About Maldives Residences

A residential development by Ideal Property Group at Bayan Lepas. Strategically located along Lorong Sungai Tiram 6, just across the road from Havana Beach Residences. It is conveniently connected to Jalan Tun Dr Awang, less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. This development comprises 46-storey building with 4 residential towers. It features a mix of affordable and upgraded units, with a built-up size of 850sq.ft. onwards.

Find out more about Maldives Residences

The Penang State Government has taken steps to shorten the waiting period for Rumah Mutiaraku (RMKu) unit offers to between three and six months from the date applicants update their information.

State Executive Councillor for Housing and Environment, Dato’ Seri S. Sundarajoo, said the improvement was achieved through a thorough data cleansing exercise for all applicants registered in the State Housing Information System (SMP). The process, carried out by the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP), found that many previously registered applicants were no longer eligible, particularly due to exceeding current household income limits.

“As a result, the current number of applicants on the waiting list has been reduced to just 6,249,” he said during the Question-and-Answer Session at the Second Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly.

Sundarajoo, who is also the Perai assemblyman, stressed that applicants who remain interested and eligible must update their information to keep their applications active. Those who fail to do so will be classified as inactive and will not be considered for RMKu offers.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by residents in updating or registering applications, including time constraints, distance to offices, and limited access to technology. To address this, LPNPP has implemented an Outreach Programme known as Hari Bertemu Pelanggan, while also opening additional counters every three months to assist the public with online updates.

Sundarajoo also reiterated that any application that does not meet the required criteria will be rejected during the verification stage.

As of October 2025, a total of 8,567 RMKu units under Types A and B have been completed since 2020.

Merione Residences is the residential component situated above Merione Grand at The Light Waterfront. It has its own dedicated residential entrance and incorporates smart security features such as facial recognition access and secured lift systems. The development consists of 145 low-density units, each starting from 1,055 sq ft, and offers layouts that include three bedrooms and a private balcony. Units come semi-furnished with practical interior arrangements intended for everyday living.

Residents have access to lifestyle-oriented facilities, dedicated parking bays, and a covered connection linking the building to nearby landmarks. These include the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, The Waterfront Shoppes, surrounding hotels, and the planned Penang Waterfront LRT station. The location places Merione Residences within an integrated waterfront precinct alongside commercial, retail, and future transit components.

Property Project : Merione Residnces
Location : The Light City, Gelugor
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Sizes: 1,055 sq.ft. onwards
Total Units : 145
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : IJM Land

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

More than 200 families living in the Weld Quay reclamation area are expected to move into new affordable homes at Cecil Residensi next year. The nearly completed housing project in George Town, developed by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will serve as the new residence for the community, many of whom have lived in the area for generations.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the update during a special documentary screening on the Weld Quay reclamation area held at the Community Hall in Lebuh Macallum. However, he noted that the relocation can only take place once a Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line support pillar located near the project site is completed by MRT Corp.

Chow explained that the construction works can be accessed only through the Cecil Residensi site, which currently serves as the sole entry route. “MRT Corp has requested time until April next year to complete the work, so the residents will likely move in after that, possibly in May or later,” he said.

The affected Weld Quay residents, who hold temporary occupancy licences (TOL) from the state government, will receive new homes on a one-for-one basis in exchange for their existing units. Chow emphasised that the relocation is part of the state’s effort to improve the living conditions of the community while ensuring a fair and sincere process. He added that the majority of residents have accepted the offer.

Following the relocation, PDC plans to redevelop the state-owned Weld Quay reclamation land in accordance with heritage guidelines. While the project components have yet to be finalised, Chow stressed that the priority now is ensuring a smooth transition for the families. He also acknowledged the area’s history, noting that it was once a landfill where residents gradually built homes and fostered a close-knit community during challenging times.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng echoed the state’s commitment to uplifting the community and thanked Chow, Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying for supporting the production of the Weld Quay documentary.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that as of 31 October 2025, the state has completed 170,706 housing units under the “Rumah MutiaraKu” programme, achieving 77.59% of its overall affordable housing target.

He said the state aims to deliver 220,000 affordable housing units by 2030, a goal supported by 17 development projects planned under the 2021–2030 Development Blueprint through the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP).

Chow made the announcement while tabling the Penang Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly.

He added that qualification requirements for low-cost and low-medium-cost homes have been refined, with the state now offering flexible ownership pathways such as Rent-to-Own (RTO) models to better serve eligible households.

For open market applications under the PN4 category, particularly involving the high-income T20 group, Chow said the state has set a household income cap of RM20,000 per month. This aligns with Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) data, which classifies households earning around RM18,000 monthly as T20 — a category not eligible for state affordable housing.

Shared Rental and Co-living Models for Vulnerable Groups

Chow also welcomed the Federal Government’s support under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), which includes:

• RM55 million under Rolling Plan 3 (RP3) for the Kota Giam People’s Housing Project (PPR), and
• RM30 million under Rolling Plan 5 (RP5) for the north Seberang Perai PPR project.

He emphasised that the state is committed to supporting single individuals and senior citizens, especially those living alone and in urgent need of housing. To address these needs, Penang is introducing a shared rental model for state rental housing (RSKN) and PPR units, including potential co-living arrangements to ensure equitable access to housing.

Chow reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that Penangites continue to benefit from affordable and suitable housing options through Rumah MutiaraKu programme, supported by diversified policies and collaborative development approaches.

“Penang will continue working to ensure residents have access to affordable and appropriate housing while supporting the state’s long-term development goals,” he said.