Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is expanding its public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with another 94 charging bays expected to be ready by December, as the number of council-supervised bays on Penang island is set to double.

According to a news report by The Star, the expansion aims to make EV ownership more convenient, particularly for island residents living in high-rise properties where installing private chargers can be challenging.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the additional bays would increase the number under MBPP’s supervision from 94 to 188. Another 261 charging bays are privately operated, bringing the island’s total to 355 currently.

Of MBPP’s existing 94 bays, 92 are equipped with DC fast chargers, offering charging capacities of between 60kW and 120kW. These can typically charge an EV from 20% to 80% in about 30 to 60 minutes. The remaining two use 22kW AC chargers, which can take around six to eight hours for a full charge.

One advantage for EV owners is that MBPP parking fees do not apply while their vehicles are actively charging at council roadside charging bays. However, idle charges may be imposed if vehicles remain parked after charging is completed.

Motorists can locate charging facilities and check availability through the MBPP PEARL App or the respective charging operators’ platforms.

The expansion is welcomed by EV owners who face limited charging options at their residences. EV driver Brian Song said his condominium has only one AC charging point, while another driver, Melissa Subhi, said her apartment in Tanjung Bungah has no charging facilities.

As EV adoption continues to grow, the expansion of public and residential charging infrastructure will become increasingly important in supporting Penang’s transition towards cleaner transportation.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has approved new guidelines allowing development rights to be transferred from properties within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site to other suitable development sites.

The move is aimed at helping property owners make use of development potential that may be restricted by heritage requirements, while preventing excessive development from being concentrated in a single location.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the new guidelines set a maximum plot ratio of two for development rights transferred to a receiving site.

Previously, there was no specific limit on the amount of development rights that could be accepted at a new development site.

However, Rajendran stressed that the two plot ratio cap does not mean every property owner will automatically qualify to transfer development rights equivalent to a plot ratio of two.

The actual amount will depend on factors including the size and number of properties owned within the George Town heritage site.

“If you have only two or three properties, the transferable plot ratio could be 0.2 or 0.3,” he said during MBPP’s full board meeting on Friday (Aug 21).

The TDR mechanism is particularly relevant to heritage properties where development is restricted by factors such as building height and other conservation requirements. Under the new framework, the unused development potential can be transferred to another suitable site, subject to MBPP’s approval and planning requirements.

However, receiving sites will still need to meet all relevant planning and technical requirements. These include Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA), Social Impact Assessments (SIA), structural considerations, surrounding infrastructure and applicable height restrictions.

Rajendran also stressed that the transfer of development rights does not amount to automatic approval for development at the receiving site.

The guidelines cover relevant areas within the George Town World Heritage Site, including the core and buffer zones. They apply to commercial, mixed-use and residential properties, subject to the conditions imposed on the receiving sites.

All properties within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site are currently eligible for consideration under the TDR guidelines, regardless of whether they are used for residential or commercial purposes.

Rajendran said the new framework would allow development potential to be managed more sustainably while helping to protect George Town’s heritage character and prevent development pressure from being concentrated in particular areas.

Artist impression

FBG Holdings Bhd, formerly known as Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd, is seeking to withdraw from the joint development of the Penang Medi-City project in Batu Kawan.

The construction firm said its wholly owned subsidiary, FBG Land Sdn Bhd, had written to the Penang Development Corp (PDC) to cease proceeding with the collaboration under the master purchase and development agreement (PDA). FBG proposed that both parties discuss an orderly conclusion of the existing collaboration.

FBG Land and PDC are currently discussing the proposed cessation, with the company saying further announcements will be made upon any material developments or once the terms and conditions are agreed.

The PDA for the first phase of Penang Medi-City was signed in January 2025. The 235.8-acre project was planned as a mixed development incorporating healthcare and wellness facilities alongside residential, retail and commercial components.

Under the agreement, FBG was to acquire a 51.2-acre Parcel 1 in Bandar Cassia for RM111.5 million. The parcel was expected to generate a gross development value of RM2 billion over eight years.

FBG had previously undertaken a rights issue with free warrants to fund the land acquisition. In December last year, the exercise raised RM54.9 million through the issuance of 304.995 million rights shares.

About Silkspring Residence

This is a freehold high-rise residential project by Airmas Group located near Jalan Telaga Air in Butterworth, adjacent to WellSpring Residence and about 500 metres from Raja Uda. It offers convenient access to nearby amenities, schools, supermarkets, eateries and transport links, including Penang Sentral, around five minutes away by car. The development comprises an 18-storey building with 148 units, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with indicative prices starting from RM527,000.

Find out more about Silkspring Residence

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced new guidelines governing businesses operating on private land, effective August 21, 2026.

The Guidelines for New Applications and Management of Licences on Private Land (GTP) were approved by MBPP’s Public Health Standing Committee to regulate small-scale businesses, while addressing public nuisance, cleanliness and neighbourhood safety concerns.

MBPP Mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran said individuals operating businesses on their own residential properties, private land or the land in front of their homes are required to obtain a licence from MBPP.

Under the new guidelines, businesses must comply with several conditions:

• The business area is limited to 20ft by 20ft (400 sq ft).
• A maximum of two stalls is allowed at each site.
• Only food and beverage businesses are permitted.
• Tables and chairs are not allowed.
• The licence holder must be present at all times to supervise the business.

Rajendran said the guidelines are intended to ensure that businesses operating on private land remain small-scale and do not create problems for surrounding communities.

MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang said the guidelines would help ensure business locations remain conducive while minimising issues such as poor sanitation, traffic congestion and safety risks.

She noted that businesses operating on private land are becoming increasingly common in George Town, and are no longer limited to village areas.

Tan added that larger operations could generate significant waste and attract more traffic, potentially affecting the comfort and safety of neighbouring residents.

Meanwhile, MBPP has also approved new Guidelines for the Transfer of Development Rights for Buildings Located within the George Town World Heritage Site.

Rajendran said the new guidelines limit the transfer to a maximum of two plots, compared with no previous limit.