Paramount Property (Butterworth) Sdn Bhd has signed a development agreement with the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) to undertake the redevelopment of Kampung Ujong Batu in Butterworth. Covering 15.87 acres, the project aims to transform the existing area into a more organised residential neighbourhood while addressing the housing needs and welfare of the local community. The redevelopment will include 350 Rumah MutiaraKu affordable housing units.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the signing ceremony yesterday, said the project reflects the state government’s approach of balancing urban renewal with social responsibility. Eligible existing residents will be offered homes free of charge as part of the redevelopment initiative. He added that the state government intends to recover the land costs borne by private developers for social housing projects without imposing a profit margin on these initiatives.

The project also supports the state’s Penang2030 vision, which targets the provision of 220,000 housing units for Penang residents. LPNPP is currently overseeing various housing initiatives at different stages, including projects under implementation, planning, feasibility assessment and tender.

The Kampung Ujong Batu redevelopment proposal went through three Requests for Proposal (RFP) exercises conducted by LPNPP between November 2024 and February 2026, but none attracted interested parties. Following further consideration, the state executive council and LPNPP’s procurement board agreed in April and May 2026 respectively to proceed through direct negotiations, after which Paramount Property expressed interest in undertaking the project.

Paramount Property group chief executive officer Jeffrey Chew Sun Teong said the company appreciated the confidence placed in it by the state government and LPNPP. With nearly four decades of experience in property development, he said redevelopment involves more than physical construction, requiring consideration of the needs of existing communities and their longstanding connections to the area. The company will work closely with LPNPP and the state government throughout the implementation process.

The signing marks an initial step towards the redevelopment, with further procedures still required, including the preparation of development plans and obtaining planning permission. The project will proceed subject to the necessary planning and approval processes.

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A stop-work order has been issued against a development project mear Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, following a landslide that claimed the life of a man earlier today. Occupants of five houses near the affected area have also been advised to evacuate as a precaution.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the project, which involves the construction of a road and apartments, had been ongoing for more than a year.

Speaking at the scene, he said the Land Office would coordinate arrangements for residents who need to be relocated.

Rajendran added that the project’s consultants would be responsible for conducting the necessary assessments of ground movement behind the affected area. He declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding the incident, saying investigations would be carried out.

The landslide struck the rear of a house in Taman Seri Rambai, killing a male occupant. The incident has prompted precautionary measures for nearby residents while authorities investigate the cause and assess the safety of the surrounding area.

The stop-work order will remain a key measure as the relevant authorities look into the incident and determine the next steps for the affected development.

Image source: Oriental Dialy

SkyWorld Development Berhad marked another milestone in its Penang expansion with the soft opening of SkyWorld Gallery @ Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. Following the opening of its first Penang sales gallery in Seberang Jaya earlier this year, the new gallery further strengthens the Group’s presence in the state and reinforces its commitment to delivering quality homes across the northern region.

The soft opening was graced by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, alongside SkyWorld’s management, media friends, business associated and invited guests. The new gallery reflects SkyWorld’s continued commitment to bringing its brand purpose, “Make Living Better”, to more communities through thoughtfully designed homes that prioritise quality, innovation and better living experiences.

Mr Lee Chee Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SkyWorld, said, “Following the opening of our first sales gallery in Seberang Jaya, we are pleased to mark another important milestone with the opening of SkyWorld Gallery @ Bandar Cassia. As we continue to expand our presence in Penang, we remain committed to delivering quality homes through innovation, including the adoption of PPVC technology to enhance construction precision, quality and efficiency.”

SkyWorld will adopt the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method for its development in Batu Kawan. This innovative construction approach involves manufacturing building modules in a controlled factory environment before transporting and assembling them on-site. By improving construction precision and consistency, PPVC offers the potential to enhance workmanship quality and construction efficiency.

The soft opening also coincided with the 2026 SkyWorld Guang Ming Education Awards, reflecting the Group’s belief that building better communities extends beyond providing quality homes to supporting education and nurturing future generations. As SkyWorld continues to expand its footprint in Penang, the Group remains focused on delivering quality developments that elevate living standards, create lasting value and contribute positively to the communities it serves.

For more information, visit SkyWorld Gallery @ Bandar Cassia at Units 29 and 31, Vervea, Jalan Vervea 1, Bandar Cassia, 14110 Simpang Ampat, Penang. For directions, search “SkyWorld Gallery @ Bandar Cassia” on Waze.

Looking for a different way to spend Halloween this year? Mah Sing is inviting guests to an evening of wine, gourmet bites and creative experiences at its Crazy Rich Vintages Wine Tasting Night on 31 October 2026 (Saturday).

Held at the M Amaya Sales Gallery in Southbay City, the event will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, offering guests an opportunity to sample carefully selected vintage wines in an exclusive setting while mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts.

Beyond wine tasting, guests can also look forward to a perfume-making workshop, alongside a gourmet grazing table and cocktail bites for a relaxed evening of indulgence.

Admission is FREE, but seats are limited. Those interested in joining the event are encouraged to register in advance to secure their places.

Event details:

• Date: 31 October 2026 (Saturday)
• Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
• Venue: M Amaya Sales Gallery, Southbay City
• Admission: Free

Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/AEFKmx79rs

The Kompleks Makanan Persiaran Gurney, located near Gurney Bay Phase 2, has undergone a RM455,055 upgrade aimed at improving facilities for food vendors and visitors. Funded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), the project is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Penang’s appeal as a food tourism destination.

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the improvements were important to ensure the food complex remained clean, well-maintained and comfortable for both traders and visitors. Carried out by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) from May 1 to September 30, the works included a new steel structure and roof, translucent roofing panels, ventilation blinds, and upgrades to drainage, electrical systems and lighting.

Other additions include large ceiling fans, washing facilities, grease traps, 26 sets of tables and seating, and standardised signboards for the complex’s 12 stalls.

Pulau Tikus state assemblyman Joshue Woo Sze Zeng said the project reflected continued cooperation between the federal government, Penang state government and MBPP in improving public facilities while supporting small traders.

He noted that similar efforts had included a RM500,000 upgrade to Pulau Tikus Market about three years ago and improvements to the Kampung Sireh food complex last year.

Built in 1985, the Persiaran Gurney food complex had not undergone a major-scale upgrade before this project. The latest improvements are expected to provide a more organised dining environment for visitors while giving traders better facilities to operate their businesses.