The Penang state government will apply for additional funding under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) to upgrade ageing roads, drains and other public infrastructure in three areas within the Bagan Dalam state constituency.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the request followed concerns raised by Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, who highlighted residents’ complaints about deteriorating infrastructure, much of which is more than two decades old.

The proposed works cover road resurfacing, road shoulder repairs, and improvements to drains and drainage systems in Taman Mewah, Taman Bagan and Kampung Benggali.

Chow said Penang receives about RM300 million annually under Marris, but the allocation is insufficient to meet the growing demand for maintenance projects across the state.

He noted that MBSP would use its existing maintenance budget to address urgent safety issues such as potholes, while larger-scale upgrading works would depend on securing additional funding.

According to Chow, MBSP received RM99 million under Marris this year, significantly lower than its RM150 million request, and the entire allocation has already been committed to ongoing projects.

Meanwhile, Kumaran said discussions with the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and councillors identified urgent infrastructure needs in the three areas, which include low-cost housing, commercial zones and two schools.

Residents have complained about uneven, potholed roads that have only received temporary patching due to limited funding, as well as inadequate drainage that has led to flooding during high tides, affecting homes and businesses.

MBSP has estimated the upgrading costs at RM1.965 million for Taman Mewah, RM1.415 million for Taman Bagan and RM2.63 million for Kampung Benggali.

Marris is a federal allocation provided to state governments for road maintenance, with its scope now extended to include the repair of drains and slopes.

About Ideal Business Hub

Ideal Business Hub is a 28-acre freehold industrial development within Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, comprising 88 light industrial factories in bungalow, semi-detached, and cluster configurations. Located about 5km from the Bertam toll plaza, it has access to major transportation routes and features layouts with 9.15m high ceilings and column-free spaces to support storage systems and large machinery. The project is scheduled for completion in first quarter of 2027.

Find out more about Ideal Business Hub

As Penang’s waterfront continues to evolve into one of the state’s most vibrant lifestyle and business destinations, STARK Tower has established itself as a landmark development within The Light Waterfront precinct. The project recently received international recognition at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2026-2027, winning both the Commercial High Rise Architecture Malaysia and Commercial High Rise Development Malaysia awards. These recognitions highlight STARK Tower’s distinctive architectural vision and reinforce its position as one of the most notable new developments within The Light Waterfront precinct.

A strategic waterfront address for business and leisure

Developed by STARK Development, STARK Tower is a 34-storey freehold commercial development comprising 624 executive suites and 24 waterfront retail units. Situated adjacent to the renowned Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, the project is also within close proximity to PWCC (Penang Waterfront Convention Centre), the future Penang Waterfront LRT Station, Penang Bridge and George Town. Its strategic location at the gateway to Penang Island provides excellent connectivity to key commercial districts and major transportation links, making it an ideal address for both business and leisure.

The 24 waterfront retail units are set to enhance the vibrancy of the development with a curated mix of cafés, restaurants and lifestyle outlets, creating an engaging waterfront experience for residents, visitors and the surrounding community.

More than a standalone development, STARK Tower forms part of the wider evolution of The Light Waterfront into an integrated destination for business, conventions, retail, dining and leisure. This surrounding ecosystem further enhances the appeal of the development by offering owners and guests the convenience of a vibrant waterfront lifestyle within one of Penang’s most ambitious urban transformation areas.

Complete investment proposition

The construction process is advancing at a steady pace, with the foundation and basement work done and the project moving on to the next stage of structural construction. With the tower slowly taking shape, prospective buyers can anticipate seeing one of Penang’s latest waterfront developments emerge before their eyes in the following months.

STARK Tower now offers units from RM700,000, with optional fully furnished packages that provide added convenience for both homeowners and investors. Available in sizes from 425 sq ft to 640 sq ft, these units are suitable for young professionals and investors searching for an address that reflects their contemporary lifestyle.

Adding further value is the dedicated STARK Hotel Management programme, offering owners a professionally managed hospitality solution. From guest services and housekeeping to day-to-day operations, the programme provides a hassle-free ownership experience while offering an attractive option for those looking to generate rental income without the responsibilities of self-management. Combined with the option of fully furnished packages, owners can enjoy a more streamlined ownership journey without having to coordinate furnishing and day-to-day guest management independently.

Elevated lifestyle experiences

The development is complemented by a wide selection of premium lifestyle amenities for better comfort and convenience. Among the key highlights are STARK Lounge concierge, STARK X-Perience Club, retail and dining outlets, as well as the unique STARK In The Sky amenities featuring an infinity pool, jacuzzi, a helipad-inspired event space, and sky dining, all complemented by panoramic views of Penang’s waterfront and skyline, creating an elevated lifestyle experience unlike any other.

With its award-winning architecture, a prime waterfront location, professionally run hospitality services and optional fully furnished packages, STARK Tower offers an exceptional investment opportunity for buyers and investors wishing to be involved in one of Penang’s most highly anticipated waterfront projects.

Visit the STARK X-Perience Gallery to explore the show unit, call +6012-368 8999 or register using the form below.

Source: The Star

The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery will reopen its doors on Thursday, unveiling a refreshed visitor experience that combines the state’s rich heritage with modern digital technology following an extensive RM18 million restoration.

Closed since 2017 for conservation works, the museum now features interactive and artificial intelligence-powered elements designed to make history more engaging and accessible for visitors.

Museum director Haryany Mohamad said the revamped museum embraces changing visitor expectations by allowing photography throughout the galleries, encouraging guests to share their experiences on social media.

“Visitors today naturally want to document and share their experiences. We see this as a positive way to introduce the museum to a wider audience,” she said, noting that many of the technologies now being introduced were unavailable when the museum first closed.

Among the new features are augmented reality experiences, self-service kiosks, cashless payment systems and upgraded visitor amenities. Artefacts previously kept in storage have also been restored and placed on public display.

To enhance educational programmes, the museum now includes a dedicated multi-purpose hall that can accommodate 30 to 40 people for guided tours, lectures and school activities, reducing congestion within exhibition spaces.

Accessibility has also been significantly improved, with persons with disabilities now able to access the museum’s upper floors.

A highlight of the reopening is an on-site archaeological excavation within the museum compound, believed to be the only exhibit of its kind housed inside a museum building in Malaysia. Conducted in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research, the excavation reveals the original foundations of the historic school building that once occupied the site before parts were destroyed during World War II.

Built in 1896 and expanded in 1906, the building originally housed Penang Free School before later serving as Hutchings School. It was officially converted into the Penang State Museum in 1965 following a proposal supported by Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The reopening ceremony will be officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on Thursday evening, with the museum welcoming the public from Friday onwards.

Marriott International Inc. and Iconic Group today announced the signing of an agreement to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Penang Mainland with Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City. This signing further strengthens Marriott’s strategic relationship with Iconic Group and reinforces the global hospitality company’s continued expansion across Malaysia.

Located within the four-hectare Icon City integrated commercial development in Bukit Mertajam, Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City will be strategically positioned to serve business and leisure travelers visiting Penang Mainland. The hotel enjoys convenient connectivity via the North-South Expressway and is within easy reach of Penang International Airport, while providing direct access to major economic drivers including the Prai Free Industrial Zone, Penang Science Park, Batu Kawan Industrial Park and Kulim Hi-Tech Park. Together, these established industrial corridors continue to support year-round corporate travel while contributing to the region’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

“Malaysia continues to represent an important growth market for Marriott International, and this signing reflects our commitment to expanding in destinations where strong economic fundamentals and evolving travel demand create long-term opportunities for our owners and our brands,” said Andree Susilo, Vice President, Hotel Development – Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our continued collaboration with Iconic Group demonstrates the strength of the relationships we seek to build with owners who share our long-term vision for growth. We are delighted to expand our relationship further through the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City, bringing one of our globally recognized brands to this fast-growing commercial destination.”

The signing reflects Marriott’s strategy of thoughtfully aligning its diverse portfolio of brands with evolving traveller demand across Malaysia. A part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of brands, Courtyard by Marriott is designed for today’s modern travellers, offering contemporary guestrooms, flexible workspaces, meeting facilities and welcoming dining experiences that support both productivity and relaxation. The brand is well positioned to meet the needs of destinations where business and leisure travel increasingly intersect, making it a natural fit for Penang Mainland’s rapidly expanding commercial landscape.

Anticipated to open in December 2026 following the rebranding of the existing Iconic Hotel Penang, Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City is expected to offer 196 guestrooms designed for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s phased transformation will begin with enhancements to its public spaces, restaurants, recreational facilities and guestrooms, alongside expanded fitness and wellness amenities.

Following the transformation, guests can look forward to a range of facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café and a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center with sauna and steam rooms. For meetings and events, the hotel is expected to feature a 640-square-meter divisible ballroom and two additional meeting rooms, providing flexible spaces for corporate functions and social gatherings.

“The signing of Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City marks another important milestone in our relationship with Marriott International and reflects our confidence in the continued growth of Penang Mainland,” said Dato’ Seri Tan Kean Tet, Chairman of Iconic Group. “Building on the success of our previous collaboration with Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, we look forward to introducing the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Icon City and delivering a hospitality experience backed by Marriott’s globally recognized standards while meeting the evolving needs of both business and leisure travellers.”