The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will upgrade the Butterworth Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) station near here with an allocation of RM30 million in an effort to turn Penang Sentral into the main transport hub in Seberang Perai.

Its Minister, Anthony Loke, said it is a project under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with the MOT having undertaken assessment and will appoint the contractors next month before beginning construction work soon after.

He added that the Butterworth KTM station would play a key role as it will integrate the KTM, Electric Train Service (ETS) and commuter services with the Penang ferry services, as well as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) at Penang Sentral, Butterworth.

“All three modes of transportation will be integrated, making Penang Sentral a public transportation hub in Seberang Perai. This is an Integrated Public Transport Terminal concept that connects various modes at one place.

“So, development is not just confined to the island… there is balanced development between the island and Seberang Perai. This will surely turn it into a focal area, and we are confident it can become the pulse of development for the surrounding area,” he told reporters after officiating the Penang DAP Annual Convention on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in addition to expanding the Penang International Airport (LTAPP), Loke said that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), together with the state government, will also carry out expansion projects for the air cargo terminal in Bayan Lepas.

He added that the MAHB, together with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will develop a bigger logistical site in Batu Maung for international logistics players to expand their operations.

“This will double the air cargo capacity from three aircraft parking bays to six aircraft parking bays,” he said.

Regarding the Mutiara Line LRT project, Loke said the big-scale project would cost about RM16 billion because its alignment is connected until Seberang Perai, as mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, thus becoming a catalyst for the development of Penang’s transportation.

Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, said the Federal Government has given its highest commitment to ensuring the project can be implemented, given how the state government would find it difficult to implement the massive project due to previous financial constraints.

He added that the Mutiara Line LRT, the expansion of the LTAPP and air cargo terminal and the upgrading of the Butterworth KTM station would become the pulse of Penang’s development, thus ensuring the Pearl of the Orient continues to be a hub for the industrial sector and the development of the electrical, electronics and semiconductor industries, not only in Malaysia but across the Asia-Pacific region.

Spanning 29.5 kilometres, the Mutiara Line LRT is the first outside the Klang Valley, and will have 21 stations.

The highly anticipated first high-rise in Eco Sun marks an exciting new milestone for EcoWorld’s duduk series — a collection of contemporary homes designed to offer stylish, connected urban living.

Located in Batu Kawan, Penang, this new residence takes centre stage within the vibrant Eco Sun township, offering residents the perfect balance of modern comfort, convenience, and community living.

A Growing Township with Endless Possibilities

Eco Sun, a 74.4-acre freehold township, has become one of Batu Kawan’s most sought-after addresses with its well-curated mix of residential and commercial spaces. The township is anchored by key components such as: Aurea – a vibrant commercial hub with double-storey shop lots offering retail, dining and lifestyle conveniences, providing residents with easy access to daily essentials ; Everine Collection – elegant double-storey terrace homes that form a warm, family-oriented neighbourhood, creating a serene and connected environment that complements duduk by EcoWorld’s modern high-rise living ; and now, the first high-rise in Eco Sun, offering young families and professionals to own a home within this flourishing community. Together, these developments form a vibrant ecosystem that blends lifestyle, business and leisure — creating a truly self-sustaining township within Batu Kawan.

Redefining Urban Living in Batu Kawan

This upcoming high-rise residence is thoughtfully created to capture the essence of comfort, connectivity, and community. Spanning 1,000 sq. ft., every home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2 car parks, and comes semi-fitted with essential fittings and finishes, allowing you to move in with ease while still enjoying the freedom to personalize your space, the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and modern style. Designed with young families and professionals in mind, it represents a new standard of smart, sustainable urban living.

Residents will also enjoy easy access to nearby lifestyle destinations — from IKEA Batu Kawan and Design Village Outlet Mall to universities, schools, and vibrant F&B outlets. With the Penang Second Bridge just minutes away, convenience is quite literally at your doorstep.

A Smart Choice For First-Time Buyers & Investors

As excitement builds around this landmark project, now is the perfect time to secure your dream home in Batu Kawan — with prices starting from just RM450,000.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or seeking a stylish new address close to the city, this high-rise offers eco-conscious design, smart layouts, and exceptional value — all within Penang’s fastest-growing corridor.

Now Open for Registration

Be among the first to experience a new benchmark of modern living in Batu Kawan.
Registration is now open — sign up today to enjoy exclusive early bird prices and stay updated with the latest information.

Visit EcoWorld Gallery @ Eco Horizon today! Sales Gallery Opens Daily

Register now via https://wa.link/6oz3sq to connect with EcoWorld’s sales personnel and begin your journey towards owning your dream home.

Mah Sing Group Berhad (Mah Sing) today announced plans for M Cora, a RM528 million gross development value (GDV) mixed development strategically located just 450 metres from the upcoming Mutiara LRT Line’s Bandar Sri Pinang Station. This prime site near Karpal Singh Drive offers seamless connectivity across Penang Island and to the mainland via Penang Sentral, underscoring Mah Sing’s focus on developing well-connected urban communities.

The project is situated on a 2.83-acre site acquired from the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for RM51.8 million. The signing ceremony held today, witnessed by the Penang Chief Minister, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, underscores the State Government’s confidence in Mah Sing’s proven track record and its alignment with Penang’s vision of sustainable growth, economic inclusivity, community empowerment, and the adoption of smart technologies to enhance overall quality of life. Also present were Mah Sing’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Dato’ Voon Tin Yow, and Dato’ Mohammad Azhar bin Hamdan, Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Penang Development Corporation (PDC). The sale and purchase agreement was officially signed between Mah Sing’s Chief Executive Officer Property Subsidiaries, Yeoh Chee Beng and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PDC, Tuan Haji Sr. Roslan bin Hassan. The event underscored the State Government’s strong support and commitment towards fostering strategic partnerships that drive sustainable growth and development in Penang.

Expanding Presence in Penang

M Cora marks Mah Sing’s fourth land acquisition for 2025 and builds upon the Group’s successful track record in Penang since 2009. Planned as a mixed development featuring condominiums and commercial suites, the project targets a diverse range of buyers including first-time homeowners, working adults, families, and investors seeking long-term value. Subject to authorities’ approval, M Cora will offer two-bedroom condominiums with indicative built-up areas of approximately 904 sq ft to 1,015 sq ft. The commercial suites will feature three layout options with indicative sizes of 450 sq ft, 660 sq ft, and 750 sq ft. M Cora is expected to be launched in the second half of 2026 with indicatively priced from RM426,000.

Long-Term Commitment to Penang

Mah Sing Group Berhad continues to strengthen its presence in Penang with M Cora, reflecting the Group’s confidence in the state’s growth potential and long-standing partnership with the Penang Government.

Founder and Group Managing Director Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Leong Hoy Kum said the project reaffirms Mah Sing’s nearly two-decade commitment to Penang and aligns with its strategy of investing in high-growth, well-connected locations. “With its prime location and upcoming LRT access, M Cora is poised to become a new benchmark for mixed-use urban living on Penang Island,” he said.

He added that Mah Sing will continue to acquire strategic landbanks across Malaysia to sustain growth and meet evolving market demand. Supported by strong financial discipline and execution capabilities, the Group is well-positioned to act swiftly on opportunities with long-term value potential.

Penang: A Trusted Market for Mah Sing

Mah Sing’s track record in Penang began in 2009 with its Southbay township in Bayan Lepas, comprising fully sold developments such as Residence@Southbay, Legenda@Southbay, Southbay Plaza, The Loft, and M Vista. The Group later expanded to Batu Ferringhi with Ferringhi Residence and Ferringhi Residence 2, where Tower B is already 89% sold. These projects, along with the approved North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR), continue to enhance accessibility and strengthen Mah Sing’s northern portfolio.

M Cora follows the successful launch of M Zenni in Southbay, a 33-storey, RM309 million GDV residential tower offering 494 units starting from RM480,000.

Located just 450 metres from the upcoming Bandar Sri Pinang LRT Station, M Cora offers seamless access to the 29.5km Mutiara LRT Line, linking key destinations such as the Penang International Airport, USM, Komtar, and Penang Sentral. Surrounded by mature developments and key amenities, M Cora is designed to deliver modern, connected city living for professionals, families, and investors alike.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. 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.

The Penang State Government has approved the planning application by Lone Pine Residence Sdn. Bhd. for a proposed five-storey wellness suites project on Lot 4658, Tanjong Bungah. As part of the development conditions, the developer is also required to construct a public park — the Seaside Pocket Park — on adjacent state land for community recreation.

This initiative aims to transform the green area in Tanjong Bungah into a public park that will serve both local residents and visitors. The state government envisions the park as a family-friendly recreational hub and a long-term public amenity in line with Malaysia’s transition towards an aging society, promoting wellness and social interaction among all age groups.

Approval for the park’s construction (Parcel A) was granted on 5 December 2024, followed by approval for site preparation and material relocation works on 7 May 2025. The developer is now preparing to commence on-site works.

The proposed park will include jogging tracks, a children’s playground, resting areas, fitness facilities, a seaside promenade, and lush landscaping with trees and greenery. Lone Pine Residence Sdn. Bhd. will be responsible for maintaining the park upon completion, ensuring it remains a sustainable and enjoyable public space.

The state government has firmly dismissed allegations that the area’s green space and beachfront are being destroyed for luxury development, clarifying that the ongoing earthworks are solely for the construction of the Seaside Pocket Park — a public amenity designed for the benefit of all, especially the surrounding community of Tanjong Bungah.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the traffic dispersal project between the Juru and Sungai Dua Toll Plazas along the North–South Expressway on 8 November 2025.

The 17.3-kilometre project aims to ease congestion along one of the busiest highway stretches in northern Malaysia while supporting regional economic growth.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project reflects the state’s commitment to building smarter and more inclusive infrastructure.

“Our goal is not only to build more roads, but smarter roads — not just to speed up travel, but to ensure fairer access for all,” he said.

Chow added that the project would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Seberang Perai, especially in Bukit Minyak, Juru, and Sungai Dua, generating job opportunities, boosting local industries, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.

He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving 86 new projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13) Rolling Plan 1, including 10 Penang-based initiatives worth RM283 million that will drive strategic state development.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said the elevated highway project was approved to address long-standing traffic woes affecting Penang and the northern states.

“I am grateful that this long-delayed project can finally proceed. Expedite it so the people can benefit soon,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the LRT Mutiara Line, connecting Bayan Lepas, George Town, and Penang Sentral, as another major initiative to reduce congestion, particularly on the Penang Bridge.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the RM3 billion project will be funded through a hybrid model — 60% by the government and 40% by the private sector. Phase One, with RM56 million allocated, has already started, while Phase Two will begin in early 2026.

The project is expected to take 48 months to complete, targeting full completion by mid-2030.