Source: Buletin Mutiara

Seven of Penang’s 10 priority projects have been accepted by the Federal Government for consideration ahead of Budget 2027, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said the seven proposals are now being considered by the relevant ministries. Some may be announced when Budget 2027 is tabled, while others could be communicated to the state government at a later stage.

The seven projects accepted for consideration are:

• Penang groundwater resource mapping and assessment – A proposal to map and assess groundwater resources across the state.
• Penang STEM Talent Blueprint – An initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent pipeline.
• Public market complex in Teluk Kumbar – The proposed construction of a new public market complex serving the Teluk Kumbar area.
• Upgrading of mechanical and electrical infrastructure for flood control systems – Improvements to mechanical and electrical components supporting flood control systems, including those in Penang.
• Upgrading of Jalan Bukit Tambun (FT149) – The proposed upgrade of the federal road from the Federal Route FT001 junction to the Bukit Tambun Selatan Toll junction.
• Upgrading of Federal Route FT001 – Improvements to the stretch of FT001 between Permatang Tinggi and Sungai Juru.
• Sungai Kilang Ubi flood mitigation plan – A flood mitigation project proposed for the central Seberang Perai district.

Chow said the state government understood the Federal Government’s financial constraints but would continue to raise projects considered important to Penang.

“All these projects are important to us, but we understand the federal government’s financial position,” he said, adding that priority would likely be given to projects considered necessary to be implemented urgently.

The three projects that were not accepted for consideration could still be raised by the state government, Chow said.

Meanwhile, Chow also expressed hope that Budget 2027 would provide an update on the proposed Penang Technology Financial Centre (PTFC), formerly known as the Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC).

The proposal was renamed following discussions to better reflect Penang’s role as a technology and semiconductor hub. The state government’s PIFC task force submitted a white paper to the Ministry of Finance in September.

The proposed PTFC aims to improve access to capital for small and medium enterprises and local companies, particularly those supporting the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.

Chow said the initiative would help local startups and SMEs scale up and grow alongside the multinational companies driving Penang’s semiconductor and AI sectors.

Source: Google Street View

Motorists using the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will face temporary lane closures from 12 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 as construction progresses on a new elevated U-turn.

The works are being carried out by IJM Land Berhad, the master developer of The Light Waterfront Penang. The latest phase follows the completion of the initial works for the elevated U-turn in early September.

During the construction period, the median-side rightmost lanes on both the George Town-bound and Bayan Lepas-bound carriageways will be temporarily closed. Traffic diversions will be implemented to provide a safe working area for the next phase of construction.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys ahead, follow the directional signage and exercise caution when approaching the affected sections of the expressway.

Once completed, the elevated U-turn is expected to complement the Air Itam Bypass, helping to improve traffic connectivity and traffic flow along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

IJM Land said further updates will be provided as construction progresses and thanked motorists and the public for their patience and understanding during the works.

Move-In Ready Freehold Semi-D Homes at Begonia @ Botanica.CT with Savings of RM200,000 and Above*

In a property market where freehold landed homes on Penang Island are becoming increasingly scarce, Begonia @ Botanica.CT presents a rare opportunity to own a completed semi-detached home within one of Penang’s most established master-planned garden townships.

Nestled within the lush 300-acre Botanica.CT township, Begonia offers more than just a home. It offers space, security, convenience, and the confidence of owning a freehold property in a mature and rapidly evolving community. With only 60 homes in this exclusive enclave and a limited number remaining, buyers today have the opportunity to secure immediate ownership while enjoying rebates of up to 18%*.

Why More Buyers Are Looking Towards Balik Pulau

The Balik Pulau of today is no longer known solely for its orchards and countryside charm. Increasingly, it is emerging as one of Penang Island’s most attractive residential destinations, offering what many urban locations can no longer provide: larger homes, greener surroundings, and genuine community living.

At the heart of this transformation sits Botanica.CT, a township that has steadily evolved into a self-sustaining environment where residents can live, learn, shop, and soon access specialist healthcare without needing to leave the neighbourhood.

A Home That Delivers Immediate Value

Unlike properties that remain years away from completion, Begonia is move-in ready today. Buyers can walk through the actual homes, appreciate the generous living spaces, and begin planning their future immediately.

To make ownership even more attractive, the current promotion includes:

• Up to 18% rebate on selected units*
• Total savings exceeding RM200,000*
• Free Sale & Purchase Agreement legal fees*
• Free Loan Legal Fees and MOT Stamp Duty*
• Financing packages from RM788,840*

This combination of upfront savings and immediate occupancy creates one of the strongest landed property value propositions currently available on Penang Island.

Everything Your Family Needs, Right Around the Corner

One of Begonia’s greatest strengths is not just what stands within its gates, but what surrounds it.

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

• TF Value-Mart for daily essentials and groceries
• Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS), located within the township
• An expanding selection of eateries, cafés and lifestyle outlets
• The upcoming Selgate Specialist Hospital Pulau Pinang, enhancing healthcare accessibility within the community

For families, this means less time commuting and more time together. For investors, it reflects the key ingredients that support long-term property value growth: education, healthcare, retail conveniences and a growing resident population.

The Rare Combination of Lifestyle and Investment Potential

Few developments manage to satisfy both homeowners and investors equally well.

For homeowners, Begonia delivers the privacy of a landed residence, the security of gated-and-guarded living, and the peace of mind that comes with freehold ownership.

For investors, the story is equally compelling. The ongoing maturation of Botanica.CT, anchored by established amenities, educational institutions, commercial activity and future healthcare infrastructure, creates a strong foundation for future appreciation and rental demand.

As township developments mature, it is often the early residents who benefit most from the value created by growing amenities and increasing demand. Begonia offers buyers the chance to become part of that growth today rather than paying a premium later.

Limited Homes Remaining

Opportunities like this are becoming increasingly uncommon on Penang Island.

A completed freehold semi-detached home, within a gated community, inside an established master-planned township, with substantial purchase incentives and immediate occupancy, is a combination rarely available in today’s market.

For those looking for a forever home, Begonia offers a lifestyle centred around family, community and convenience. For those seeking long-term property growth, it presents an opportunity positioned within one of Penang’s emerging residential corridors.

Experience Begonia for Yourself

Visit the Begonia Show House and discover why more buyers are making the move to Botanica.CT. Walk through the homes, explore the township, and experience firsthand the lifestyle that awaits.

Botanica.CT Sales Gallery Opens Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm
8-10, Jalan Sungai Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang

For Enquiries or Show House Viewing Appointment:
Sales Gallery: 04-866 2399 / 012-865 3699

*Terms & conditions apply.

For illustration only

PEN S J Electronics Sdn Bhd (PEN S J) is set to expand its manufacturing footprint in Penang with a new advanced packaging materials and thermal management solutions facility at Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP 3).

The company has entered into a lease agreement with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for the new facility, which will involve an investment of more than US$70 million. The project is expected to strengthen Penang’s role in Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

The facility will be developed in two phases. The first phase will focus on the production of thermal interface materials (TIM), while the second phase will expand into integrated heat spreader (IHS) production.

According to PEN S J, the facility will serve both local and international customers, while supporting the wider semiconductor supply chain in the region. The company expects the local manufacturing base to help shorten supply chain lead times and reduce warehousing and logistics costs for downstream partners.

PEN S J is a Malaysian company established in Penang in 2023, specialising in high-end semiconductor materials and advanced packaging solutions. It is associated with S J Electronics, which specialises in advanced packaging materials and thermal management solutions for high-performance processing chips.

The company said the new investment will leverage S J Electronics’ technology capabilities to expand its manufacturing presence in Penang, which is widely recognised as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in Penang as a manufacturing location and will further strengthen the state’s electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem, particularly in advanced semiconductor packaging and thermal management.

Budget 2027 is expected to maintain policy continuity for Malaysia’s property sector, with the government’s focus shifting increasingly towards funding and implementation rather than introducing major new reforms, according to Apex Research, as reported by The Star.

The research firm said existing home ownership incentives and the expansion of the Skim Jaminan Kredit Perumahan guarantee should continue supporting property transactions, particularly among affordable housing buyers and first-time homeowners.

Apex Research also viewed the National Housing Policy’s move towards locality-based affordability pricing as a sensible adjustment. It said the approach could help address the mismatch between housing supply and actual demand that has affected parts of the property market in previous cycles.

However, the proposed transition towards a build-then-sell (BTS) model remains an area to watch closely. Apex Research said a gradual transition supported by appropriate financing measures would be manageable for larger, better-capitalised developers. However, accelerating the transition without corresponding relief could place greater pressure on small and mid-sized developers that depend heavily on progressive billing.

Such an adjustment could potentially affect property launch volumes in 2027 and 2028, it said.

A property analyst quoted by The Star also remained positive on the sector, expecting Budget 2027 to include measures that would provide continued support for the industry.

Penang Property Outlook

For Penang, Apex Research highlighted developers with substantial landbanks along or near the Mutiara Line corridor, noting that transit-oriented development could provide a longer-term boost to land values as connectivity improves.

E&O Bhd was identified as having a sizeable, longer-term exposure through its waterfront landbank at Seri Tanjung Pinang and Andaman Island. Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd, meanwhile, could see a more direct uplift from its property exposure closer to the planned transit corridor.

Paramount Corp Bhd’s Penang exposure was considered comparatively smaller, making it a secondary beneficiary of the broader trend.

Apex Research said Penang’s property outlook could continue to strengthen through 2027, with the Mutiara Line rail rollout expected to be a key catalyst independent of Budget 2027.

The research firm also expects a possible revision to the current RM1,700 minimum wage, potentially to between RM1,700 and RM2,000. For property developers, the more significant impact could come indirectly through higher construction costs, as increased contractor labour expenses feed into tender prices and project costs, potentially putting pressure on margins for fixed-price construction contracts.