The RM3.76 million upgrading of the Jalan Betek Swimming Pool at the MBSP Sports and Recreation Complex in Bukit Mertajam has been completed, with the facility expected to reopen to the public by the end of this month following final testing and commissioning works.

Speaking during his visit to the Padang Lalang constituency, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project had been discussed at state executive council meetings for many years before being realised through funding provided by Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP). He noted that MBSP has undertaken various improvements to the sports and recreation complex over the years to provide better public amenities for residents.

Chow also highlighted the nearby Wood Havens recreational area as a popular leisure destination among Seberang Perai residents. He said the state government and MBSP continue to focus on projects that benefit the public and encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.

Padang Lalang assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the comprehensive upgrading works, which began in February last year, included the refurbishment of the swimming pool, upgrading of changing rooms, construction of new toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities (OKU), installation of lighting and improvements to related facilities. Although physical works have been completed, MBSP is still conducting tests to ensure all systems and equipment, including pumps, are functioning properly before reopening.

Meanwhile, MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid announced revised admission fees of RM4 for adults and RM2 for children and senior citizens, while persons with disabilities will enjoy free entry. Non-citizens will be charged RM15.

The facility will also introduce monthly and annual membership packages for the first time. Monthly memberships are priced at RM53 for adults and RM21.20 for children, while six-month and annual packages are available at RM212 and RM371 respectively, offering unlimited access throughout the membership period.

The Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library has recorded an encouraging response since beginning its trial operations in April, attracting between 400 and 500 visitors each week. The facility has drawn support not only from students and alumni, but also from members of the wider community, reflecting growing interest in digital learning and technology-focused education.

According to Digital Library Committee chairman Datuk Ng Wah Sim, the largest group of users falls within the 19 to 25 age category, accounting for nearly 30% of visitors. Non-alumni users make up 53.6% of total visitors, while female users represent 57.3%, highlighting the library’s role as a community-based digital learning hub. He said the facility has achieved stable operating conditions and successfully met the objectives of its test-run phase.

Established through a collaboration between the Penang government, via Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), and the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam, the digital library aims to enhance digital literacy and provide access to future-oriented learning opportunities. Its facilities include digital learning spaces, high-speed internet access, e-learning resources, STEM programmes, AI and coding courses, as well as access to e-books and online educational materials. It also serves as an after-school study centre for students.

Ng said the Jit Sin Alumni Association has partnered with the Penang Science Cluster (PSC) to strengthen STEM education in the region. Beginning in July, the collaboration will introduce at least three STEM programmes each week, benefiting students from 18 primary and secondary schools across Central Seberang Perai.

Speaking during his visit to the facility, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the digital library has the potential to further advance STEM education in Seberang Perai. He noted that future collaborations with PSC would bring equipment and courses directly to the centre, enabling students from surrounding schools to participate in STEM activities without having to travel to Penang Island.

The digital library aims to foster technological literacy, encourage innovation and help nurture future talent through cooperation among government agencies, schools, industry players and community organisations.

Artist’s impression

Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd has entered into a joint venture with Aspen Vision Development Sdn Bhd (AVD), a subsidiary of Singapore-listed Aspen (Group) Holdings Ltd, to undertake a mixed-use development on a 34.84-acre site in Prai, Penang. The project, located on land owned by Railway Assets Corp (RAC), marks a further expansion of Kerjaya Prospek’s presence in the northern property market.

The development will be carried out through a special-purpose vehicle, Rivanis Ventures Sdn Bhd (RVSB), in which Kerjaya Prospek’s wholly owned unit Futuprop Sdn Bhd holds a 55% stake, while AVD owns the remaining 45%. According to a Bursa Malaysia filing, RVSB has signed a development agreement with RAC to acquire and develop the land for RM156.49 million. The project is expected to be implemented in phases over seven years.

Plans for the site include 338 affordable housing units, together with residential properties, serviced apartments, and commercial retail and office components. The final gross development value and overall development cost have yet to be determined, as these will depend on market conditions, development timing, pricing, and the eventual mix of units.

Situated in Prai, the site enjoys connectivity to Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam and Penang Island via the Penang Bridge. The proposed development remains subject to vacant possession of the land and approvals from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport and Seberang Perai City Council.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of shareholder contributions and external financing, with the exact structure yet to be finalised. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the land acquisition is expected to be completed by September.

Premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) today announced the launch of AVÉA, the latest phase of its marina-edge serviced residences at Andaman Island, further strengthening the township’s waterfront living proposition and offering homebuyers a contemporary lifestyle centred around connectivity, convenience and leisure by the sea.

With a gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion, AVÉA comprises a total of 1,080 fully furnished freehold serviced apartment units across two towers, with 540 units in each tower. Offering five versatile layouts ranging from 678 sq ft to 1,076 sq ft, the development is thoughtfully designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern homeowners and investors, combining convenience, connectivity and long-term value within Andaman Island’s vibrant waterfront community.

AVÉA marks Andaman’s second marina-edge residence following the successful launch of Maris in December 2024. Building on the growing appeal of waterfront living, the development presents a contemporary interpretation of marine-front living through practical and well-designed homes that embrace the island’s unique waterfront setting while supporting a lifestyle centred around connectivity, community and everyday convenience.

Following the encouraging response to the private viewing of Tower A in early 2026, which has achieved a take-up rate of 65%, E&O is introducing Tower B to meet continued interest in AVÉA’s marina-edge living proposition and support the next phase of growth within Andaman Island.

As part of E&O’s vision to create Malaysia’s most liveable curated island, AVÉA strengthens Andaman’s evolving waterfront ecosystem by offering residents seamless access to the promenade, lifestyle amenities and future retail offerings within a connected waterfront community.

The development is complemented by a waterfront promenade featuring 10 commercial shoplots, cafés and communal spaces that will introduce a curated mix of retail, dining and lifestyle experiences. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the sea and future marina, the promenade is envisioned as a vibrant destination where residents and visitors can gather, unwind and connect.

Designed as a modern and stylish serviced residence, AVÉA offers an effortless move-in experience through fully furnished homes equipped for immediate occupancy. Each residence is carefully planned to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, while private balconies and expansive views across Penang Island further enhance the living experience.

AVÉA has received the GreenRE Platinum Provisional Certification, reaffirming E&O’s commitment to environmentally responsible design and sustainable living. The certification reflects thoughtful considerations in energy efficiency, environmental performance and resident wellbeing, aligned with E&O’s broader vision of creating future-ready communities.

Eastern & Oriental Berhad Managing Director, Kok Tuck Cheong, said, “Andaman is a long-term vision to create Malaysia’s most liveable curated island — a connected waterfront destination where people can live, work, play, learn and sail within a vibrant and sustainable community. Every component within the township is intentionally planned to contribute towards a highly liveable and connected environment.

AVÉA represents another important milestone in that journey. As our second marina-edge residence, it strengthens Andaman’s waterfront living proposition through thoughtfully designed homes, lifestyle offerings and community spaces that bring residents closer to the sea and the experiences that define island living.”

Beyond its residential offerings, E&O continues to progress future retail, commercial and lifestyle components across Andaman to further enhance the township’s live-work-play ecosystem. Together with the waterfront promenade, future marina and public spaces, these developments will contribute towards creating a vibrant destination where residents, visitors and businesses can thrive within a connected and sustainable environment.

Positioned within the Andaman township, AVÉA reinforces E&O’s commitment to sustainable placemaking and creating thriving waterfront communities that blend urban vibrancy with the tranquillity of coastal living.

For more information on AVÉA, visit https://easternandoriental.com/avea/ or visit E&O Gallery Andaman.

Sunshine PCB Sdn. Bhd. has unveiled plans to establish a new high-tech printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing facility at Penang Technology Park @ Bertam in Seberang Perai Utara (SPU). The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, where company representatives shared details of the project and its development timeline.

According to Sunshine PCB General Manager Jimmy Fang, the first phase will occupy approximately 10.6 acres of a larger 28-acre site and will feature a total built-up area of about 700,000 sq ft. The development will consist of multiple purpose-built structures rather than a single high-rise block. Planned components include a three-storey production facility, four management office buildings, three warehouses, three wastewater treatment plants, a power substation, and other supporting infrastructure required for operations.

To meet its project schedule, Sunshine PCB plans to submit planning approval applications to Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) in June, primarily for earthworks. This will be followed by the tender process and contractor appointments in July, with groundbreaking works targeted for August. Also present during the meeting were MBSP Mayor Dato’ Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Sunshine PCB Deputy General Manager Andrian Yeap, and representatives from project consultancy firm Jurucita Project Sdn. Bhd.

The company expressed confidence in Penang’s established investment ecosystem and indicated its intention to strengthen collaboration with the state in the future. Once operational, the international-standard PCB manufacturing plant is expected to create quality employment opportunities, with more than 80% of its workforce projected to comprise Malaysian citizens, in line with recommendations by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). Read more…