The first phase of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway has reached 29.85% completion, with construction progressing slightly ahead of schedule as the project moves towards providing a direct connection between Penang island and Silicon Island.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project was 0.42% ahead of schedule as of the end of August.

The RM420 million first phase comprises a 1.5km road and marine bridge connecting the junction at Jalan Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island.

According to Zairil, the marine bridge is being constructed using a balanced cantilever beam structure. Construction of the substructure, including pile caps and columns, is currently progressing in both the marine and land sections in Permatang Damar Laut.

The project requires 260 T-beams for its superstructure, of which 25 had completed the casting process as of Aug 31.

Zairil said the highway would be opened to the public in stages, with the first section of the marine bridge targeted for completion and opening to traffic in December 2028. Full completion of the PIL2A project is scheduled for June 2029.

He said the steady progress reflected the commitment of the Penang state government, project developer and contractors, while stressing that site safety, operational controls and environmental management remained key priorities throughout construction.

The state government, through Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC), will continue to closely monitor the project to ensure construction proceeds smoothly and that any challenges are addressed promptly.

Upon completion, the first phase of PIL2A is expected to serve as a permanent access route to Silicon Island via Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, while supporting future development and sustainable urban growth on Penang island.

PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the project management team would maintain close oversight of contractor operations to ensure the works were carried out responsibly and transparently.

As the PIL2A alignment passes through residential areas, the project’s safety and health team has also maintained regular communication with nearby communities, particularly when traffic diversions or road closures are required.

Farizan said close cooperation with the local community had helped ensure that construction-related processes proceeded smoothly.

Eden At Botanica CT – Construction in progress

As Malaysia’s population ages and families place greater emphasis on retirement planning, the demand for purpose-built senior living communities continues to rise. Meeting this need is Eden at Botanica CT (EABC), an integrated retirement living community located within the 300-acre Botanica CT township, Penang. Designed to combine independent living, wellness, and healthcare support when needed, EABC offers a holistic environment where retirees can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

A New Approach to Retirement Living

At EABC, while primary residents must be at aged 60 and above, ownership can be at any legal age for property ownership. This unique approach gives families greater flexibility, enabling adult children or family members to purchase a unit for their parents or loved ones and ensuring an enjoyable lifestyle specifically designed for healthy and independent ageing.
Offering more than a place to stay, EABC is designed around the three core pillars: independent living, wellness, and access to healthcare. The resort living community concept encourages social interaction, physical activity, and overall wellbeing, allowing seniors to continue living life on their own terms while having access to support services whenever needed.

Integrated Healthcare Support

A key advantage of Eden at Botanica CT is its proximity to healthcare services such as the nearby Care Residence, and an up-coming Selgate Private Hospital, located approximately three minutes away by car. Together, these facilities create an integrated ecosystem that provides residents with healthcare-related and support services, whilst giving their families the peace of mind.

Purpose-Built for Comfort and Safety

Every residence at EABC has been thoughtfully planned with accessibility and care in mind. All units feature step-free internal layouts, and each unit is fitted with three emergency assistance buttons, enabling residents to quickly call for help whenever required.

The development is also suitable for persons with disabilities (OKU) and provides a welcoming environment for visiting family members, making it a flexible and inclusive retirement community.

Move-In Ready Convenience

To make the transition into retirement living easier, each apartment is delivered fitted and furnished, allowing residents to move in with minimal preparation.

Wellness and Lifestyle Services

• EABC’s residents enjoy a variety of services and activities designed to enhance physical, mental, and social wellbeing. These include:
• 24/7 carer support through the Care Station.
• Daily activities and exercise programmes organised by EABC’s Fun Club Wellness and Recreation Team
• Weekly doctor visit at the clubhouse.
• Shuttle services within Botanica CT township.
• Scheduled shuttle services to Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza, subject to availability.
• Computerised medical record management at the Care Residence.

Residents may also choose from optional services available at minimal charges, including housekeeping, laundry services, meal arrangements, personal training, hospital companionship, technical support, and hourly care aides. These allow residents to customise their level of support according to their individual needs and lifestyle preferences.

Construction Progress

Construction of Eden at Botanica CT continues steadily. Tower A and Tower B have achieved approximately 35% to 40% completion, with Tower A’s structure reaching the 16th floor and Tower B at the 11th floor. Meanwhile, construction of the Care Residence is advancing according to schedule, with completion targeted for December 2026.

A Community Designed for the Future

Eden at Botanica CT represents a new benchmark in retirement living by combining comfortable homes, wellness programmes, healthcare accessibility, and community engagement within a single integrated development. It offers retirees the opportunity to enjoy an active, independent, and fulfilling retirement lifestyle while providing families with reassurance that support and care are always close at hand.

For those seeking a future-ready retirement solution in Penang, Eden At Botanica CT presents an attractive opportunity to invest in comfort, wellbeing, and peace of mind.

Visit the Eden at Botanica CT Show Unit

Address:
No. 32 & 32A, Jalan Sungai Air Putih
Bandar Baru Air Putih 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang

Opening Hours:
Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekdays, Weekends and Public Holidays)

For Enquiries:
Handphone: 012-963 5015/ 473 5015/ 673 5015 or 017-311 2699
Sales Gallery: 04-866 9066
Website: https://www.edenatbotanicact.com.my/

A massive fire broke out at Chew Jetty here early this morning, prompting a major firefighting operation to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties.

Firefighters successfully contained the fire and confirmed that five premises were engulfed. These comprised a car paint shop, workshop, welding shop, scrap goods dealer and timber factory.

Chew Jetty, one of George Town’s best-known waterfront landmarks, is the largest and one of the oldest of Penang’s Chinese clan jetties. Built on wooden stilts above the sea, the settlement dates back to the 19th century and is known for its traditional stilt houses and wooden walkways.

Northeast District Zone 1 operations officer Rosli Ibrahim said the Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 1.08am.

Some 30 firefighters from four stations were deployed, assisted by 17 Volunteer Fire Brigades, police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force.

No casualties were reported.

Firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to a nearby petrol station and surrounding residential areas.

The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation.

Picture source: PenangToday Community (Facebook)

The Rimbun, the latest residential development by PTL Properties Sdn Bhd, has received strong market response since its Sales Gallery officially opened on 12 July 2026, with the project preview commencing on the same day.

Since opening its doors to prospective homebuyers, The Rimbun has achieved an encouraging 70% reservation rate, reflecting strong interest in the development and growing demand for well-planned, affordable homes on Penang Mainland.

Located in Permatang Tinggi, Bukit Mertajam, The Rimbun is an affordable strata townhouse development designed around the practical needs of modern families.

For PTL Properties, a good residential development is more than just a house. It is a place where families feel secure, children grow, and everyday life takes shape.

This belief is reflected in the company’s philosophy:

“Affordability should never mean compromising on quality.”

PTL Properties focuses on landed and boutique residential developments, placing strong emphasis on practical design, quality, location, convenience and long-term liveability. The company believes a good home should not only be affordable to own today, but also remain comfortable and practical for many years to come.

The Rimbun continues this approach with 664 freehold townhouse units, offering two built-up options of approximately 981 sq.ft. and 1,250 sq.ft. Each unit features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by a gated and guarded environment and clubhouse facilities including a swimming pool, gym, outdoor gym, community hall and BBQ pit area.

A Growing Track Record on Penang Mainland

The Rimbun also represents the latest chapter in PTL Properties’ growing presence across Penang Mainland.

The developer’s track record includes Woodlands Park in Bukit Mertajam, Sena Mas in Tasek Gelugor, Ari Altitude in Bukit Mertajam, and Ari Mellizo in Butterworth.

With The Rimbun, PTL continues to build on its experience in creating residential communities centred on functionality, accessibility and everyday comfort.

The development’s 70% reservation rate following the opening of its Sales Gallery and preview on 12 July 2026 provides an encouraging indication of market confidence in both the project and the developer behind it.

Ultimately, buying a home is about more than owning a property. It is about choosing a place where families can build their lives for years to come.

PTL Properties. Built on quality. Designed for better living.

For further enquiries, please contact PTL Properties at +6012-904 4277 or complete the registration form below.

The Penang state government has been urged to expedite the development of 419 affordable housing units on a long-vacant parcel of land in Sungai Dua, Northeast District, which has remained undeveloped for about 35 years.

Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan said the approximately 1.9-acre site comprising Lots 9117 and 20113, located next to Vanda Business Park Sungai Dua, has been earmarked for development since 1991.

He said the original proposal included not only affordable housing, but also commercial components, public facilities, a dry market, a modern public market and parking facilities.

“As the area’s assemblyman, my position is clear, the affordable housing component and these facilities must be retained. I do not want a high-end project that is ultimately unaffordable to the people,” he said during a recent visit to the site with members of the media.

Kumaresan said the status of the project has been raised repeatedly in the Penang State Legislative Assembly since 2019, including requests for updates on its implementation.

He said the state government had previously indicated in November 2022 that the project was expected to begin in 2023. However, no progress has been made.

In 2025, the state government reportedly said the landowner, Hamna Sdn Bhd, had partnered with another developer to undertake the project, but the collaboration was subsequently terminated.

The latest update on May 8, 2026 stated that discussions on a joint venture to develop the RMM project were still ongoing, with the appointment of a developer yet to be finalised.

Kumaresan had previously proposed that the state government open a Request for Proposal (RFP) to allow interested private developers to submit proposals for the project.

He said several private parties had expressed interest, although any development would have to take into account existing agreements and court decisions requiring consent from the relevant parties.

“If Hamna is unable to develop the land, the state government has other options, including opening an RFP or considering development through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC),” he said.

“We have already waited 35 years. This project should not be delayed any further.”