Fort Cornwallis, one of Penang’s most iconic historical landmarks, is undergoing a major revival with the near completion of its moat restoration project. Spearheaded by the Penang government with support from Think City and Yayasan Hasanah, the initiative marks a significant step in preserving and enhancing the site’s heritage and ecological value.

The Southern moat was successfully restored in July 2024, while work on the Western moat is expected to finish by July this year. Together, they form a 4,000 sq m water basin, 0.9 metres deep, capable of holding around 3,600 cubic metres of water.

Valued at RM23.4 million—of which RM15.3 million is state-funded—the project employs traditional building techniques and sustainable design. The moat features a mechanical sand filter and a vegetated bio-retention swale, which support water filtration and biodiversity.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that the restoration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ecological resilience, climate adaptation, and public engagement.

This project not only revitalises Fort Cornwallis’s historical structure but also reinforces Penang’s commitment to sustainable urban heritage conservation.

About Ari Altitude

An affordable condominium project by PTL Alpha Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of PTL Properties Sdn. Bhd., located in the well-established township of Alma, Bukit Mertajam. Situated along Jalan Santuari 3, less than 5 minutes drive from Lotus’s and AEON Mall via Jalan Rozhan and approximately 15 minutes from both Penang’s first and second bridges. It features 500 residential units, each with a built-up size of 950 sq. ft.

*Photo taken in Apr 2025

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The proposed Penang undersea tunnel remains a relevant solution to alleviate congestion on the first Penang bridge, according to state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

Speaking at the state legislative assembly, Zairil said the tunnel would help reduce traffic flow in both directions on the bridge and surrounding roads by offering an alternative route for vehicles. “This will divert traffic to the undersea tunnel and ease severe congestion on roads leading to the first bridge,” he noted in response to a question from Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.

He added that a new design for the tunnel is currently in development. “This revised design is intended to ensure the continuity and direction of the third link project, while also improving its efficiency, feasibility, and overall impact,” Zairil said.

The new proposal aims to accommodate all vehicle types and incorporate environmental and social considerations. It is also envisioned to become a new icon for Penang, blending infrastructure with tourism potential.

However, Zairil emphasized that the final decision on the project’s implementation will depend on the findings of the feasibility study currently underway.

The Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project is progressing steadily, with Phase One expected to be completed by the end of this year. As of now, construction work has reached nearly 38% completion.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that Work Package 1 (WP1) has surpassed the 37% mark. WP1 covers critical enabling and upgrading works, including the construction of an ancillary building, a new air traffic control tower, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) office, an aviation security tower, substations, and other supporting infrastructure.

Zairil also revealed that physical construction under Work Package 2 (WP2) commenced last month. This package focuses on upgrading the airport’s apron, taxiways, airside drainage, utilities diversion, and related infrastructure. WP2 was awarded to Acre Works Sdn Bhd in December 2024, with a contract value of RM254.6 million.

Looking ahead, the tender for Work Package 3 (WP3)—which involves expanding the new passenger terminal building—will be called in June. The new terminal is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, with full project completion targeted for 2028.

Consumers and industry stakeholders have voiced strong support for the proposed Real Property Development Act (RPDA), urging the government to clearly define mixed developments and extend legal safeguards to protect buyers of commercial properties like Soho, Sofo, and Sovo.

Currently, these types of developments fall outside the scope of the Housing Development Act (HDA), leaving buyers exposed to risks such as abandoned projects and unfair treatment. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Saravanan Thambirajah said the RPDA must provide a clear definition of mixed developments and ensure full regulatory oversight.

“We need mandatory licensing, financial checks on developers, regulated accounts, and transparent sales processes,” he said. Saravanan also called for a dedicated tribunal to address buyer grievances and stressed that strong enforcement is vital for the law to be effective.

He welcomed the ministry’s move but cautioned against rushing the law without proper stakeholder engagement to avoid unintended market disruptions.

Paul Puah Chee Keong, CEO of PMC Facilities & Real Estate, added that many mixed-use properties with commercial titles are used as residences, yet buyers are charged higher commercial taxes and rates. “It’s only fair that Soho and Sovo units used for living should be charged residential rates,” he said.

Puah also recommended aligning the RPDA with the Strata Management Act to streamline property management and called for standardized service charge regulations.

Strata Property Owners Association advisor Law Hock Hua supported the proposed Building Managers Act to address poor property management. He suggested structured certification and bonding requirements for licensed managers to raise professional standards.

Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed that the RPDA is being developed to protect commercial property buyers and address abandoned projects. He also revealed plans for the Building Managers Act to fix management gaps and the Urban Renewal Act to rejuvenate old buildings.

The RPDA is expected to close a longstanding legal loophole and restore buyer confidence in Malaysia’s evolving property landscape.