Penang is tightening its rules on worker accommodation. Starting January 1 next year, the state government will stop accepting any new applications for Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ). The focus will now shift toward helping existing operators transition to Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), which follow stricter standards set in the 2022 guidelines.

State executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye told the state assembly that local authorities will be working closely with current TLQ operators to ensure they meet the updated requirements. The idea is to move away from temporary setups and push for proper, purpose-built accommodations that are safer, more organised, and better for surrounding communities.

He also shared that the 2022 guidelines are currently being reviewed by PLANMalaysia. One of the options being discussed is allowing light and medium industrial zones to build their own CLQs within their premises specifically for their workers. TLQs operating in commercial areas may also be allowed to convert into CLQs, depending on feasibility.

But there’s one clear line: no CLQs will be allowed in residential zones. This means any TLQs currently located in housing areas must move out once their permits expire — and the absolute final deadline is December 31, 2027.

For context, the guidelines for temporary labour quarters only came into effect on January 1, 2024. All TLQ approvals are temporary and valid for a maximum of three years. These rules are meant to act as a short-term fix to address concerns about worker housing conditions and the impact of foreign worker placements within local neighbourhoods.

H’ng said the bigger goal is to ensure better living conditions for workers while protecting the well-being and comfort of local residents. As part of the guideline review, the state is also discussing technical matters like plot ratios, building capacity, required facilities, and the planning permission process.

As of now, Penang has a growing number of CLQ projects. Under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), there are three operational CLQs and another one with approved planning permission. Over on the mainland under MBSP, there are three operational CLQs, seven under construction, and nine more that have already received planning permission.

Penang is set to welcome a new addition to its waterfront offerings, with Malaysia’s first luxury dining cruise — the Penang Princess — targeted for completion and launch in 2027.

The project moved a step closer after Ocean World Cruises Berhad signed an MoU with Viet Princess Cruiser Corporation, Vietnam Shipbuilding Engineering Group (VISEC), and Ships Classification Malaysia (SCM). In short, the team behind this ship brings serious maritime and design experience to the table.

The Penang Princess will be a 61.58-metre vessel offering fine dining, entertainment, cultural performances, and sightseeing along the Straits of Malacca. The interiors, designed by award-winning Vietnamese designer Ngo Thi Quynh Nga, will mix British colonial touches with Oriental details — a nod to Penang’s multicultural roots.

At the signing ceremony, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin — who is both Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman and chairman of the Penang Port Commission — called this a “new chapter” for Penang’s maritime tourism. According to him, Penang has always shined on land, and it’s time for visitors to experience the island from a different angle: the sea.

Beyond the lifestyle appeal, the project also carries economic weight. The cruise is expected to create jobs in hospitality, maritime operations, events, entertainment, and various supply-chain sectors. It also aims to draw higher-value visitors and position Penang as a regional player in luxury maritime tourism.

Interestingly, the idea didn’t start from building a grand cruise ship right away. Back in 2020, Ocean World Cruises founder Kenny Nye explored turning Penang’s old ferries into a floating restaurant. When that wasn’t feasible, he shifted to a bigger vision — building a fully seaworthy dining cruise from scratch. His research trips overseas eventually connected him with Truong Quang Cuong, a pioneer in river and dining cruises in Vietnam, who brought decades of experience into the project.

Construction will take around two years and involves a multi-million-dollar investment. VISEC, known for its naval architecture expertise, will handle the ship design and engineering, while SCM will ensure the vessel meets international maritime safety and environmental standards.

When completed, the Penang Princess is set to host everything from sea weddings and corporate galas to cultural showcases and high-end tourism events — adding a new layer to Penang’s evolving waterfront lifestyle.

The Penang State Government has forfeited 413 land lots across the state since 2020 after owners failed to settle outstanding land tax arrears.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Seberang Perai Selatan recorded the highest number of forfeited lots at 114, followed by Seberang Perai Utara (96), Barat Daya (76), Timur Laut (71) and Seberang Perai Tengah with 56 lots.

“The forfeiture action was taken because landowners failed to pay the required land tax despite the issuance of administrative notices and Form 6A notices by the respective District and Land Offices,” he said during the Second Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Chow (DAP–Padang Kota) was responding in writing to a question from Bukhori Ghazali (PAS–Pinang Tunggal) on the list of forfeited land lots and the appeal procedures available to reclaim them.

He added that the forfeiture process was carried out in accordance with Sections 97 and 100 of the National Land Code (Act 828).

Chow further explained that original landowners who wish to reclaim their forfeited land may submit an application for cancellation of forfeiture to the State Authority (PBN) under Section 133 of the National Land Code.

“The State Authority may impose a penalty of up to six times the amount of outstanding land rent as a condition for cancelling the forfeiture.

“Only the original landowner prior to forfeiture is eligible to apply,” he said.

The new campus of SJK(C) Kuang Yu in Batu Kawan has achieved 85% completion, with roofing works expected to be finished within this week. The project will then proceed to road paving as construction teams push toward the final stages of development.

According to the school’s building committee general affairs coordinator, Ng Wooi Cheong, RM20 million has been raised so far for the construction fund, leaving a remaining shortfall of RM2 million. To ensure smooth completion of the project, the committee is urging the public to support the ongoing “Ten Thousand Bricks for Chinese Education” fundraising campaign.

Ng explained that with the rainy season coming to an end, construction progress is expected to move even more smoothly. The fundraising initiative invites the public to contribute RM500 for each symbolic wall brick. A total of 4,000 red bricks are targeted to complete the school’s perimeter wall while helping to close the remaining RM2 million funding gap.

Each brick will feature a laser-engraved donor name and become part of the new school’s wall—symbolising community support for the future of Chinese education. Ng said the campaign carries the spirit of “one person, one brick,” encouraging individuals to contribute toward the completion of the campus.

Artist impression

SJK(C) Kuang Yu, previously located in Kuala Muda, has faced declining student numbers in recent years. Although approval to relocate was obtained in 2019, the pandemic delayed both relocation and the start of construction.

On 3 December 2022, the building committee held a groundbreaking ceremony at the new six-acre site in Batu Kawan. The event, which gathered 500 participants, was recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “groundbreaking ceremony with the most participants,” marking a significant milestone for the school’s relocation journey.

Construction officially began on 1 August 2024, and the project is now nearing completion. Once finished, the new campus is expected to provide students with a modern and improved learning environment, marking a fresh chapter for the school and the local education community.

Source: The Star

The completion date for the second package of the Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (LCE) bypass has been pushed from next year to April 12, 2027, following the approval of a second extension of time (EOT). According to Guang Ming Daily, Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) confirmed that the extension was approved on June 16 this year.

PIC said the delay stemmed from the time required to obtain permission to commence work on section six of the project, which needed a detailed technical evaluation by the Malaysian Highway Authority. The approval was granted under Clause 49.1(f) of the contract, which deals with delays caused by pending approvals, permits or permissions from statutory bodies or local authorities.

The first EOT, extending the deadline to Oct 31, 2026, was granted on Oct 30, 2023 due to land acquisition processes affecting key stretches of the alignment. PIC emphasised that extensions are approved only when contractors can justify delays with technical evidence, and that both EOT applications underwent thorough review by the time extension committee.

PIC reiterated its commitment to delivering the remaining works within the revised schedule.

The 6km toll-free bypass will feature a 1.8km ground-level stretch, with the remainder consisting of elevated viaducts (65%), tunnels (20%) and grade sections (15%). It will include three interchanges: Lebuhraya Thean Teik, the Jalan Bukit Gambir–Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction, and the LCE interchange featuring a left-in, left-out access and an elevated U-turn.

Costing RM851 million, the bypass is part of the broader RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel and three major roads project. PIC, a state special-purpose vehicle, is also responsible for other major initiatives, including the Silicon Island development near Batu Maung and projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan.