated destination — further advancing IJM Land’s vision for THE LIGHT Waterfront Penang as Penang’s First and Finest Integrated Waterfront City.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrate the beauty of tradition while discovering flexible living for tomorrow at Seiras Residences.

Bring your loved ones and enjoy a day filled with festive activities, refreshments and an exclusive opportunity to explore the new Tri-Key Show Unit!

• DIY Lantern Workshop
• Light Refreshments
• Discover Dual-Key & Tri-Key Living
• Explore Our New Tri-Key Show Unit

With Dual-Key and Tri-Key layouts, Seiras offers greater flexibility for multi-generational living, extended family needs, rental opportunities, or creating spaces that work around your lifestyle.

Date: 20 September 2026 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Seiras Showroom, Level 2 @ Paramount Property Gallery, Utropolis Batu Kawan

Join Paramount this Mid-Autumn Festival! Where tradition meets tomorrow, and every space opens up new possibilities.

RSVP now using the link below & Redeem exclusive gift during the event day.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5j1sJoWXoKbSghkbrroa59eqrFHMNEt5-S-RKpQlo_ONcOg/viewform

Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah near here will undergo traffic diversion from Sept 12, 2026 to July 31, 2027, to make way for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, involving piling and permanent structural works in the road median.

Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn (MRT Corp) said the 322-day traffic diversion would involve routes along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, near the Acre Work construction area, until the junction to the Penang Airport Taxi Limousine Service heading towards Teluk Kumbar.

“… Road users are advised to exercise caution when passing through the areas,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 10).

Meanwhile, MRT Corp said it would also implement a short-term road closure along Jalan Magazine here from 10pm on Sept 14 until 5am on Oct 5 for the Mutiara Line LRT project, involving road widening and utility relocation works.

The closure would involve the leftmost lane on Jalan Magazine, in front of the St Giles Wembley Hotel, heading towards Komtar, but other lanes would remain open.

“Road signs and traffic cones will be placed, while flagmen will be deployed to help manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of road users at the affected routes,” it added.

The Penang state government has secured 1,133 new residential units under the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme, as part of efforts to expand homeownership opportunities for Penang residents.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo said the state government, through the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), invested a total of RM49.26 million in 2026 to acquire the new RTO units.

Under the scheme, eligible applicants can rent the homes first before having the opportunity to own them, with monthly payments starting from as low as RM250 over a 15-year period, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

The 1,133 new RTO units are spread across five housing projects:

• Mak Mandin Indah – 187 units
• Pekatra Indah – 107 units
• Pinang Setia – 640 units
• Harmoni Vista – 55 units
• Vista Perdana – 144 units

Sundarajoo said the RTO programme is particularly aimed at households that are capable of making monthly housing payments but face difficulties securing financing from financial institutions.

“For me, providing housing is not merely about how many homes we build. More importantly, it is about how many people ultimately get the opportunity to own a home they can call their own,” he said in a Facebook post.

With the latest addition, Penang has achieved 13,277 RTO units to date, against the state’s target of 22,000 units by 2030.

Meanwhile, the state’s Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) programme has reached 176,457 units, representing more than 80% of its target of 220,000 units by 2030.

Sundarajoo said the state government would continue to expand more flexible and inclusive housing approaches that take into account the financial capabilities of Penang residents.

He added that the state remained committed to broadening access to housing and creating more opportunities for residents to eventually own their homes.

Residents affected by eviction notices at PPR Taman Manggis have been given sufficient time to secure alternative accommodation after being found to no longer meet the eligibility requirements for public housing.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Dato’ Seri S. Sundarajoo said eviction notices were initially issued in March, giving affected residents three months to vacate their units. Extensions were subsequently considered for those who requested additional time due to difficulties in finding new homes.

He said the state government had also offered two affected residents alternative units under the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme, which they had accepted.

“We have given them time, but the additional period cannot continue for another three or 30 years,” he said at a press conference in Komtar.

Sundarajoo said the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) had taken a considerate approach by offering suitable RTO units based on family size, including one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.

Under the scheme, residents would have the opportunity to purchase their homes after renting them for two to three years.

He stressed that public housing units provided by the state government must be allocated to those who genuinely qualify and need them, particularly as many families are still without permanent accommodation.

According to Sundarajoo, some families have even had to rely on temporary transit centres while waiting for more suitable housing.

He also rejected claims that the state government was being harsh or insensitive towards residents ordered to vacate their units, saying the action followed eligibility checks and was necessary to ensure public housing remained available to the intended target group.

Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said some units at Taman Manggis had undergone extensive renovations, with certain homes fitted with air-conditioning, ceilings and other improvements that made them resemble condominium units.

He said such cases could indicate that some residents were taking advantage of housing intended for lower-income households.

LPNPP is currently conducting a screening and verification exercise involving residents suspected of no longer meeting the eligibility criteria. Of the cases being reviewed, 19 cases have been acted upon in the initial phase, while about 103 others remain under review.

Several PPR Taman Manggis units were sealed in early September following the identification of occupants who were believed to no longer qualify to live in the public housing units.