The Penang state government is moving ahead with a series of upgrades aimed at improving safety, connectivity and passenger experience at the KTM Butterworth–Penang Sentral transport interchange, following public feedback and operational challenges over the past year.

State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the improvements are part of a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies after complaints intensified following a November incident in which an empty KTM Komuter train overshot the track end at Butterworth station.

Speaking during a site visit to KTM Butterworth and Penang Sentral, Zairil said several key upgrades have already been completed, while more comprehensive works are currently in progress or at the planning stage. The agencies involved include Railway Assets Corporation, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, Public Works Department, and Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad.

One of the most immediate improvements is the reopening of the pedestrian walkway linking KTM Butterworth station to Penang Sentral. The 200-metre air-conditioned pathway, which was temporarily closed for safety reasons after the incident, now meets universal design and technical standards, restoring sheltered and accessible movement between the two facilities.

Zairil acknowledged that carrying luggage along the walkway may still be challenging for some users, but said the design complies with accessibility requirements and is manageable at a moderate pace. He added that most existing facilities are in good condition, while remaining issues — particularly malfunctioning lifts — are being addressed.

A larger station upgrading project, supported by the Federal Government, is currently at the tender evaluation stage and expected to commence soon. Planned works include the installation of escalators on both KTM platforms and the reconfiguration of pick-up and drop-off areas. At present, all such activities are concentrated in a single lobby, contributing to congestion.

Separating these zones is expected to significantly improve traffic flow. The upgrade forms part of a broader RM30 million plan announced earlier by Transport Minister Anthony Loke to transform KTM Butterworth, the Butterworth Ferry Terminal and Penang Sentral into a fully integrated public transport hub.

At Penang Sentral, MRCB has also introduced changes to improve e-hailing operations. Grab pick-up and drop-off points will be relocated from Level 8 to Levels 2 and 2A, with dedicated areas for taxis and e-hailing services to reduce driver confusion and improve efficiency.

Zairil said coordination between agencies has been positive, noting that the most difficult period was during November and December when temporary disruptions coincided with the holiday season. He added that efforts are also ongoing to improve schedule alignment between ferry services, KTM, ETS and other transport modes, while advising passengers to allow buffer time when planning their journeys.

A global provider of low-power artificial intelligence solutions, Syntiant Corp has officially opened its new manufacturing and research and development (R&D) campus at the Perai Industrial Zone, marking a major milestone in its expansion in Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s role in advanced semiconductor and AI manufacturing.

The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to about 220,000 square feet and increases annual production capacity to an estimated 1.6 billion units. Designed as an integrated facility, it brings together manufacturing, engineering and AI research under one roof, with the capacity to support up to 800 employees. The site is equipped with advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, integrated circuit preparation, as well as comprehensive testing and assembly capabilities.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, together with Syntiant chief executive officer and co-founder Kurt Busch. Jagdeep highlighted Penang’s more than five decades of industrialisation, noting that its mature ecosystem continues to attract global technology investors and strengthen the state’s reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid described the expansion as a landmark investment that places Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation. He said anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally would enhance technological capabilities, spur innovation-led growth and create quality jobs.

Busch said the Penang facility represents a major step forward for Syntiant’s presence in Asia, enabling the company to combine world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research to better serve global markets. Syntiant Malaysia general manager Ong Lay Pean added that the investment reflects strong confidence in Malaysia’s talent pool and innovation environment, with support from MIDA and InvestPenang playing a key role in the company’s decision to expand in the state.

Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd (“Iconic Group”) announced the grand opening of the Iconic Marjorie Penang on Saturday, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and part of Marriott International’s global portfolio, aiming to capitalize on the influx of tourists into Penang in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

With a distinct design style inspired by Penang’s cherished Baba-Nyonya culture, the 298-room, five-star hotel in Bayan Lepas comes with world-class recreational amenities, including an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, a 24-hour fitness center, and the new WellNest Spa on level 13 of the hotel. A sanctuary of calm where guests can pause, reconnect, and unwind, the WellNest Spa offers serene views, a curated selection of Peranakan-inspired wellness therapies, and a peaceful retreat above the city.

The grand opening of the hotel was witnessed by YAB Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, YAB Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Dato’ Seri Utama Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, YB Dato Ir. Rajendran A/L P. Anthony, the Mayor of Penang Island, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, the Mayor of Seberang Perai, and YB Lim Guan Eng, Former Chief Minister of Penang.

Also present were YB Steven Sim, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, YB Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, and Mohd Amirul Rizal, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia.

Senior Penang state government officials present included YB Tuan Fahmi Zainol, Penang State EXCO for Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development, YB Tuan Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State EXCO for Local Government and Town & Country Planning, Dato Seri Phee Boon Poh, Former Penang State Exco, Dato Seri Lim Hock Seng, Former Penang State Exco, YB Phee Syn Tze, ADUN for Sungai Puyu, and YB Goh Choon Aik, ADUN for Tambun.

Marriott International was represented by Mr Yeoh Soo Hin, Vice President, Asset Management.

Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd Executive Director James Tan Cho Chia said:

“We are proud to announce the grand opening of Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel that celebrates Penang’s rich culture with a distinctive design inspired by its vibrant heritage.

Working closely with Marriott International, we have developed a world-class, luxury hotel that immerses travelers in Penang’s captivating beauty and multicultural spirit. As a Tribute Portfolio hotel, Iconic Marjorie joins a growing, global collection of hotels characterized by captivating design and connections to the local community.

Penang’s hotel and tourism sector is expected to see a particularly strong year, driven by Visit Malaysia 2026 initiatives and Penang’s growing prominence as a global tourism destination. We recognize and appreciate the Penang State Government’s efforts to grow the tourism industry. This includes the development of new attractions, infrastructure and facilities, major events such as the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta, and increasing the number of global flights into Penang.

With the grand opening of Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the Iconic Group is well positioned to capitalize on the influx of tourists into Penang and contribute to the growth of Penang’s tourism industry.”

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has announced a RM3 million allocation for the development of 6 Taman Rekreasi Madani projects in Penang, aimed at enhancing community recreational facilities across the state.

According to Nga, three of the parks will be located on Penang Island, while the remaining three will be built on the mainland, with two in Permatang Pauh and one in Jawi, Nibong Tebal. Each project carries an allocation of RM500,000 and must be completed by Christmas this year.

“There shouldn’t be any delay. These projects must be completed within this year,” Nga said during the presentation ceremony of environment, social and governance (ESG) certifications to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at a hotel in George Town yesterday.

MBPP made history by becoming the first city council in Malaysia to receive two ESG certifications from Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd, covering ESG systems and social accountability management systems.

Nga congratulated MBPP on the achievement and expressed hope that it would serve as a benchmark for the country’s 155 local councils. He also revealed plans to nominate MBPP to represent Malaysia at the Dubai International Best Practices for Sustainable Development Award 2026.

SkyGate Solutions Bhd has entered into an agreement to acquire a Penang-based property investment company as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio of income-generating industrial assets. The acquisition will see the group add an established industrial property located within the Perai Industrial Park, one of the state’s key manufacturing and logistics hubs.

The transaction involves SkyGate’s property arm acquiring the entire equity interest in Dahlia Cemerlang Sdn Bhd, whose principal asset is an 8.15-acre industrial property in Perai. More than half of the property is currently tenanted, generating approximately RM5.3 million in annual rental income. This provides SkyGate with an immediate recurring income stream upon completion of the acquisition.

SkyGate said the proposed purchase is consistent with its long-term strategy to grow and strengthen its investment property portfolio with stable, income-producing assets in established growth regions. Perai Industrial Park continues to benefit from strong industrial demand due to its proximity to major highways, ports, and Penang’s manufacturing ecosystem.

The acquisition price of RM75.9 million is based on the adjusted net asset value of Dahlia Cemerlang, which includes a revaluation surplus following an independent assessment by CBRE WTW Valuation & Advisory Sdn Bhd. The valuer placed a fair market value of RM82 million on the Perai industrial property, reflecting its strategic location and investment potential.

As the deal involves parties linked to SkyGate’s major shareholder, it is classified as a related-party transaction. The company will therefore seek approval from non-interested shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened. An independent adviser has been appointed to assess the transaction and advise non-interested directors and shareholders.

Subject to shareholder approval and regulatory requirements, SkyGate expects to complete the acquisition in the second half of 2026. Upon completion, the deal is expected to enhance the group’s recurring income base and strengthen its presence in Penang’s industrial property market.