The Penang government has yet to make a decision on the future of the proposed RM1 billion Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and reclamation project after its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application was rejected for the fifth time.

State Local Government Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the matter would be brought to the state executive council (Exco) for further discussion once an extension of time (EOT) request is submitted by the developer.

According to H’ng, the latest EIA submission was rejected by the Department of Environment (DoE) on March 2 due to unresolved technical issues.

“At this point, there is still no decision whether the project will be extended or stopped. We need to look at the full picture and consider all factors before any decision is made,” he said during the state legislative assembly sitting.

He added that the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), as the implementing agency, is expected to present a paper on the EOT request during the upcoming Exco meeting scheduled for May 20.

The project developer, PLB Engineering Bhd, has also proposed additional components for the project, including a potential public recreational park. The state government is expected to assess whether the revised proposals are viable and comply with regulatory requirements.

The issue has attracted renewed public attention following concerns raised by the Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee. The group urged the state government to honour an earlier commitment by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow not to grant further extensions if EIA approval was not secured by Feb 26.

The committee claimed that records from the DoE’s EKAS database showed the project had failed to obtain EIA approval five consecutive times over more than 680 days. It also questioned the acceptance of a fifth submission after the stated deadline had passed and called for greater transparency regarding approvals and extensions.

While supporting efforts to rehabilitate the Jelutong landfill site, the group reiterated its opposition to the proposed coastal reclamation component, citing concerns over environmental impact and public objections raised during consultations.

The Jelutong Waste Disposal Site, located near Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong, ceased operations last November to facilitate rehabilitation works. The 34-hectare landfill had been operating for over 40 years before the state announced redevelopment plans in 2020.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is exploring the introduction of an Option to Purchase (OTP) clause under the proposed Real Property Development Bill, in a move aimed at reducing sick, delayed and abandoned housing projects.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposed OTP mechanism would allow both homebuyers and developers to withdraw before signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), offering greater flexibility and lowering early financial and legal commitments.

The proposal is part of the broader “Reformasi Perumahan Madani” agenda, which seeks to modernise Malaysia’s housing framework while supporting sustainable industry growth.

According to Nga, the OTP clause could help developers better assess genuine market demand before proceeding further into project execution. This would enable more informed decision-making and reduce the risk of financial strain caused by weak sales.

“By having a clearer picture of actual demand, developers can avoid overcommitting and prevent projects from running into difficulties midway,” he said.

The initiative is expected to minimise the likelihood of projects becoming abandoned or unsold, a long-standing issue in the local property market.

Nga also highlighted the strength of Malaysia’s property sector, noting that transactions exceeded RM240 billion in 2025 — the highest in a decade — driven by improved investor confidence and stable economic conditions.

Efforts to address legacy issues are ongoing. Since December 2022, KPKT’s taskforce has revived over 1,500 sick and abandoned projects nationwide, with a combined gross development value exceeding RM140 billion, benefiting more than 176,000 homebuyers.

In parallel, the ministry is accelerating digitalisation through platforms such as e-SPA, TEDUH and the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS) to improve transparency and efficiency.

The completion of The Meg at Andaman Island has reached a significant milestone with the issuance of Vacant Possession (VP), marking another step forward in the transformation of Penang’s northern coastline.

The milestone was celebrated during The Meg Appreciation Dinner hosted by Eastern & Oriental Berhad, attended by key state leaders and stakeholders. Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, and other state officials.

In his speech, Chow highlighted that developments like Andaman Island demonstrate how thoughtful planning, sustainability, and quality execution can come together to create a vibrant and liveable community.

Spanning 760 acres, Andaman Island forms a key part of the Penang2030 Vision, aligning with the state’s aspirations for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future. He emphasised that responsible, long-term planning remains crucial as Penang continues to grow, with Andaman Island playing a pivotal role in shaping a modern urban corridor along the northern seafront.

A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Gurney Bridge by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Widest Box Girder Bridge in Malaysia. Officially opened in December last year, the 1.2km, eight-lane bridge significantly enhances connectivity between Gurney Drive and Andaman Island, improving accessibility for residents and visitors.

Beyond infrastructure, sustainability remains a core focus. Andaman Island has received a GreenRE Platinum provisional certification, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible development.

E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong noted that Andaman Island represents more than just a development project—it reflects a shared vision between the developer and the state government to create a thoughtfully planned seafront township.

“With The Meg now completed and handed over, it marks not just the delivery of homes, but the realisation of a broader vision—one that balances urban vibrancy with sustainability and community living,” he said.

As The Meg welcomes its first residents, Andaman Island continues to take shape as one of Penang’s most ambitious waterfront developments, setting the tone for future phases to come.

At its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%, signalling continued confidence in Malaysia’s economic trajectory while keeping a close watch on rising global uncertainties.

The decision comes amid a resilient global economy in early 2026, largely supported by domestic demand and ongoing expansion in the technology sector. However, escalating energy and commodity prices, coupled with supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, are beginning to dampen global growth momentum. Risks remain tilted to the downside, particularly if geopolitical tensions persist or financial conditions tighten further.

On the domestic front, Malaysia continues to show encouraging signs. Economic activity in the first quarter was supported by sustained household spending and strong export performance, particularly in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Investment momentum also remains intact, driven by the rollout of large-scale infrastructure projects, steady private sector participation, and the implementation of national development master plans.

For the property market, the stable OPR environment provides a measure of certainty. Borrowing costs remain unchanged, which is expected to support homebuyer sentiment and ongoing project launches, especially in growth corridors across Penang and other key urban centres.

Inflation, while expected to trend slightly higher due to global cost pressures, remains manageable. Headline inflation averaged 1.6% in the first quarter, while core inflation stood at 2.1%, reflecting stable domestic demand and the cushioning effect of policy measures.

Looking ahead, BNM emphasised that the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate in balancing growth and price stability. Nevertheless, the central bank will remain vigilant, particularly as developments in the Middle East continue to shape the global and domestic economic outlook.

Marriott International Inc. announced the signing of The Bertam, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn. Bhd. Slated to open in Q4 2026, the hotel is expected to feature 282-keys, introducing the brand to Bertam on Penang mainland, complementing Marriott’s established presence on the island.

Located in North Seberang Perai, approximately 25 kilometers from Butterworth and 40 kilometers from George Town, Bertam forms part of a rapidly developing corridor supported by industrial expansion and integrated lifestyle developments. The area benefits from connectivity via the North-South Expressway and proximity to key hubs such as Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Batu Kawan Industrial Park, positioning it within a well-established economic and infrastructure network.

“We are pleased to work with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd on this signing, which reflects our shared vision to bring distinctive hospitality experiences to emerging destinations. The Bertam, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel represents a meaningful addition to our portfolio in Malaysia, allowing us to cater to the evolving needs of both leisure and corporate travellers, while supporting our continued growth across high-potential markets in the region,” said Andree Susilo, Vice President, Hotel Development – Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

Tribute Portfolio Hotels, one of Marriott’s collection brands, is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. The Bertam, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will be a conversion of the existing 282-rooms five-star Bertam Resort, originally opened in March 2023. Set within the 20-acre integrated Bertam Resort & Water Park Penang development, the hotel will benefit from its proximity to key demand generators, including industrial hubs in Butterworth and Kedah, educational institutions, and healthcare infrastructure, positioning it as a multi-segment destination.

Upon joining the brand portfolio, the hotel is expected to offer 2,959 square meters of function space, including a 1,541-square-meter grand ballroom, 13 breakout rooms, a glasshouse, and event venues, positioning it as a compelling MICE destination within the northern Penang mainland. In addition, present amenities include five resort-style pool suites, a 372-square-meter fitness center, multiple dining venues, a kids’ club, and lifestyle-driven spaces such as a lounge and karaoke room.

Dato’ Mohamed Iqbal S. Habeeb Noohu, Managing Director, Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn. Bhd., added, “We are delighted to work with Marriott International on this project. The transformation of Bertam Resort into a Tribute Portfolio Hotel marks a strategic evolution for the property, enabling us to leverage Marriott’s global distribution platform while preserving the hotel’s unique character. We believe this will create new opportunities, enhance the destination’s appeal, and position Bertam as a compelling hub for both business and leisure travellers.”