Artist Impression

Penang is set to strengthen its agrotourism sector with the development of the Penang Durian Valley @ Relau (PDV), an integrated durian-based hub scheduled for completion in April 2027.

According to Chow Kon Yeow, the project is a rebranding of the existing Relau Agriculture Centre into a comprehensive eco-tourism destination. The development will feature new buildings, recreational infrastructure, landscaped green spaces, and improved parking facilities to enhance visitor experience.

Once completed, PDV will serve as a research and development (R&D) hub, educational centre, and data collection point for various durian varieties in Malaysia. The initiative is expected to position Penang as a leading state in agriculture driven by innovation and research.

Spanning a total of 61.4 acres, the project is currently being developed in phases, with the ongoing phase covering 22.3 acres. As of 30 April 2026, construction progress has reached 24%.

Chow noted that PDV has the potential to become a central collection hub for local durian varieties, with plans to cultivate up to 300 types from across the country in future phases. Currently, Penang is home to around 40 durian varieties that are popular among both locals and international visitors, many of whom travel specifically to experience the state’s renowned durians.

Adopting an “experiential tourism” concept, PDV aims to offer visitors a unique and immersive durian-themed experience while creating economic opportunities for orchard owners and related industry players.

The project will also leverage Penang’s technological expertise, often associated with its reputation as Malaysia’s “Silicon Valley”, to advance modern agricultural practices.

Chow also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for funding support through the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), which has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

Previously, the state government had organised a design idea competition for the project, with selected concepts incorporated into the current development plans.

An 800-metre stretch of Jalan Persiaran Pantai Sinaran in The Light City has been officially renamed in honour of the late Tan Sri Chin Fung Kee, recognising his significant contributions to the state’s development.

The renaming ceremony was officiated on Thursday by Chow Kon Yeow, who said the decision was approved by the state executive council on Feb 25. He described the move as a mark of the highest respect for Chin’s legacy, particularly his role in shaping Penang’s infrastructure and advancing engineering education.

Chin is best known for his involvement in the design of the Penang Bridge, a landmark project that transformed connectivity between the island and mainland. His expertise also extended to foundation works for Komtar, as well as his contributions to the establishment of the engineering faculty at Universiti Malaya.

Beyond Malaysia, Chin gained global recognition for “Chin’s Method”, an innovation that revolutionised piling techniques. He also pioneered the use of natural rubber bearings for seismic resistance, now adopted internationally.

His leadership within professional bodies, including the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, and honours such as fellowship with the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers, further underscore his impact on the engineering field.

The state government hopes this tribute will inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

About Jesselton Courtyard

A luxury residential project by Berjaya Land in the Penang Turf Club area. It features 32 units of Four-Storey Zero-Lot Bungalows (6,649 – 9,054 sq.ft.) with an indicative priced from RM6.48mil, and 207 units of 1½ – 2 Storey Condominiums (2,734–5,167 sq.ft.) with an indicative priced from RM2.87mil. Averagely around RM1,000 per sq.ft. It is surrounded by affluent neighbourhoods of Jesselton and Pulau Tikus and close to the Youth Park and the Botanical Garden.

Find out more about Jesselton Courtyard

The overall view of Paramount’s Utropolis Batu Kawan

Paramount Corp Bhd has achieved property sales exceeding RM1 billion for the fourth year running in its financial year ended December 31, 2025, underpinned by a deliberate landbank replenishment strategy that saw the group secure 363.1 acres across Penang, Kedah, and the Klang Valley with a combined gross development value (GDV) of RM2.3 billion.

Maintaining Momentum in Penang

For Penang-watchers, Paramount’s continued commitment to the state is notable. The group acquired a 19-acre parcel in Batu Kawan with a projected GDV of RM129 million, earmarked for residential and commercial development — adding to its existing footprint in Bukit Mertajam via Paramount Embun Hills, which is slated for continued launches in 2026. The Batu Kawan acquisition reinforces Paramount’s confidence in the Penang mainland’s growth corridor, where infrastructure investment and industrial expansion continue to drive housing demand.

The group also booked a significant financial gain from the disposal of two non-core investment properties in Penang, generating RM49.8 million and partly supporting its profit before tax of RM157 million for the year — virtually unchanged from RM156.9 million in FY2024.

Solid Financials Despite Moderated Revenue

Overall group revenue moderated to RM946.9 million from RM1.04 billion in FY2024, reflecting a deliberately scaled-back launch pipeline in response to prevailing market conditions. Despite this, underlying profitability remained resilient. Profit attributable to equity holders rose 16% to RM118.8 million, with earnings per share improving to 19.08 sen from 16.45 sen previously. Unbilled sales stood at RM1.5 billion as at December 31, 2025, providing healthy near-term earnings visibility.

RM1.1 Billion Launch Pipeline for 2026

Paramount has mapped out a RM1.1 billion GDV launch pipeline across seven projects in 2026. In the northern region, launches at Paramount Embun Hills in Bukit Mertajam and Bukit Banyan in Sungai Petani, Kedah, will continue, while the first phase of Bandar Lunas — a 295.6-acre mixed township near Kulim — is targeted for the second half of the year. Klang Valley launches will include landed homes in Shah Alam, affordable units near the Asia Jaya LRT in Petaling Jaya, semi-detached townhouses in Sepang, and affordable housing in Kemuning, Shah Alam.

Beyond property, Paramount made its first foray into food and beverage in FY2025 through a 28% stake in Singapore-listed Envictus International Holdings, while its Co-labs Coworking arm expanded to eight locations across the Klang Valley with 186,000 sq ft under management.

If you have been considering an investment in one of Penang’s most prestigious residential addresses, this is your chance to experience it in person. This Labour Day long weekend, Berjaya Properties will be hosting a special event at the sales gallery, featuring coffee, workshops, Bio Quantum body mineral test, and an exclusive test drive of the all-new electric Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, GLE 400e, GLC 200 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe (Sat & Sun).

Event Details:

Date: 1, 2, 3 May 2026 (Fri-Sun)
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Jesselton Courtyard, Penang (Waze)

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/jesseltoncourtyard-may

Call +604-658 2828 for enquiries or visit www.jesseltoncourtyard.com.

Jesselton Courtyard offers 207 units of 1.5 & 2-storey courtyard villas and 32 four-storey zero-lot bungalows set within a freehold, gated and guarded low-density enclave in the heart of George Town. Surrounded by established affluent neighbourhoods including Western Gardens, Jesselton Heights, and Pulau Tikus, and just minutes away from Youth Park and the Botanical Garden, the location strikes a rare balance of tranquillity and urban convenience.