The Silicon Island development in Penang has reached another milestone, with more than 480 acres of land reclaimed as the 2,300-acre project enters its fourth year of development.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng said the project, which began reclamation works in September 2023, had attracted RM1.9 billion in investment to date and benefited more than 4,400 local contractors.

The development is expected to attract around RM70 billion in investments, generate an estimated RM1 trillion in economic value by 2050, and create more than 220,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

According to Joshua, the RM1.9 billion spent so far has also helped stimulate activity throughout the local supply chain, generating procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing demand for goods and services.

More than 900 Malaysians have secured employment through the project to date, he said, contributing to Penang’s efforts to retain local talent and develop the skilled workforce needed for future industries.

The physical development of Silicon Island is also gradually taking shape, with part of the reclaimed land allocated for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot.

The depot will occupy approximately 70 acres and serve as a key facility for train stabling, cleaning, maintenance and repair.

Goh said finding a suitable 70-acre site on Penang Island for the depot would have been challenging, particularly without disrupting existing developed areas.

“Silicon Island provides the space needed for the depot while supporting one of the most significant public transport investments in Penang’s history,” he said.

Looking ahead, Joshuas said the focus as Silicon Island enters its fourth year should extend beyond physical development and investment figures.

The key challenge, he said, would be ensuring that the island’s economic growth translates into higher-value employment, stronger opportunities for local businesses and more opportunities for Penangites to build their careers in the state.

With reclamation progressing and supporting infrastructure taking shape, Silicon Island is expected to play an increasingly important role in Penang’s longer-term economic and urban development.

Pesta Pulau Pinang will return this December at a new location, as the former Sungai Nibong grounds make way for the development of the Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) and a future transit-oriented development (TOD).

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this year’s month-long Pesta Pulau Pinang will take place at Padang Menora in Tasek Gelugor from December 1 to 31.

While the new venue is smaller than the traditional Sungai Nibong grounds, Chow said it was suitable for continuing the annual event.

The relocation comes as the Sungai Nibong site is being repurposed for the construction of an LRT station and depot. The state had previously considered several alternative venues before the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) offered the Padang Menora site.

Despite the move, the state government has decided to retain the Pesta Pulau Pinang name, recognising the event’s long-standing brand built over more than 50 years.

Meanwhile, the former Pesta grounds are being planned for a much larger transformation.

A proposed 23.47-hectare TOD Masterplan aims to turn the Sungai Nibong site into a mixed-use transit hub incorporating residential, commercial and public facilities.

The draft masterplan is being developed through a collaboration involving the Penang state government, Asian Development Bank, MRT Corp and various federal and state agencies, and is expected to be finalised in October.

The large-scale redevelopment is expected to take 10 to 15 years to fully implement, potentially reshaping Sungai Nibong into a more integrated transit and urban development node.

The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is inviting proposals from companies interested in acquiring 15.81 acres of development land along Jalan Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, for commercial purposes.

According to PDC’s proposal document, the site measures approximately 688,527 sq ft and carries a reserve price of RM75 per sq ft, translating into a minimum value of about RM51.64 million.

The irregularly shaped parcel comprises Lots 415, 416, 2716, 2719, 2720, 2722, 2724, 20035, 20036, 20037 and 20038, together with part of Lot 2710 in Mukim 14.

PDC described the site as state land formerly known as the listed lots. The proposed alienation is for a freehold title, subject to approval by the state authority.

The location plan shows the site fronting Jalan Batu Kawan, with the Bukit Tambun Toll Plaza among the nearby landmarks.

Interested parties are required to submit their proposed purchase price and payment terms, together with details of their proposed development, including development components and implementation timeline. Company profiles and registration documents must also be provided.

PDC said proposals may be evaluated based on the purchase price and proposed development or use of the land. However, the evaluation benchmark will remain at PDC’s sole and absolute discretion.

The corporation also reserves the right to reject any proposal, in whole or in part, without providing a reason.

The successful purchaser will be responsible for obtaining and complying with all requirements imposed by relevant authorities and public utility licence holders for the development or use of the site.

Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO has donated RM1 million towards the restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang, the oldest Gurdwara in Malaysia and historically largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia.

The contribution helped complete a RM6.1 million conservation project to restore the 125-year-old temple, which was officially reopened on Saturday by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, alongside Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim.

Founded in 1901, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is a Category One heritage building within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and an enduring symbol of Penang’s multicultural heritage.

Category One is the highest classification under George Town’s heritage conservation framework, covering buildings and sites of exceptional significance to the city’s historic and cultural landscape.

Skilled artisans from India worked alongside local heritage experts to conserve its limestone walls, timber structures and distinctive architectural features while addressing structural damage sustained over the years.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the restoration would ensure that an important part of the state’s history is preserved for future generations.

“Penang is proud to preserve landmarks such as Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, which embody our shared multicultural heritage,” Jagdeep said.

“We are deeply grateful to Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah for his generosity in supporting this restoration. His contribution reflects a commitment to inclusivity and unity, ensuring that this temple remains a beacon of faith and harmony for generations to come,” Jagdeep added.

The Penang State Government had earlier contributed RM1 million towards the restoration project in April 2024, while another RM600,000 was raised at a fundraising dinner in Kuala Lumpur.

Beyond its religious and historical significance, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang remains an important centre of community life. Accommodating up to 400 people, the temple provides free daily meals, known as langar, to people of all backgrounds and serves as a hub for educational, health and community outreach programmes.

Its community hall houses a library and dedicated spaces for food distribution, health screenings and other initiatives supporting young people, senior citizens, single mothers and those in need.

A commemorative plaque and the community hall within the temple will bear Cheah’s name in recognition of his contribution to the restoration and the temple’s continuing service to the community.

Cheah said the donation reflected his belief that preserving the country’s heritage strengthens the bonds that unite Malaysians.

“Georgetown is one of the world’s great historic cities, shaped over generations by people of different faiths and cultures. Its unique architecture tells the story of the many communities that built this city together,” Cheah said.

“Our heritage is a shared inheritance. I hope the restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang will help preserve this legacy, so that the Malaysia our children inherit continues to reflect the unity, generosity and mutual respect that have always been among our nation’s greatest strengths,” Cheah added.

Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang president and Conservation and Restoration Committee chairman Dato’ Santok Singh described Cheah as a sincere role model for unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society.

“Tan Sri’s contribution reflects his sincere belief that Malaysia’s diversity is a strength to be cherished and that every community has a place in our shared national story,” Santok said.

“We regard him as a role model whose generosity sends a powerful message that preserving the heritage of any one community enriches our nation as a whole and strengthens the unity that binds all Malaysian,” Santok added.

The official ceremony forms part of a three-day grand opening programme from 12 to 14 September. It began with prayers and the ceremonial Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikhism’s sacred scripture, followed by a commemorative plaque signing and a tour of an exhibition tracing the gurdwara’s 125-year history.

The programme also features devotional recitations and music, visits to the Darbar Sahib prayer hall and communal langar, reflecting the gurdwara’s continuing role as both a place of worship and a centre of community life.

The contribution of RM1 million builds on Cheah’s longstanding commitment to nation-building through education and community development.

Through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, he has endowed more than RM4 billion in assets to advance education in perpetuity.

The Foundation has also awarded close to RM1.1 billion in scholarships and grants, helping to make high-quality education accessible to as many students as possible.

Cheah is also the first individual in Asia to have been named among Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy five times.

Source: SJKC Chung Shan FB

Chung Shan Primary School in Bayan Lepas has identified a parcel of land in Bukit Ayun as the proposed site for its relocation, with construction of a new school campus potentially beginning next year if the necessary arrangements proceed as planned.

According to the school’s board chairman Tan Lai Ting, the existing school premises are expected to continue operating until 2030. The proposed relocation is intended to provide the school with a new site and facilities to accommodate its future operations. Details of the proposed development, including the size and configuration of the new campus, have yet to be finalised.

The relocation plan places the proposed school site within the wider Bayan Lepas area, where residential and industrial development has continued to expand. The area is also expected to see further infrastructure improvements and development in the coming years. The school board will need to complete the relevant planning and approval processes before construction can proceed.