Penang has launched its Smart City Blueprint 2040, setting out a long-term framework to coordinate smart city initiatives and strengthen the integration of data and technology across the state.

The blueprint includes plans for the Penang Urban Intelligence Observatory (PUIO), Smart Data Exchange Platform (SDX) and Smart Penang Dashboard to improve data sharing and support more informed government decision-making. The MBPP 2030 Smart City Action Plan was also launched to translate the state’s smart city vision into practical initiatives that address the needs of the community.

Speaking at the 2026 Penang World Town Planning Day celebration, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said smart city development should go beyond technology adoption, with challenges such as flooding, traffic congestion, solid waste management and rising urban temperatures requiring coordinated solutions through proper planning and infrastructure.

He highlighted several digital initiatives by local authorities, including MBPP’s PEARL – One Touch Penang application, which recorded more than 75,000 downloads and RM25.1 million in payment transactions during the PEARL Bayar & Menang 2.0 campaign between June 2025 and May 2026.

Meanwhile, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) retained its five-star rating under the 2026 Local Government Star Rating System and received the 2025 Sustainable City recognition through MURNInets. The establishment of the Seberang Perai ASPIRE Centre (SPACE) has also strengthened data integration, monitoring and coordination of urban operations.

Chow added that eight of the 10 main goals under the Penang2030 vision had either been achieved or were progressing according to plan, eight years after its introduction.

Penang’s exports reached RM113.2 billion as of September 2026, accounting for approximately 52.6% of Malaysia’s total exports. A total of 177 manufacturing investment projects worth RM17.32 billion were also approved between January and June 2026, with an estimated 19,337 job opportunities expected to be created.

The state government is expected to continue working with local councils, government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions and the community to ensure that smart city initiatives contribute to more efficient public services and a safer, more comfortable and sustainable urban environment.

A proposed condominium development on a 6.2-acre site off Jalan Lebuh Relau in Relau, adjacent to Setia Sky Vista and Setia Vista, both developed by S P Setia. The site was originally earmarked for blocks C and D of Setia Sky Vista more that a decade ago. It is approximately a 10-minute drive from SPICE Arena and five minutes from the Bukit Kukus Paired Road.

The proposed development will comprise a 36-storey condominium block with 417 residential units, including 408 units across the main residential floors and nine additional units on Level 34. A six-storey podium will accommodate parking facilities and 32 shop units located on Levels 1 and 3. Recreational facilities are planned on Levels 7 and 34, while the ground floor will also include community facilities and a guardhouse.

The project is still in its planning stage and more details will be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Relau
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 6.23 acres
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 417 (residential)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

Strata management body have the authority to regulate pet ownership in strata properties, but they cannot arbitrarily impose a blanket ban on residents keeping animals in their private units, according to legal experts.

Lawyer Muhammad Akram Abdul Aziz said the powers of JMBs under the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) are subject to existing laws and statutory by-laws. While management bodies can introduce rules to maintain order and harmony, these rules must not contradict legal provisions.

Lawyer Ivan Ong Hong Bing shared a similar view, explaining that enforcement action should only be taken when there is clear evidence that an animal causes a nuisance, threatens safety or affects the health of other residents. General complaints or assumptions alone are insufficient, and each case should be assessed based on supporting evidence.

Muhammad Akram added that management bodies should investigate complaints and allow pet owners to provide an explanation before taking action. Under Paragraph 14(2) of the Third Schedule of the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015, owners who breach the relevant rules must be given three days to remove the animal after receiving written notice.

The issue follows an October 30 ruling by the Shah Alam High Court, which found that JMBs could not impose an outright ban on pets in private residential units through internal rules. The decision arose from a case involving former national hurdler Noraseela Mohd Khalid and the Shang Villa Condominium JMB.

However, Ivan clarified that the ruling does not automatically invalidate pet restrictions at all strata properties. Its application to other developments would depend on the circumstances of each case, including the validity of existing by-laws and local authority regulations.

Legal experts also reminded pet owners that they remain responsible for controlling their animals and preventing disturbances or harm to others. Negligent owners may face legal consequences if their pets cause injuries or property damage.

Residents interviewed also highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership, including maintaining cleanliness, using leashes in common areas and respecting neighbours to minimise disputes within shared residential communities.

About The Westin Residences

The Westin Residences is a mixed residential and hospitality development by VST Group located along the seafront at Gurney Drive on reclaimed land opposite Gurney Plaza and facing Gurney Bay. The project consists of a 69-storey residential tower with 498 units and a 10-level parking podium, together with a separate 28-storey hotel tower offering 217 rooms and suites with a 7-level parking podium. Once completed, the residential tower is expected to be the tallest in Penang.

Find out more about The Westin Residences

The Penang government will offer 1,133 affordable housing units under its rent-to-own (RTO) scheme across five projects, with monthly payments starting from RM250. The units, which will be acquired by the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), are expected to benefit between 4,000 and 5,000 people.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the state remained committed to expanding access to affordable housing, including in constituencies represented by opposition assemblymen. He added that the government would continue to provide more units in areas with demand, including Teluk Air Tawar and Pinang Tunggal.

On restrictions governing the resale of affordable homes, Sundarajoo said units priced below RM300,000 are subject to a 10-year moratorium, while those priced at RM300,000 and above carry a five-year restriction. Owners facing urgent circumstances may appeal to LPNPP for permission to sell before the moratorium expires. If approval is granted, a 10% premium based on the selling price will be imposed.

He also revealed that the state had made 6,753 offers for Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) units over the past three years and two months. These comprised 1,865 Category A units, 797 Category B units, 3,839 Category C units and 252 Category D units, with prices ranging from RM42,000 to RM400,000.

Meanwhile, 350 RMKu B2 units will be provided under the Ujong Batu redevelopment project to accommodate 268 eligible original residents. The state is also seeking federal funding to construct 300 additional People’s Housing Project (PPR) units, comprising 180 units in Jelutong and 120 in Central Seberang Perai. The Jelutong project is expected to begin in mid-2027 and be completed by 2031.

Sundarajoo said PPR housing was intended for lower-income households, with the eligibility income threshold set at RM1,700. Rental rates for units under PPR and the state rental housing scheme start from RM90 per month.