Source: Google Street View

The former Sunshine Farlim site in Air Itam could soon be given a new lease of life, following a proposal to redevelop it into a community hall for residents of Bukit Gelugor. The plan has received encouraging support from the Penang state government and local representatives.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed that the state welcomes the idea in principle, but emphasised that the matter must first be discussed between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Sunshine, as the land belongs to the council. “The land where the old Sunshine Farlim stands is under MBPP’s ownership, while the building itself was constructed by Sunshine many years ago when the council, then known as MPPP, leased the land to them,” he said during a Deepavali event at Sunshine Sentral in Farlim.

Chow noted that the supermarket had once been a major retail landmark serving the surrounding communities of Air Itam, Paya Terubong, and Bukit Gelugor. With Sunshine now operating from its new premises, the old site has remained vacant. “We hope that once an agreement is reached between MBPP and Sunshine, the land can be repurposed for community use — specifically as a hall for the people of Bukit Gelugor,” he said.

He added that the proposal aligns with the state government’s long-term goal of expanding public amenities, particularly in high-density areas that lack sufficient community spaces.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh also voiced strong support for the proposal, calling the former Sunshine Farlim site the most strategic location for a new community hall. “The site is geographically at the centre of Bukit Gelugor and can serve residents from Air Itam, Paya Terubong and Seri Delima. It’s the ideal place for such a facility,” he said.

Ramkarpal pointed out that Bukit Gelugor, the largest parliamentary constituency on Penang island with about 75,000 registered voters, has long needed a dedicated community hall. Many local programmes are currently held in school halls or neighbouring areas due to the lack of a proper venue.

Both Chow and Ramkarpal expressed optimism that the redevelopment of the old Sunshine Farlim site could soon materialise with close collaboration between MBPP, the state government, and Sunshine. The proposed community hall, they said, would not only provide a much-needed space for public gatherings but also serve as a new focal point for community life in Bukit Gelugor.

“The Penang government supports initiatives that strengthen community ties and improve the quality of life for residents. Redeveloping the old Sunshine Farlim site into a community hall would be a meaningful step in that direction,” Chow said.

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