The long-planned refurbishment of Dewan Sri Pinang is moving closer to implementation, with the project now entering the design stage and construction works expected to commence later this year.
The refurbishment work includes a full makeover of the over 50-year-old multipurpose hall, which has been used to host various events such as state events, assemblies, and meetings. The refurbishment exercise is supervised by the Penang Development Corporation, while the design work is currently in progress. According to the State Government, the tender work is expected to begin sometime in July or August 2026.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the refurbishment will go as planned, as the intention is to extend the functional life of this aging complex to be useful for official purposes in the long run.
He added that Dewan Sri Pinang will be functioning as usual until physical construction works commence.
State Secretary Zulkifli Long later confirmed that the renovation project is set to take approximately two years to complete after renovation works start, as the hall is scheduled to be ready again to accommodate official events.
Although specific design details remain under wraps, the renovation will likely include strengthening the structure of the building, internal spaces, and ancillary facilities to meet current operability and safety standards. Dewan Sri Pinang will continue to serve as one of the key civic and events venues in Penang after the refurbishment.
Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has called for proposals to purchase and develop a significant parcel of Penang State Government and PDC-owned land located within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking one of the more notable redevelopment initiatives within the protected heritage zone.
According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the project involves land situated in Section 23, Northeast District, Penang Island. The tender is open to both local and international companies or consortiums.
Interested parties may purchase the RFP document from 26 January to 26 February 2026, at a non-refundable fee of RM5,000. The documents can be obtained from PDC’s Property Development & Management Division in Bayan Lepas, with payment made via online transfer. Upon confirmation of payment, the RFP may also be issued electronically.
PDC has indicated a departmental indicative price of RM343.73 million for the land. However, it emphasised that this figure is an estimate only and is not binding, nor does it guarantee project award or completion based on the stated amount.
Tenderers are expressly prohibited from entering into any form of price-fixing or cartel arrangements during the tender process. Submissions must be made in sealed envelopes and deposited at PDC’s Procurement Division by 12.00 noon on 30 March 2026.
The redevelopment proposal forms part of PDC’s broader efforts to rejuvenate government land within George Town’s heritage core, where development is subject to stricter planning controls and conservation requirements. Further details, including development parameters and evaluation criteria, are contained within the full RFP document.
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According to The Edge Malaysia, one of the key properties belonging to the trust of the late Cheah Leong Keah has been sold in a deal that underscores continued interest in prime Penang real estate.
Sources told The Edge that the 2.32-acre freehold plot at the corner of Jalan Kelawai and Leandro’s Lane, located just about 100m from Gurney Paragon Mall, was sold via a tender exercise for RM130 million, translating to approximately RM1,287 per sq ft. The site is currently occupied by eight single-storey bungalows, and the transaction is expected to take around nine months to conclude.
The buyer is said to be Sevenco Sdn Bhd, a relatively new company. A company search revealed several directors, with Koe Peng Kang standing out. According to Sevenco’s website, Koe is its group managing director, while the group chairman and executive director is Jeffrey Chung.
Koe is a familiar name in the property industry. He joined S P Setia Bhd in 1997 as a project manager and rose through the ranks to become deputy president and chief operating officer before leaving in September 2022. During his tenure, he was instrumental in pioneering Setia’s eco-themed township developments, as well as initiating the group’s hospitality and overseas ventures. He later ventured into project management and consultancy, focusing on boutique and joint-venture developments.
At press time, Sevenco had not responded to queries from The Edge. However, it is understood that the company plans to develop a hotel and branded residences on the prime Jalan Kelawai site.
Sevenco’s website lists several projects across Malaysia, including developments in Kedah, Penang, the central region and multiple upcoming projects nationwide.
A freehold gated-and-guarded townhouse development comprising 210 residential units, designed to support modern family living within a secure community setting. The project features contemporary layouts and is complemented by shared facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, gymnasium and outdoor recreational areas. Its location near commercial centres, schools, healthcare facilities and key transport links enhances daily convenience while maintaining a calm residential environment.
