The draft Penang Structure Plan 2040 (Review) has been positioned as a long-term development framework to guide the state’s growth over the next 15 years, with an emphasis on balancing economic development, infrastructure, housing, mobility and environmental sustainability.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the draft should serve as a “compass” for Penang’s development, while public participation would allow residents and stakeholders to help shape the state’s future direction. He said development planning should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the state government, but as a shared process involving residents, industry players, professional bodies, academics and other stakeholders.
The draft replaces the Penang Structure Plan 2030, which was gazetted on Oct 24, 2019, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172).
Chow said Penang had undergone rapid growth as a major economic, industrial and technology hub over the past several years. However, this growth had also brought more complex challenges, including climate change, flooding, pressure on land and water resources, the need for affordable housing, rising living costs, mobility issues and changes brought about by technology and the digital economy.
Among the key priorities identified in the draft are achieving a better balance between development on Penang Island and Seberang Perai, optimising land use, strengthening growth centres, promoting transit-oriented development, improving transport connectivity, addressing housing needs, enhancing economic competitiveness and protecting the environment.
Chow also said major developments such as Silicon Island should be assessed comprehensively, taking into consideration their potential impact on economic growth, infrastructure, employment, housing, mobility and environmental sustainability.
He stressed that the draft is not yet finalised and remains open to feedback and proposals from government departments and agencies, local authorities, the private sector, academic institutions, professional bodies, NGOs and local communities. Public feedback will be reviewed and considered before the document proceeds through the approval and gazettement process.
On the proposed third bridge or tunnel, Chow said the project remains an indicative future development. Its implementation would depend on the existing agreement and relevant development schedules. He noted that some development zones in the draft are also indicative, with their eventual implementation depending on government decisions or private-sector plans for land development.
Meanwhile, development on Pulau Jerejak will be limited to 80 acres of privately owned land. The remaining areas will continue to be zoned as permanent forest reserves. While utility and infrastructure projects may still be considered within the forest reserve, other forms of development will not be permitted.
The public participation programme is intended to gather views before the draft is finalised, with the state government emphasising the need for future development to remain balanced, sustainable and liveable.
The public can inspect the Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040 (Review) Report from 10 August to 9 September 2026, between 9am and 4pm (closed on weekends and public holidays). The draft is available at the PLANMalaysia Pulau Pinang office at:
- Level 57, KOMTAR
- Lobby Area, Level 3, KOMTAR concourse
- Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) lobby, Bandar Perda
- The lobbies of all Penang District and Land Offices.
Members of the public can also submit feedback, objections or representations using the Public Objection Form, memorandum or official letter by 9 September 2026 to the Director of PLANMalaysia Pulau Pinang at Level 57, KOMTAR.
