The Penang State Government has forfeited 413 land lots across the state since 2020 after owners failed to settle outstanding land tax arrears.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Seberang Perai Selatan recorded the highest number of forfeited lots at 114, followed by Seberang Perai Utara (96), Barat Daya (76), Timur Laut (71) and Seberang Perai Tengah with 56 lots.

“The forfeiture action was taken because landowners failed to pay the required land tax despite the issuance of administrative notices and Form 6A notices by the respective District and Land Offices,” he said during the Second Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Chow (DAP–Padang Kota) was responding in writing to a question from Bukhori Ghazali (PAS–Pinang Tunggal) on the list of forfeited land lots and the appeal procedures available to reclaim them.

He added that the forfeiture process was carried out in accordance with Sections 97 and 100 of the National Land Code (Act 828).

Chow further explained that original landowners who wish to reclaim their forfeited land may submit an application for cancellation of forfeiture to the State Authority (PBN) under Section 133 of the National Land Code.

“The State Authority may impose a penalty of up to six times the amount of outstanding land rent as a condition for cancelling the forfeiture.

“Only the original landowner prior to forfeiture is eligible to apply,” he said.

The new campus of SJK(C) Kuang Yu in Batu Kawan has achieved 85% completion, with roofing works expected to be finished within this week. The project will then proceed to road paving as construction teams push toward the final stages of development.

According to the school’s building committee general affairs coordinator, Ng Wooi Cheong, RM20 million has been raised so far for the construction fund, leaving a remaining shortfall of RM2 million. To ensure smooth completion of the project, the committee is urging the public to support the ongoing “Ten Thousand Bricks for Chinese Education” fundraising campaign.

Ng explained that with the rainy season coming to an end, construction progress is expected to move even more smoothly. The fundraising initiative invites the public to contribute RM500 for each symbolic wall brick. A total of 4,000 red bricks are targeted to complete the school’s perimeter wall while helping to close the remaining RM2 million funding gap.

Each brick will feature a laser-engraved donor name and become part of the new school’s wall—symbolising community support for the future of Chinese education. Ng said the campaign carries the spirit of “one person, one brick,” encouraging individuals to contribute toward the completion of the campus.

Artist impression

SJK(C) Kuang Yu, previously located in Kuala Muda, has faced declining student numbers in recent years. Although approval to relocate was obtained in 2019, the pandemic delayed both relocation and the start of construction.

On 3 December 2022, the building committee held a groundbreaking ceremony at the new six-acre site in Batu Kawan. The event, which gathered 500 participants, was recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “groundbreaking ceremony with the most participants,” marking a significant milestone for the school’s relocation journey.

Construction officially began on 1 August 2024, and the project is now nearing completion. Once finished, the new campus is expected to provide students with a modern and improved learning environment, marking a fresh chapter for the school and the local education community.

Source: The Star

The completion date for the second package of the Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (LCE) bypass has been pushed from next year to April 12, 2027, following the approval of a second extension of time (EOT). According to Guang Ming Daily, Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) confirmed that the extension was approved on June 16 this year.

PIC said the delay stemmed from the time required to obtain permission to commence work on section six of the project, which needed a detailed technical evaluation by the Malaysian Highway Authority. The approval was granted under Clause 49.1(f) of the contract, which deals with delays caused by pending approvals, permits or permissions from statutory bodies or local authorities.

The first EOT, extending the deadline to Oct 31, 2026, was granted on Oct 30, 2023 due to land acquisition processes affecting key stretches of the alignment. PIC emphasised that extensions are approved only when contractors can justify delays with technical evidence, and that both EOT applications underwent thorough review by the time extension committee.

PIC reiterated its commitment to delivering the remaining works within the revised schedule.

The 6km toll-free bypass will feature a 1.8km ground-level stretch, with the remainder consisting of elevated viaducts (65%), tunnels (20%) and grade sections (15%). It will include three interchanges: Lebuhraya Thean Teik, the Jalan Bukit Gambir–Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction, and the LCE interchange featuring a left-in, left-out access and an elevated U-turn.

Costing RM851 million, the bypass is part of the broader RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel and three major roads project. PIC, a state special-purpose vehicle, is also responsible for other major initiatives, including the Silicon Island development near Batu Maung and projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan.

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Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed at the state assembly that the state government has officially terminated its concession agreement with Rayston Consortium (Butterworth) Sdn Bhd (RCSB) for the Bagan Ajam–Bagan Luar coastline reclamation project. The decision was made after the company failed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed reclamation works. The state will reopen the project for new proposals from other interested parties.

According to Chow, the Penang government first signed a concession agreement with RCSB on 16 June 1999 for the construction and management of the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). Under a supplementary agreement dated 23 May 2022, RCSB was granted the right to develop 582 hectares of reclaimed land.

Major Challenges Acknowledged by Developer

Chow stated that following a series of technical and coordination meetings, RCSB acknowledged facing significant challenges that prevented the project from progressing as planned. These included:

A substantial increase in reclamation costs

The need to shift the reclamation footprint northwards due to the expansion of Penang Port

Restrictions arising from the airspace and height limits related to the nearby Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) base

These factors collectively undermined the project’s viability under the original plan.

Concession Ended in  May 2025, No Construction Had Begun

“Since the developer was unable to prove that it had the capability and feasibility to complete the project, the state government has decided not to extend the concession. The agreement has formally terminated on 31 May 2025,” Chow said.

Chow emphasised that the decision reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring development that is pragmatic, sustainable, and beneficial to the public. He added that the complexity of the project exceeded the developer’s initial assessments, and pushing ahead could have disrupted coastal development along Butterworth’s shoreline.

Looking ahead, Chow said the state remains open to receiving new proposals or planning applications from companies interested in undertaking the Bagan Ajam–Bagan Luar reclamation project.