MBPP has received RM3.8 million in federal funding to implement nine new conservation and upgrade projects within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Approved in January 2026 under the Budget 2025 initiative and channelled through the Penang government by the National Heritage Department, the allocation aims to strengthen systematic and sustainable conservation efforts in the historic city.

George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, covering a Core and Buffer Zone totalling 259.42 hectares. The recognition was granted under Criteria II, III and IV, acknowledging its Outstanding Universal Value as a historic urban cultural landscape.

Since 2008, MBPP has allocated about RM50 million for conservation, maintenance and improvement works within the heritage site. In the past three years, RM5.7 million was allocated in 2023, RM2.2 million in 2024 and RM5.8 million in 2025, totalling RM13.7 million. A further RM13.7 million has been earmarked for 2026 to ensure continuity of conservation programmes.

Approved Upgrade and Conservation Initiatives

The RM3.8 million allocation will fund the following projects:

• Restoration of the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower (RM500,000)
• Conservation of Buildings No.126 and No.128, Lebuh Armenian (RM500,000 each)
• Upgrading of wooden doors and windows at Penang Town Hall (RM400,000)
• Wayfinding improvements within the Core and Buffer Zones (RM300,000)
• Upgrading of Green Hall Square (RM300,000)
• Improvement works to a heritage building in Lebuh Pitt (RM500,000)
• Upgrading of Kampung Kolam public toilets (RM300,000)
• Back lane improvements between Lebuh Carnarvon and Lebuh Melayu (RM500,000)

In addition, the state government will distribute a total of RM4.3 million to implementing agencies, namely MBPP and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), to support conservation works and heritage-related studies aimed at safeguarding the city’s Outstanding Universal Value.

The Esplanade Seawall and Promenade upgrading project has also received international recognition at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, winning the New Design in Heritage Contexts award and Special Recognition for Sustainable Development.

The latest allocation reinforces efforts to ensure George Town remains not only physically preserved, but also socially vibrant and economically beneficial to local communities as a leading international heritage destination.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with joy, tradition, and togetherness at M Zenni, brought to you by Mah Sing Group.

Happening on 28 Feb & 1 Mar 2026 (10AM–6PM) at the M Zenni Sales Gallery, Batu Maung, this festive weekend promises vibrant celebrations, cultural performances, interactive activities, and delicious treats, thoughtfully curated for families and guests of all ages!

Event Highlights Include:

• Firecrackers Lighting Ceremony
• Lion Dance Blessing & Lou Sang
• Mask Changing Performance
• Tarot Card Readings
• Feng Shui Talk & Consultation by Ms Marinah
• Traditional Games & Hands-On Workshops
• Festive Food Kiosks & Light Refreshments

Venue: M Zenni Sales Gallery, Batu Maung
Date: 28 Feb & 1 Mar 2026
Time: 10.00AM – 6.00PM

FREE RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/LsK2GgDcjx

*T&C apply.

About Ari Altitude

An affordable condominium project by PTL Alpha Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of PTL Properties Sdn. Bhd., located in the well-established township of Alma, Bukit Mertajam. Situated along Jalan Santuari 3, less than 5 minutes drive from Lotus’s and AEON Mall via Jalan Rozhan and approximately 15 minutes from both Penang’s first and second bridges. It features 500 residential units, each with a built-up size of 950 sq. ft.

*Photo taken in Jan 2026

Find out more about Ari Altitude

Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has launched a three-month Public Inspection exercise for the Revised Railway Scheme of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, marking a significant milestone in the state’s rail connectivity plans.

Running from 24 February to 24 May 2026, the Public Inspection allows members of the public to review and provide feedback on the updated alignment, station locations and overall project scope, including the newly introduced cross-sea rail connection linking Penang Island and Seberang Perai.

6km Cross-Sea Link Connecting KOMTAR and Penang Sentral

A major highlight of the revised scheme is the approximately six-kilometre cross-sea alignment connecting KOMTAR on the island to Penang Sentral on the mainland. The end-to-end journey is expected to take just eight minutes, significantly enhancing cross-channel mobility.

Penang Sentral will serve as the primary mainland gateway. As an established multimodal hub integrating ferry services, KTMB rail and buses, the addition of the LRT will further strengthen accessibility for residents in Seberang Perai. The revised plan also provides approximately 1,000 additional parking bays at Penang Sentral to support park-and-ride usage.

From this hub, passengers will be able to travel directly to KOMTAR, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Penang International Airport.

Alignment Adjustments Following PSR Scaling Down

Following the scaling down of the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project from three islands to one, MRT Corp has removed 3.15 kilometres of alignment and three planned stations (A2, A3 and A4) from the scheme.

However, 1.5 kilometres of alignment remains, and Station A1 (PSR A) has been reclassified as a provisional station to support future development as population growth warrants. The revised scheme also introduces new stations at Penang Sentral and Bagan Luar (provisional), along with a secondary depot at Tapak Pesta in Sungai Dua for train stabling purposes.

Project Overview

The LRT Mutiara Line will span approximately 29.67 kilometres, comprising 20 stations and two provisional stations. Construction commenced in 2025, with operations targeted to begin in December 2031.

In accordance with Section 85 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, the Public Inspection is being conducted at designated booths across key locations including KOMTAR, Penang Sentral and KTM Station Butterworth.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the exercise and submit their feedback. The full schedule and inspection locations are available at www.mymrt.com.my.

The official launch was held on Friday, 6 February 2026, at the new Sales Gallery located at No. 2, Persiaran Jesselton Selatan, Penang, marking the opening of a dedicated space designed to provide visitors with a complete and immersive experience of Jesselton Courtyard.

With the opening of the Sales Gallery, visitors can now explore the development in greater detail, including the newly completed Type B Show Unit, which is available for viewing by appointment. This allows prospective homeowners and investors to better visualise the spatial layout, design concept and lifestyle offered at Jesselton Courtyard, set within one of Penang Island’s most prestigious enclaves.

Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Group CEO of Berjaya Land Berhad said “The opening of the Jesselton Courtyard Sales Gallery reflects our continued confidence in Penang’s long-term economic fundamentals and its position as one of Malaysia’s most resilient and attractive property markets. Penang remains a key growth, supported by strong infrastructure, sustained investment activity and its appeal to both local and international buyers. As Berjaya Land continues to expand strategically, developments such as Jesselton Courtyard demonstrate our commitment to creating enduring value through well-planned, high-quality communities that are aligned with market demand and long-term urban growth.”

Tan Tee Ming, Director of Property Sales & Marketing, Berjaya Land Berhad said “The Jesselton Courtyard Sales Gallery plays a crucial role in bringing the Jesselton Courtyard vision to life for our buyers. It provides a tangible, immersive experience that allows purchasers to fully appreciate the scale, design and lifestyle proposition of this rare low-density enclave in George Town. With encouraging market response from both local and overseas buyers, we see strong momentum ahead, supported by targeted on-ground activations, strategic roadshows and a clear positioning of Jesselton Courtyard as a distinctive, premium residential offering in Penang.”

The Sales Gallery is designed to offer a full-on experience of Jesselton Courtyard, where visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of the development’s location, master plan and future vision — making it easier to imagine their dream home in the heart of Jesselton, a neighbourhood renowned for its exclusivity, heritage and prime connectivity.

Berjaya Land Development also shared that construction of Jesselton Courtyard is progressing well, with a targeted completion by the end of 2027, and looks forward to more exciting milestones as the development continues to take shape.

Jesselton Courtyard at Jesselton Selatan is a low-rise, low-density, freehold residential enclave comprising 239 units across 11.908 acres of land. The development features a collection of Courtyard Homes and Courtyard Villas, with built-up sizes ranging from approximately 2,734 sq ft to 6,649 sq ft, offering spacious landed-style living within a gated and guarded community. This one-of-a-kind concept makes Jesselton Courtyard a rare residential offering in George Town.

Since its introduction to the market, Jesselton Courtyard has received an overwhelming response from both local and overseas buyers, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about residential developments in Penang.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities, the Sales Gallery will be open from the second day of Chinese New Year (18th Feb) onwards, welcoming visitors, including those returning from outstation or overseas, to experience the project during this auspicious period. For added convenience, Berjaya Land Development will also be having a roadshow at Gurney Plaza, Penang, from 14 February to 1 March 2026, offering the public another opportunity to learn more about Jesselton Courtyard.

As Penang welcomes a new year filled with fresh beginnings, Berjaya warmly invites the public to visit the new Sales Gallery and be part of the exciting journey ahead for Jesselton Courtyard — where timeless living, thoughtful design and a prestigious address come together to shape the homes of tomorrow.

Jesselton Courtyard Sales Gallery is now open for private viewing.
Call +604-658 2828 for viewing appointment!

Sales Gallery: No. 2, Persiaran Jesselton Selatan,  10450 George Town, Penang
Webiste: www.jesseltoncourtyard.com