Penang has taken another major step toward sustainable urban resilience with the launch of a RM24.7 million road upgrading project around Lebuh Pantai, Pesara King Edward, Pengkalan Weld, and Gat Lebuh Chulia — one of the key initiatives under the Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme for the Urban Areas of Penang Island (PNBCAP).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also serves as the State Executive Councillor for Finance, Economic Development, Land and Communication, said the project aims to enhance the resilience of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town while preserving its historical and architectural values. “Beyond improving infrastructure efficiency, this initiative demonstrates how nature-based solutions can help mitigate urban heat impacts and strengthen the city’s climate adaptability,” he said during the launch ceremony at Pesara King Edward on 1 November 2025.

The RM24.7 million project, implemented in collaboration with agencies such as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), UN-Habitat, and Think City, is one of 16 physical components being carried out under PNBCAP. Works began in 2022 and are expected to be completed by 2027. According to Chow, PNBCAP is closely aligned with Penang’s long-term Penang2030 Vision — to create a family-focused, green, and smart state that inspires the nation.

Exco for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, added that PNBCAP represents Malaysia’s first integrated climate adaptation initiative. It focuses on key areas such as urban greening, efficient stormwater management, and the strengthening of community resilience. Other PNBCAP projects include the Taman Lintang Nibong Flood Retention Pond and the Blue-Green Corridor at Sungai Keluang, both scheduled for completion by mid-2026. Within the George Town heritage zone, Union Square at Lebuh Union will be transformed into a new pocket park, while an Urban Agricultural Programme along Lebuhraya Rose promotes food security through modern city farming.

Speaking at the event, Chow emphasized that PNBCAP stands as a strong example of collaborative governance — bringing together expertise from international partners, state agencies, and local organizations. “This project reflects Penang’s continuous commitment to sustainable urban development, ensuring progress and preservation go hand in hand,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran and UN-Habitat Malaysia Project Manager Dr. Kwan Soo Chen, alongside members of the State Executive Council. The initiative reinforces Penang’s position as a leader in urban sustainability, where climate adaptation, heritage conservation, and people’s well-being are advanced in unison.

Getting to The Light Waterfront Penang just got easier. IJM Land Berhad, the developer behind the iconic waterfront development, has officially opened a new flyover that improves access and helps ease traffic heading towards George Town.

The one-way flyover gives motorists direct entry into The Light Waterfront, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow along one of Penang’s busiest stretches. Built under IJM Land’s broader plan to enhance infrastructure around the area, the project highlights the developer’s ongoing effort to support smoother mobility and connectivity across the city.

The existing bicycle lane in the area remains open, encouraging safer and greener ways to get around. Drivers are advised to follow speed limits and road signs during the adjustment period, while cyclists are reminded to stay alert and dismount at intersections for safety.

This new link follows the opening of another elevated road in July, connecting Jalan Tunku Kudin (Bayan Lepas-bound) directly to The Light Waterfront — a move that has already made travel from Green Lane more seamless.

Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng praised the initiative, saying it has made the drive from Bayan Lepas smoother and helped ease congestion on one of Penang’s main routes.

“With each new connection, The Light Waterfront Penang is becoming a vibrant destination that continues to shape Penang’s evolving urban landscape,” she said.

Scientex Jawi, an affordable landed housing development by Scientex in Sungai Jawi. Located close to the North–South Expressway, providing easy connectivity to Penang Island, Nibong Tebal, and other major urban centres in the northern region. Its surrounding area is supported by essential amenities such as schools, shops, and community facilities within 5km radius.

The project comprises 267 units of double-storey terrace houses built on freehold land, each measuring 16ft x 60ft with a built-up area of 1,173 sq.ft. The project is expected to be completed in September 2027. The homes are designed with reinforced concrete structures, tiled flooring, and quality fittings, while the price ranges between RM330,800 and RM494,500. With a focus on functionality and accessibility, the project adds to Scientex’s growing portfolio of affordable landed housing developments across Peninsular Malaysia.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Full list of affordable housing in Penang
• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing

Project Name: Scientex Jawi
Location : Sungai Jawi
Property Type : 2-storey affordable house
Built-up Area: 1,173 sq.ft.
Total Unit: 267
Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price : RM330,800 onwards
Developer : Scientex (Skudai) Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. 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.

What began as a compassionate idea to support the homeless in George Town has evolved into one of Penang’s most celebrated community projects. The transit centre at Jalan C.Y. Choy, better known as The Night Shelter, has earned both local and international recognition for its thoughtful design that blends heritage preservation with sustainability and social care.

Located at the junction of Jalan C.Y. Choy and Jalan Magazine, the centre stands on a 0.37-acre site featuring a restored 1920s shophouse and a new three-storey extension, together offering about 17,500 sq ft of space. The project was initiated in 2018 by the Penang government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with full state funding of RM4.4 million. Construction began in 2020 and was completed two years later, with operations starting in August 2023 under the Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM).

According to MBPP’s building control department director, Rizuwan Salleh, the main aim of the facility is to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness by offering safe accommodation, hygiene facilities, and support services. The shelter can accommodate 80 residents, with separate dormitories for men and women. Other amenities include a rooftop garden, kitchen, dining hall, and spaces for training, learning, and NGO food distribution.

Each resident is offered an initial two-week stay, during which JKM helps to find employment opportunities and longer-term housing. The stay may be extended when necessary. In addition to accommodation, residents take part in skills training, motivational programmes, counselling, and health screenings to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

The project’s achievements have been widely recognised. Among its latest honours are the National Energy Award and ASEAN Energy Award, positioning it as MBPP’s most successful pilot initiative so far. Rizuwan highlighted that the shelter was designed with a “triple net zero” approach — a first in Penang — aimed at minimising energy, water, and waste consumption.

To achieve this, the building features LED lighting with motion sensors, a 40kWp solar photovoltaic system, and a design that encourages natural airflow and daylight. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are used for irrigation and toilet flushing, while more than 75% of construction waste was recycled or reused. Organic waste is converted into fertiliser for the compound’s greenery.

By combining the charm of a heritage building with environmentally responsible design, the Night Shelter stands as a model for how cities can approach homelessness with dignity and sustainability.

“This initiative is not just about providing a place to stay,” said Rizuwan. “It’s about helping people recover their confidence and move forward.”

He added that MBPP hopes to replicate the concept in other parts of Penang, especially beyond the city centre. The project’s growing recognition underscores MBPP’s ongoing commitment to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into its operations, showing that urban development can be both compassionate and sustainable.

Penang is stepping up efforts to make homeownership more accessible for everyone through its Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) programme — part of the state’s ongoing “Housing for All” agenda under the Penang 2030 Vision to improve liveability and quality of life.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the initiative focuses on three main targets under the state’s Strategic Initiative A1. The first goal, to deliver 220,000 RMKu homes by 2030, has already achieved 77.3% progress, with 170,175 units completed. The second target, to build 22,000 Rent-to-Own (RTO) homes, has reached 23.16% completion, with 5,096 units ready so far.

“The third initiative aims to help 3,000 families under the urban housing scheme, and we’ve identified six Urban Renewal (PSB) projects involving 6,837 existing residential units,” Sundarajoo shared at the Penang Affordable Housing and Property Expo.

He stressed that the RMKu programme is meant to help those who genuinely need a home — not as an investment or rental opportunity. “Any misuse of public housing will be dealt with, and units will be reclaimed to give priority to families with urgent housing needs,” he said firmly.

To help those unable to secure housing loans, the state government introduced the RTO scheme as a more inclusive option. Monthly rents range from RM90 to RM200, and tenants who complete 15 years of payments will gain ownership — without needing a bank loan. “This is a second chance for homeownership. We don’t want anyone to be denied a home just because they are poor,” he said.

Sundarajoo added that public housing also caters to families needing short-term accommodation. The rental period is typically two years, extendable to three if financial conditions haven’t improved, after which the unit must be returned to help another family in need.

He also addressed concerns that some higher-income residents were occupying low-cost housing units. “Is it fair for a family earning RM15,000 a month to stay in low-income housing? Enforcing the rules isn’t being harsh — it’s about fairness and ensuring resources go to those who truly need them,” he said.

The Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE), chaired by Sundarajoo, meets daily to assess eligibility and review applications. Since he took office 27 months ago, 11,058 applicants have been offered homes of various RMKu categories.

The Penang Affordable Housing and Property Expo, now in its fourth year, gathered 29 exhibitors — including 13 RMKu developers, eight private developers, five banks, and three government agencies. During the event, 30 recipients received offer letters for RMKu units at Iconic Harmoni, Twinstar, Residensi Rambai Indah, Foreshore Residence, and Ideal Venice Residency.