Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed at the state assembly that the state government has officially terminated its concession agreement with Rayston Consortium (Butterworth) Sdn Bhd (RCSB) for the Bagan Ajam–Bagan Luar coastline reclamation project. The decision was made after the company failed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed reclamation works. The state will reopen the project for new proposals from other interested parties.

According to Chow, the Penang government first signed a concession agreement with RCSB on 16 June 1999 for the construction and management of the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). Under a supplementary agreement dated 23 May 2022, RCSB was granted the right to develop 582 hectares of reclaimed land.

Major Challenges Acknowledged by Developer

Chow stated that following a series of technical and coordination meetings, RCSB acknowledged facing significant challenges that prevented the project from progressing as planned. These included:

A substantial increase in reclamation costs

The need to shift the reclamation footprint northwards due to the expansion of Penang Port

Restrictions arising from the airspace and height limits related to the nearby Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) base

These factors collectively undermined the project’s viability under the original plan.

Concession Ended in  May 2025, No Construction Had Begun

“Since the developer was unable to prove that it had the capability and feasibility to complete the project, the state government has decided not to extend the concession. The agreement has formally terminated on 31 May 2025,” Chow said.

Chow emphasised that the decision reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring development that is pragmatic, sustainable, and beneficial to the public. He added that the complexity of the project exceeded the developer’s initial assessments, and pushing ahead could have disrupted coastal development along Butterworth’s shoreline.

Looking ahead, Chow said the state remains open to receiving new proposals or planning applications from companies interested in undertaking the Bagan Ajam–Bagan Luar reclamation project.

Imagine a home that perfectly balances urban convenience with natural tranquillity, where sustainable design meets minimalist elegance. This is the vision behind M Zenni, the latest freehold high-rise mixed development by Mah Sing Group Bhd, now launched in the vibrant Batu Maung township of Penang.

Strategically positioned at the gateway to the Penang Second Bridge, M Zenni is more than just a residence—it’s a thoughtfully crafted lifestyle for first-time homebuyers, working professionals, and young families. With indicative prices starting from an accessible RM4XX,000, it represents a golden opportunity to own a slice of Penang’s promising future.

A Harmonious Fusion of Nature and Modern Living

Inspired by mountain landscapes and Japanese minimalism, M Zenni transforms vertical living into a grounded, tranquil experience. It is designed as a peaceful sanctuary, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle, without sacrificing modern comforts. The development’s thoughtful layouts—including studio, 1+1 bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom units—are crafted to provide safe, family-friendly, and modern living environments.

Aligning with Mah Sing’s commitment to sustainability, M Zenni is poised to be a GreenRE Gold-certified project upon completion. Future residents will benefit from:

• 14 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations
• Solar energy integration to reduce carbon footprint
• An automated waste collection system
• Rainwater harvesting
• Sustainable building materials and optimised natural ventilation

“M Zenni embodies our vision of delivering well-located, affordably priced homes with quality design, sustainable features, and lifestyle-centric facilities,” said Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum, Founder and Group Managing Director of Mah Sing.

Unrivalled Connectivity and Lifestyle Amenities

Location is everything, and M Zenni delivers exceptional connectivity. Situated just 900m from the Second Penang Bridge, it offers direct links to the mainland. Key distances highlight its supreme convenience:

• 4km to the upcoming Penang Silicon Island
• Adjacent to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
• 4.6km to the nearest LRT Station, Permatang Damar Laut
• 7km to Penang International Airport
• A convenient 20-minute drive to Georgetown

A dedicated shuttle service will connect residents to Queensbay Mall, the airport, and the upcoming LRT station. For families, a wealth of educational institutions lies within a 12km radius, including Straits International School and University Sains Malaysia. Retail therapy, healthcare, and leisure are also well-catered for with easy access to Sunshine Square, Gurney Plaza, Pantai Hospital, and more.

Your Invitation to Experience M Zenni

The new M Zenni sales gallery is now open at Southbay Plaza, Batu Maung, marking the relocation of Mah Sing’s refreshed Penang office. This enhanced space provides an ideal setting for prospective buyers to explore the vision of M Zenni.

“We are excited to bring our successful M Series to Southbay. M Zenni is designed to bring together the best of modern living, community interaction, and nature-inspired tranquillity,” said Yeoh Chee Beng, Chief Executive Officer of Mah Sing’s property subsidiaries.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a sustainable, well-connected community in one of Penang’s most promising locations. Visit the M Zenni sales gallery today and invest in a brighter, more serene future.

M Zenni Sales Gallery
Location: Southbay Plaza, Batu Maung
Operating Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (Weekdays) | 10am – 6pm (Weekends)

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.