Source: Buletin Mutiara

The construction of the Air Itam to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package 2), has reached 80% completion and is now entering its critical phase.

State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, announced that a permanent closure of the Lintang Angsana junction will take effect starting 1 July 2025. This is to facilitate the construction of a flyover crucial to the highway’s development.

“Motorists from Air Itam will no longer be able to turn right into Farlim via Lintang Angsana. They must instead use alternative routes at the Lintang Angsana–Jalan Angsana junction,” Wong explained during a site visit and press conference. However, traffic from Farlim to Air Itam will remain unaffected.

To address public transport disruptions, discussions with Rapid Penang are underway to reroute affected bus services. Meanwhile, the Farlim night market area has been temporarily opened for public parking to ease congestion in the vicinity.

Additional safety measures, including signage, social media announcements, and on-site traffic personnel, are being implemented to maintain smooth traffic flow throughout the construction period.

Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly benefit the community by shortening travel time to Bayan Lepas and Butterworth industrial zones and providing toll-free access. Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong state assemblyman, expressed appreciation for the public’s patience, noting that the project will enhance connectivity and community well-being.

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In a continued effort to ensure housing affordability and uplift living standards, the Penang State Government yesterday officially handed over offer letters for the Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) affordable housing projects to selected recipients during a ceremony held at Auditorium F, Level 5, KOMTAR.

The ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo A/L Somu, Penang State EXCO for Housing and Environment, and was attended by senior officials from the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP), developers JKP Sdn. Bhd. and Palmington Sdn. Bhd., and other key stakeholders.

The event marked the symbolic handover of offer letters for:

• Rumah Pangsa Mutiara Indah Phase 4 (Block D) in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS),
• Pangsapuri Mutiara Anggun in the Southwest District (DBD), and
• Ceria Residence, located in the Northeast District (DTL).

A total of 40 recipients – including 36 from Mutiara Indah, 3 from Mutiara Anggun, and 1 from Ceria Residence – were invited to receive their letters of offer. These offers were approved during the second meeting of the 2025 Housing Performance and Achievement Committee (HOPE) held on 9 May 2025.

Aligned with the Penang2030 Vision and the state’s Strategic Initiative A1 under the “Service Delivery” agenda, the Penang government continues to make significant strides in three key housing targets:

• 220,000 affordable housing units (RMM) by 2030 – with 167,574 units (76.17%) already delivered.
• 22,000 Rent-to-Own (RTO) units – current achievement stands at 5,066 units (23.16%).
• Urban Renewal (PSB) programme – surpassing the target of 3,000 families, with 6,814 units under six pilot projects (227.13%).

Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo expressed his gratitude to all partners, including Palmington Sdn. Bhd., JKP Sdn. Bhd., and Orientside Development Sdn. Bhd., for their commitment in realizing the state’s housing vision.

He also urged recipients to make their new RMKu homes a foundation for a more comfortable and fulfilling life — not merely a financial asset to be rented out to third parties.

“Let these homes be the start of a better future for your families,” he said.

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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.