Sevenco host the Sevora Sales Gallery in Bukit Mertajam during an event themed “The Value Behind Every Commitment,” bringing together invited guests, business partners and members of the media for a closer look at its latest residential development.

The event featured an inspiring sharing session by Penang State EXCO YB Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Somu, alongside presentations by Sevenco Group Chairman Jeffrey Chung and Executive Director Sim Zhi An, who shared the company’s vision and commitment to delivering quality homes that create lasting value for homeowners.

The newly opened sales gallery offers prospective buyers an immersive introduction to Sevora Residences, a freehold condominium strategically located off Jalan Song Ban Kheng in Bukit Mertajam. Occupying a 3.45-acre site, the development comprises a single 33-storey tower with 420 residential units, each offering a practical 950 sq ft layout featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Indicative prices start from RM430,000.

The newly opened sales gallery offers potential buyers a first-hand feel of Sevora Residences, which is a freehold condominium developed in a prime location near Jalan Song Ban Kheng, Bukit Mertajam. The development stands on 3.45 acres of land and comprises a single 33-storey condominium housing 420 units of 950 sq ft that comprise three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Surrounded by established neighbourhoods, the development is within close proximity to the MBSP Sports Complex and several reputable schools such as SJK(C) Beng Teik, SJK(C) Kim Seng, Bukit Mertajam High School, SMK Convent Bukit Mertajam, and SJK(C) Keow Kuang. Coupled with excellent connectivity and easy access to daily conveniences, the location makes Sevora Residences an attractive choice for families looking to enjoy a balanced lifestyle in an established community.

Taking advantage of its strategic location, Sevora Residences has been carefully designed to suit the needs of today’s homeowners, with every aspect crafted with practicality, comfort and privacy in mind.

Unit highlights

• No door-to-door configuration for enhanced privacy.
• Privacy-focused layouts thoughtfully planned for everyday comfort.
• Spacious master bedroom that comfortably fits a king-size bed and wardrobe.
• Separate dry and wet bathrooms for improved convenience and hygiene.
• Beam-free living area for a cleaner, more seamless interior.
• Move-in-ready kitchen cabinets included as standard.
• Open-concept kitchen and yard that create a more spacious and functional living environment.

The lifestyle experience extends beyond the home with a comprehensive range of facilities designed to elevate everyday living.

Lifestyle & facilities

• Grand entrance and elegant lobby that create a welcoming arrival experience.
• Resort-inspired recreational facilities.
• Fully air-conditioned gym.
• Wide corridors for greater comfort and privacy.
• Spacious facility resting areas.
• Two dedicated drop-off points for smoother traffic flow.
• EV-ready visitor parking provisions.
• Residential units positioned away from lift shafts to reduce noise.
• Additional parking spaces to accommodate future needs.
• Swimming pool, function room, mini theatre, landscaped recreational areas and 24-hour security.

The opening of the new sales gallery provides an excellent opportunity for prospective purchasers to experience the development firsthand and discover the quality, attention to detail and value that define Sevenco’s commitment to building homes for the future.

Visit the Sevora Sales Gallery in Bukit Mertajam or call 04-539 5777 to learn more about Sevora Residences.

Elsiedale Bungalow at Lebuhraya Halia, Mount Erskine

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will lease two heritage buildings in George Town to Mutiara Realty Construction Sdn Bhd for commercial and tuition centre use under a “15+15+15” lease arrangement, potentially generating approximately RM3.88 million in rental income over a maximum period of 45 years.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the lease comprises three 15-year terms, with each renewal subject to the tenant fulfilling the lease conditions.

One of the buildings, a Grade II heritage property in Kampung Kolam, consists of 12 units, including six ground-floor commercial lots and six residential units on the upper floor. As the building has been deemed unsuitable for residential occupancy, the company will invest RM450,000 to restore the property and ensure it meets safety standards.

Heritage buildings at Jalan Kampung Kolam (Source: Buletin Mutiara)

MBPP will grant the tenant a six-month rent-free period to complete the restoration works. Upon completion, one of the units will be handed over to the council free of charge for public use.

The second heritage building, located along Lebuhraya Halia 2 in Mount Erskine, will be converted into a tuition centre. The monthly rental will begin at RM5,000 for the first three years, with a 5% increase every three years thereafter. The council expects to collect about RM994,000 in rental during the first 15 years, contributing to the projected RM3.88 million over the full lease period.

As part of its corporate social responsibility commitment, the tenant will also provide 20 free tuition places annually for students.

Rajendran said the company secured the lease after submitting the highest rental bid through an open tender process.

Fort Cornwallis has reopened after an extensive restoration, marking a significant milestone in Penang’s efforts to revitalise its historic waterfront while reinforcing George Town’s status as a world-class heritage destination.

Officially reopening the landmark, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the restoration goes beyond preserving a colonial-era monument. Instead, it provides an opportunity for Malaysians to reclaim and reinterpret their history through their own perspective.

He said the fort should serve as a living classroom where future generations can learn about the nation’s struggles, resilience and journey towards independence, rather than merely reflecting on its colonial past.

“Our history must be reconstructed by our own people to reflect the sacrifices, struggles and aspirations of the nation,” he said, adding that Fort Cornwallis stands as a reminder of a time when major decisions affecting Penang were made by foreign powers.

Anwar also stressed that rapid economic progress should not come at the expense of cultural identity, noting that Penang’s achievements as a leading industrial and semiconductor hub must be complemented by continued investment in heritage conservation.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the reopening as a key milestone under the North Seafront Programme, a long-term initiative to transform George Town’s historic waterfront into a vibrant public destination that seamlessly integrates heritage, tourism and urban development.

Nearly RM50 million has been invested by the Penang government through Penang Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), in collaboration with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Think City, to deliver several completed projects under the master plan. These include the upgrading of Padang Kota Lama, the Fountain Garden, Esplanade Seawall, Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Linear Garden, Fort Cornwallis Gallery, the restoration of the historic moat and the redevelopment of Astaka Kota Selera.

Chow said Fort Cornwallis remains the cornerstone of the North Seafront Programme, demonstrating that heritage conservation can drive economic growth while preserving George Town’s unique identity.

Today, the revitalised fort offers more than a restored historical attraction. It is envisioned as a vibrant public space that supports educational programmes, cultural activities, tourism and local businesses, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs while enhancing the visitor experience along Penang’s iconic waterfront.

The North Seafront transformation will continue through additional projects until 2030, further strengthening the area as a connected public realm that balances heritage conservation with modern urban development.

The restoration has also earned international recognition. The Esplanade Seawall strengthening project received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award under the New Design in Heritage Context and Sustainable Development categories earlier this year, while Astaka Kota Selera was honoured with the Gold Award and Building of the Year by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).

Together, the projects demonstrate how heritage conservation can become a catalyst for urban regeneration, ensuring George Town’s rich history continues to support its future as a thriving cultural, tourism and economic destination.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The upgrading of Komtar Walk has reached 32% completion and remains on track for full completion by October 2026, bringing a refreshed, modern look to one of Penang’s most recognisable landmarks.

PDC Setia Urus Sdn. Bhd. chief executive officer Loi Kai Horng said the rejuvenation works are progressing according to schedule.

The project includes improvements to the stormwater drainage system, replacement of glass panels and structural components, new flooring, and the installation of a new LED display screen.

Once completed, the upgraded entrance to Komtar Walk is expected to offer a more contemporary and attractive appearance while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Loi said the works will also address longstanding water leakage issues during heavy rainfall, in addition to improving safety and comfort for visitors.

He added that the rejuvenation project forms part of the Penang Development Corporation’s (PDC) ongoing efforts to preserve and strengthen Komtar’s status as one of Penang’s most iconic buildings.

The initiative also aligns with the vision of Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who has been advocating efforts to revitalise the landmark and reinforce its role as a key destination in the state.

The facelift is expected to contribute to the continued transformation of the Komtar precinct, enhancing its appeal to both locals and tourists while supporting broader urban renewal efforts in George Town.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche segment in Malaysia, and their growing adoption is beginning to influence how new property developments are planned and marketed. In Penang, EV charging facilities are increasingly being viewed as an essential amenity rather than a premium add-on.

While public charging infrastructure continues to expand across the state, developers are also preparing for a future where more residents own electric vehicles. Incorporating EV charging facilities during the design and construction stage is not only more cost-effective than retrofitting later, but also helps future-proof developments against evolving homeowner expectations.

One such example is M Amaya by Mah Sing in Batu Maung. The development, which is being designed to be rated GreenRE Gold once completed, will come equipped with 20 EV charging stations, which is the biggest provision of EV charging infrastructure planned in a property development in Penang to date. Together with other green features like solar-powered common areas, rainwater harvesting system, energy efficient LED lighting and low VOC paint, the development is indicative of a trend toward EV-ready property developments.

The shift is also supported by planning policies. Penang’s planning guideline requires new developments to allocate at least 2% of parking bays as EV charging-ready spaces, encouraging developers to prepare their projects for the state’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

With a growing range of affordable electric vehicle (EV) models available in the Malaysian market, EV ownership is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. As the cost of switching to electric mobility becomes more accessible, demand for convenient residential charging facilities is likely to grow in tandem.

As EV adoption continues to accelerate, developments that incorporate EV charging infrastructure from the outset are expected to enjoy a competitive advantage over those that require costly retrofits in the future. For homebuyers, it offers greater convenience and peace of mind, while for developers, it represents an investment in future-proofing their projects to meet changing lifestyle needs. As Penang embraces a greener and more sustainable future, EV-ready developments are poised to become an increasingly important benchmark of quality and long-term value.