Heng Guan Development (HGD) has officially broken ground on the Balik Pulau Commercial Centre (BPCC), a boutique commercial project located within the Balik Pulau township on Penang Island.

The development comprises 13 units of two-storey shop offices with built-up areas ranging from 2,800 sq ft to 3,802 sq ft. Built on a 1.46-acre site, the project carries a gross development value (GDV) of RM18.3 million.

According to HGD, the entire development has been fully taken up prior to construction. All units were acquired to consolidate premises for a supermarket operator that will serve the surrounding residential communities.

Strategically located in the Balik Pulau area, BPCC is positioned as a neighbourhood-scale commercial hub aimed at supporting nearby residential catchments, including the Prince of Wales Island International School and several established housing developments in the vicinity.

The developer said the project aligns with its strategy of delivering community-focused developments while strengthening its footprint across the Northern Region.

“BPCC represents another milestone in HGD’s continued growth in the Northern Region. As we expand our development portfolio, we remain committed to delivering well-positioned projects that meet the evolving needs of local communities,” the company said.

HGD added that the project forms part of its broader plan to introduce community-scale commercial developments in emerging growth areas, where expanding residential populations are driving demand for neighbourhood retail and services.

The company currently has several ongoing developments across Penang and Kedah as it gradually expands beyond its traditional markets.

Construction of BPCC is expected to commence immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony.

Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) reported a 105.6% year-on-year increase in net profit attributable to owners of the parent to RM63.51 million for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2025 (3QFY2026), compared with RM30.90 million a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter rose 45.4% to RM243.92 million, from RM167.74 million previously, according to its filing with Bursa Malaysia today (Feb 26). Basic earnings per share improved to 2.55 sen, from 1.39 sen a year ago.

Operational performance and forex impact

Profit before tax for the quarter increased to RM85.97 million, compared with RM45.54 million in 3QFY2025. The quarter included an unrealised foreign exchange loss of RM26.91 million, as disclosed under additional income statement notes. Excluding this non-cash item, profit before tax would have been higher, reflecting stronger operating performance from the property segment.

For the nine months ended Dec 31, 2025 (9MFY2026), the group recorded:

• Revenue of RM631.79 million (9MFY2025: RM504.43 million)
• Profit before tax of RM220.44 million (9MFY2025: RM144.46 million)
• Net profit attributable to owners of RM159.17 million (9MFY2025: RM98.80 million

Property segment drives growth

The properties segment remained the primary earnings contributor. For 9MFY2026, the segment recorded:

• Revenue of RM547.64 million, up 29.5% from RM422.91 million
• Operating profit of RM207.05 million, compared with RM145.69 million previously

The increase was mainly attributed to higher revenue recognition from ongoing projects including Fera, Senna Phases 1 and 2, The Lume and Arica, as well as contributions from newer launches such as Maris, Senna Phases 3 and 4, and Laman Embun in Elmina West. E&O also noted that Avea on Andaman Island (a premier reclaimed island development in Penang) and Seri Embun in Elmina received encouraging market response during the period.

Infrastructure catalyst: Gurney Bridge

In December, the group commemorated the opening of the Gurney Bridge, an eight-lane link connecting Andaman Island to Gurney Drive. According to the company, the bridge enhances accessibility between the island and Penang’s established commercial and tourist belt, with travel time reduced to approximately five minutes.

Current launches on Andaman Island are achieving indicative pricing of RM900 to RM1,000 psf, based on company disclosures.

The group is also aiming for reclamation works for Phase 2 of Andaman Island to be completed by end-2027, about a year ahead of schedule.

E&O expects to secure additional financing to fund infrastructure and working capital requirements for the 507-acre Phase 2 development.

Analyst commentary and valuation

Institutional research houses have noted that E&O’s pivot toward high-margin luxury developments on Andaman Island is a primary driver for its current valuation recovery. Analysts highlight that the 50.5% gross profit margin achieved this quarter provides a significant buffer against sector-wide inflationary pressures.

Hospitality and investments

The hospitality segment recorded revenue of RM79.54 million for 9MFY2026, marginally higher than RM76.63 million previously. Operating profit eased slightly to RM16.60 million from RM18.21 million, mainly due to higher operating costs. The investments and others segment returned to an operating profit of RM1.47 million, compared with an operating loss of RM13.83 million in the preceding year, supported by lower foreign exchange losses and higher interest income.

Balance sheet position

As at Dec 31, 2025:

• Total assets stood at RM4.58 billion; total liabilities were RM2.24 billion.
• Net assets attributable to owners of the parent were RM2.32 billion.
• Net assets per share attributable to owners improved to RM1, from RM0.93 as at March 31, 2025.

Cash and bank balances amounted to RM431.24 million, while total borrowings stood at RM2.25 billion, comprising RM579.20 million in short-term facilities and RM1.67 billion in long-term loans.

Dividend: The board declared an interim dividend of one sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. The entitlement and payment dates will be announced in due course.

Corporate proposal: On Aug 20, 2025, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary entered into a sale and purchase agreement for the disposal of two freehold land parcels in London for a minimum consideration of £75 million (approximately RM427.8 million). The disposal has not been completed as at Feb 19, 2026.

Source: EdgeProp.my

Cantonment Residence, a high-rise residential development on a 1.05-acre site within the upscale neighborhood near Jalan Cantonment in George Town. Strategically located adjacent to Disted College and just a stone’s throw from the Penang Turf Club.

The project comprises a single 34-storey condominium block, featuring 128 residential units spread across 25 floors. Beneath, a 10-level podium is planned to accommodate parking bays, community facilities, and utility spaces.

Project Name : Cantonment Residence
Location : George Town
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 1.05 acre
Built-up Size: 2,009 sq.ft. – 4,540 sq.ft.
Total Units : 128
Indicative Price : RM2.6mil onwards
Developer : Aspira Gardens Sdn. Bhd.

The newly completed Lengkok Nipah Neighbourhood Park in Taman Lip Sin, Bayan Lepas could serve as a model for climate-responsive and senior-friendly urban parks in Penang and across Malaysia, according to state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari.

Speaking at the park’s official opening on Sunday, Zairil said the project demonstrates how underutilised urban spaces can be transformed into inclusive recreational areas that respond to environmental challenges. The site was previously used as an informal parking area for unused vehicles and storage containers before being redeveloped into a public green space.

Zairil, who is also the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, expressed hope that the success of the project would encourage similar initiatives to upgrade vacant urban spaces into quality recreational areas for communities.

“George Town needs more efforts to convert open spaces into green corridors to address rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect,” he said.

The project forms part of the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), a collaborative initiative involving the World Bank Adaptation Fund, UN-Habitat, the Penang state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and Think City.

According to Zairil, the programme focuses on climate adaptation through nature-based solutions rather than solely mitigation measures, marking a shift in urban planning towards resilience and science-based approaches.

Meanwhile, MBPP mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran said the park upgrading project began on 6 January 2025 and was completed on 5 September 2025.

The project cost approximately RM713,000 and covers an area of 3,365 square metres (about 0.9 acres). Around 66.5% of the area is dedicated to green space, while 33.5% consists of paved surfaces, reflecting efforts to reduce impermeable surfaces and improve ecological functions such as rainwater absorption and microclimate cooling.

A recent fire at a homestay in Batu Ferringhi that left eight guests injured has reignited concerns over the safety and regulation of short-term rentals (STR) in Penang, prompting industry players to urge the government to expedite clearer rules for the sector.

The early morning incident occurred on March 1 at a three-storey homestay unit in Pearl Residence, Solok Sungai Emas. According to the Penang Fire and Rescue Department, an emergency call was received at 4.46am, prompting a response team from the Bagan Jermal Fire and Rescue Station.

Assistant director (Operations) John Sagun Francis said all eight women staying at the premises managed to escape before firefighters arrived. However, a 31-year-old woman suffered a broken right leg while seven others experienced smoke inhalation and breathing difficulties while fleeing the building.

The fire involved the ground-floor living room, covering approximately 140 square metres. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 5.20am and fully extinguished it 15 minutes later. The operation concluded at 6.26am.

All victims received initial treatment at the scene before being transported to Penang General Hospital for further examination.

While the fire did not result in fatalities, the incident has sparked renewed discussion about the safety standards of short-term rental accommodations, which have grown rapidly across Penang in recent years.

On March 4, the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association Penang Chapter (MYBHA Penang) called on authorities to fast-track regulations governing the STR sector.

Its chairman, Andy Lau Eng Leong, said the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unregulated accommodations.

“This tragic fire is a grave reminder that guest safety cannot be guaranteed in unregulated short-term rentals. Immediate regulation is needed to ensure that proper fire safety standards, certifications, and inspections are in place for all STR accommodations,” he said.

Lau clarified that the association is not against short-term rentals themselves, acknowledging that the segment has become an integral part of the tourism ecosystem. However, he stressed that the sector should operate under a proper regulatory framework to safeguard guests and ensure fair competition.

Beyond safety concerns, Lau highlighted the economic implications of unregulated STR operations.

Without proper registration and licensing, governments risk losing potential revenue from tourism taxes, licensing fees, and other levies. At the same time, hotels and licensed budget accommodations that comply with strict safety, health and regulatory requirements face uneven competition from operators who bypass these obligations.

The debate over short-term rentals is not new in Penang. With the state being one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, STR units—particularly those operating in residential high-rise developments—have proliferated over the past decade.

While many property owners view STR platforms as an attractive way to generate rental income, concerns have frequently been raised by residents and property managers over security, building management, and neighbourhood disruptions.

The recent Batu Ferringhi incident may intensify calls for clearer and more enforceable policies governing STR operations, particularly in strata properties.

Industry observers note that establishing consistent safety standards, registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms could help balance the interests of tourism operators, property owners, residents and visitors.