Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has reassured stakeholders that the state possesses adequate industrial land reserves to support economic expansion for the next 10 to 15 years, despite widespread concerns over land scarcity.

Speaking at the launch of the Penang State Industrial Master Plan 2030 at Eastin Hotel in Bayan Lepas, Chow highlighted that the state’s development strategy is tailored to meet the unique demands of each industry, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach such as vertical expansion.

“It depends on the industry,” Chow said. “We already have sufficient land planned to accommodate industrial production capacity for the next decade or more.”

He revealed that over 2,000 acres of industrial land are currently in various stages of planning and development, including land acquisition, reclamation, and request-for-proposal (RFP) exercises. With an annual demand of about 100 acres, he noted that land supply is more than sufficient. As an example, he cited the Batu Kawan Industrial Park, which spanned 1,000 acres and has supported industrial growth for nearly 15 years since 2008.

“Not all investors require new land. Many expand existing facilities or prefer to move into ready-built factories for faster setup,” Chow added. He pointed out a growing private sector trend of developing such factories for rent or sale, particularly to meet the expectations of fast-moving foreign investors, including those from China.

While land sales bring in relatively low direct revenue, Chow emphasized that the long-term value lies in attracting quality investments, which is spearheaded by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

He also underscored the importance of a holistic industrial ecosystem, stressing that infrastructure must go beyond land. “Industrial development requires access to utilities, skilled talent, supply chains, and efficient transport,” he said.

On foreign labour, Chow reaffirmed the state’s commitment to responsible planning. Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQs) will be introduced within or close to industrial zones to provide proper housing for foreign workers. “We will not allow foreign workers to stay in residential housing areas, as this is not permitted under the law,” he stated.

The master plan aligns with Penang’s broader vision under the State Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP2030), aiming to position the state as a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial hub.

Pinnacle Petaling Jaya & Sheraton PJ Hotel

Penang’s property market is about to welcome a new name, one that has already commanded attention and made its mark in the Klang Valley. Since its establishment in 2011, Pinnacle Homes has built a reputation for delivering high-rise developments that not only stand tall, but stand out.

With a proven track record in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Pinnacle Homes ensures long-term value and growth potential for homeowners and investors alike. Its first move into Penang brings over a decade of experience in shaping city skylines and creating spaces where modern lifestyle thrives.

Pinnacle Homes is managed by an experienced leadership team committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, with a clear emphasis on delivering developments that appreciate in value and stand strong in a competitive market.

Shaping the City: Iconic Developments in the Klang Valley

Pinnacle Homes is known for turning ambitious concepts into skyline-defining realities. Its portfolio includes several of the most recognisable towers in the region:

• Pinnacle Ara Damansara (Ongoing Project)
  Launched in 2023, this development is crafted for modern living, featuring smart dual-key units ideal for both own stay and investment. Located near three LRT stations with a direct covered link to SS7 LRT3 Station, it offers seamless connectivity within a vibrant, transit-oriented neighbourhood.
• Pinnacle Subang Jaya (Ongoing Project)
  Launched in 2023, this iconic development is the crown jewel of Subang Jaya. Just 180 metres from the LRT and KTM interchange in SS16, it offers modern layouts, lifestyle facilities, and superb connectivity, ideal for professionals, couples, and families seeking comfort, convenience, and contemporary urban living in a prime location.
• Pinnacle Sri Petaling
  Completed in 2021, Pinnacle Sri Petaling is a mixed development with three residential towers, a Leisure Podium, and a retail annex featuring a supermarket and shops offering daily essentials. Located in a well-connected neighbourhood, it offers convenient access to dining, shopping, healthcare, entertainment, and education amenities, all within easy reach.
• Pinnacle Bangsar
  Completed in 2020, this luxury condominium is situated in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Defined by its refined architecture and strategic location, it offers an elevated living experience tailored for discerning homeowners who value both prestige and convenience.
• Pinnacle Kelana Jaya
  Completed in 2017, Pinnacle Kelana Jaya is a distinctive development where prestige meets practicality. With its Renaissance-inspired facade, it blends timeless architectural elegance with modern functionality, creating a vibrant space where business and daily living come together effortlessly.
• Pinnacle Petaling Jaya
  Completed in 2016, this iconic development is Selangor’s tallest building. Featuring premium office suites, commercial spaces, and the 5-star Sheraton PJ Hotel, wholly owned by Pinnacle Homes. It is strategically located along the Federal Highway, serving as a key landmark for business and hospitality.

What’s Next: Upcoming Developments in the Pipeline

Pinnacle Homes continues to strengthen its development portfolio with a series of upcoming projects designed to meet the evolving needs of modern communities:

• Pinnacle Ara Damansara 2
  The next phase of serviced apartments in the vibrant and well-established township of Ara Damansara, offering contemporary living with urban convenience.
• Pinnacle Dengkil
  A thoughtfully planned residential project featuring modern townhouses, designed to support a growing and vibrant community with practical living spaces and well-connected surroundings.
• Pinnacle Ridge Valley
  Nestled in the lush landscape of Pinggiran Sri Gombak, this low-density enclave of semi-detached homes promises serene living amid nature, with easy access to city amenities.

First Foray into Penang

Pinnacle Homes is set to make its debut in Penang with the upcoming launch of its first high-rise residential development on the island. Backed by over a decade of expertise in delivering high-rise and integrated projects across key urban centres, the Penang venture marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion.

While full details remain under wraps, the project is expected to reflect Pinnacle Homes’ hallmark approach—well-located, thoughtfully designed residences that balance value with liveability.

With a proven track record in skyline-defining developments, strategically connected locations, and a commitment to quality, Pinnacle Homes is ready to introduce a fresh perspective to Penang’s dynamic property market.

The next Pinnacle is on the horizon.

For updates and more information, visit www.pinnaclehomes.com.my.

The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal by 49 apartment owners at the One Tanjong condominium seeking to overturn the rezoning of an adjacent parcel of land in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. The court denied them leave to appeal, ruling that none of the 10 legal questions raised met the threshold under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

A three-member panel led by Justice Zabariah Yusof found that the questions did not involve novel constitutional or legal issues of public importance. Justices Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh and Lee Swee Seng also sat on the panel.

As a result, the court ordered the applicants to pay RM30,000 in costs to the Penang State Planning Committee and its director of urban and country planning, as well as another RM30,000 to developer Lone Pine Residence Sdn Bhd.

The dispute arose after Lone Pine, which acquired the land in 2015, successfully applied in 2021 to rezone it from its original designation as a marina centre to a “general business zone,” enabling plans for serviced apartments and a wellness centre. The approval came with the condition that the land be used solely for retirement and health suites.

The condominium owners challenged the rezoning in court, arguing that the authorities acted without public consultation and failed to prepare a local plan as required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (TCPA). They claimed this deprived them of the legal right to participate in shaping their neighbourhood.

However, the High Court in 2023 dismissed the judicial review, finding no procedural errors in the rezoning process and no legal provision under the TCPA requiring public involvement. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision earlier this year.

Lawyers for the state authorities and developer argued that the process was lawful and within the state’s discretion. The applicants, represented by counsel Azhar Azizan Harun, had sought clarification from the Federal Court on whether the TCPA allows for public input in rezoning decisions.

With this final ruling, the rezoning stands, allowing the development to proceed as planned.

The Penang state government has expanded its 5% housing discount initiative to all buyers of unsold completed properties, commonly known as overhang units. Previously limited to selected groups, the discount is now available to all purchasers, not just first-time homeowners.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision was unanimously approved during the state executive council (MMK) meeting on June 18. The initiative remains under the existing MADANI Ownership Campaign (MOC) and will be in effect for one year.

“This reflects our commitment to reducing the number of unsold completed housing units in Penang,” Chow said at a press conference in Komtar. He noted that all previously announced conditions still apply, including that only developers registered with the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) are eligible to offer the discount.

Eligible properties must be confirmed as overhang units, with verification by the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC). Currently, there are 2,796 such units across various housing categories in the state.

Chow expressed hope that the broader discount will encourage homeownership, help clear the property overhang, and support participating developers.

Also present at the event were Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, chairman of the Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.

Juru Village in the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) district has been awarded third place in the 2024 National New Village Competition, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). The recognition came with a federal grant worth RM500,000, presented to the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) led by chairman Cheh Kim Weng, 61.

Bukit Tengah State Assemblyman, Gooi Hsiao-Leung, highlighted that this is not the village’s first recognition, as Juru has previously received several awards at the local, state, and national levels. These include third place in the 2021 Seberang Perai City Council’s Clean Village Competition and runner-up in the 2024 National Landscape Award in conjunction with Malaysia Landscape Day.

Gooi described the achievement as significant, noting that the competition involved over 600 new villages across Malaysia. He expressed pride in Juru’s continued recognition, saying it reflects the strong community spirit and leadership within the village.

Juru Village was officially established in 1952, during the Malayan Emergency period, as part of the British colonial government’s resettlement strategy to combat communist insurgency. The village has since evolved into a well-established community, now home to over 300 landed residential units and approximately 2,000 residents.

The first village development and security committee (JKKK) chairman was Chow Hoe (1952–1969), followed by a series of successors leading up to the current chairman, Cheh Kim Weng, who has played a central role in the village’s ongoing development through the MPKK.

KPKT’s Village Development Officer for SPT, K.C. Ng, explained that the competition was reintroduced to appreciate the contributions of communities living in Malaysia’s 613 new villages. The aim, he said, is to encourage socio-economic development and inspire younger generations to remain connected to these historical communities.

He added that KPKT has allocated RM1.9 million this year for nine infrastructure projects across seven new villages in Seberang Perai, including Juru and Kampung Selamat in the north. These projects focus on improving roads, drainage, pedestrian walkways, and landscape elements. Additionally, housing repair initiatives are ongoing in areas such as Machang Bubuk and Juru.

Gooi emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural and historical value of new villages, referring to them as “living heritage.” He also expressed support for MPKK Juru’s intention to use part of the federal grant to construct a new entrance archway as a symbolic gateway and landmark for the village.

Both federal and state governments have shown ongoing support for new village development, with the federal government allocating RM84 million for new villages nationwide in 2024.

(Images source: Buletin Mutiara)