Construction has officially started on Package One of the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway Project, a major initiative to help ease traffic congestion along key routes on Seberang Perai.

According to PLUS Malaysia Berhad, this first package involves upgrading the roundabout at KM135.15–KM135.4 of the East-West Elevated Intersection (Butterworth–Kulim Expressway) and building a new flyover at Jalan Tun Hussein Onn (KM133.5–KM134.5). Both works are expected to take about 24 months to complete.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these initial works are only the early phase and do not yet include the elevated highway structure. He also announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the full project will take place in November, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This multi-billion ringgit project will be developed in several stages,” Chow said. “We’re pleased to see site work already progressing and look forward to further announcements on the remaining packages.”

Once completed, the elevated highway is expected to smooth traffic flow and enhance connectivity between Juru and Sungai Dua, bringing long-term relief to commuters.

The long-awaited expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA) is picking up speed, with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) sharing that works across all major sections are moving smoothly. The RM1.2 billion project, which kicked off earlier this year, will give Penang a modern, world-class airport that better reflects the state’s culture, charm, and growing economy.

So far, Work Package 2 (WP02) — which focuses on the airside areas like aprons, taxiways, and lighting — has reached about 24% completion. This stage covers the construction of new apron pavements, upgraded drainage systems, and advanced lighting for smoother aircraft operations. The relocation and demolition of existing taxiways are also ongoing, paving the way for a more efficient layout.

Work Package 1 (WP01), which includes supporting facilities such as offices, remote stations, and electrical and ICT systems, is already 71% done. Meanwhile, Work Package 3 (WP03) — the most anticipated phase involving the new terminal buildings, landscaping, and roadworks — is progressing as planned. MAHB said all three packages are on track to meet the 2028 completion target.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who recently visited the site, said he was happy with the progress so far. “This expansion isn’t just about increasing capacity — it’s about positioning Penang as a top destination for both business and leisure. Seeing real progress, especially in the airside works, gives us confidence that the project is heading in the right direction,” he said.

When completed, the upgraded airport will be able to handle up to 12 million passengers a year, nearly double its current capacity of 6.5 million. It will also feature 28 aircraft stands, up from the existing 16, and a much larger terminal equipped with smart technology and automation under MAHB’s Airport 4.0 vision.

But it’s not all about size and tech — MAHB also wants the new PIA to capture the essence of Penang. The design will showcase a “Sense of Malaysia,” blending modern comfort with local culture, and there will be fresh retail and dining options to make travelling more enjoyable.

Currently, PIA operates 24 hours a day, serving over 22,000 passengers daily across seven domestic and eight international routes. With construction well underway, the state government and MAHB are confident that the expanded PIA will soon stand as a proud, modern gateway welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Silkspring Residence is a freehold high-rise residential project by Airmas Group, located near Jalan Telaga Air in Butterworth. It sits adjacent to WellSpring Residence, another development by the same company, and is approximately 500 metres from the busy Raja Uda area. The location provides convenient access to nearby amenities such as schools, supermarkets, eateries, and transportation links, including Penang Sentral, which is about five minutes away by car.

The development consists of an 18-storey building housing a total of 148 units. Each unit follows a single layout design that includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. With an indicative price starting from RM527,000 onwards.

Property Project : Silkspring Residences
Location : Butterworth
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 148
Indicative Price : RM527,000 onwards
Developer : Airmas Development Sdn. Bhd.

Location Map:

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

About Ideal Venice Residency

The second phase of PR1MA affordable housing development by Ideal Property Group at Island Glades. Strategically located near the intersection of Jalan Bukit Gambir and Jalan Lembah, next to Ideal Residency. It’s just a stone’s throw away from University Science Malaysia (USM), about 5 minutes drive to Penang Bridge.

This development comprises two blocks 46-storey residential towers, featuring 1,632 affordable housing units with six levels of car parking podiums.

Find out more about Ideal Venice Residency

Source: Google Street View

The former Sunshine Farlim site in Air Itam could soon be given a new lease of life, following a proposal to redevelop it into a community hall for residents of Bukit Gelugor. The plan has received encouraging support from the Penang state government and local representatives.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed that the state welcomes the idea in principle, but emphasised that the matter must first be discussed between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Sunshine, as the land belongs to the council. “The land where the old Sunshine Farlim stands is under MBPP’s ownership, while the building itself was constructed by Sunshine many years ago when the council, then known as MPPP, leased the land to them,” he said during a Deepavali event at Sunshine Sentral in Farlim.

Chow noted that the supermarket had once been a major retail landmark serving the surrounding communities of Air Itam, Paya Terubong, and Bukit Gelugor. With Sunshine now operating from its new premises, the old site has remained vacant. “We hope that once an agreement is reached between MBPP and Sunshine, the land can be repurposed for community use — specifically as a hall for the people of Bukit Gelugor,” he said.

He added that the proposal aligns with the state government’s long-term goal of expanding public amenities, particularly in high-density areas that lack sufficient community spaces.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh also voiced strong support for the proposal, calling the former Sunshine Farlim site the most strategic location for a new community hall. “The site is geographically at the centre of Bukit Gelugor and can serve residents from Air Itam, Paya Terubong and Seri Delima. It’s the ideal place for such a facility,” he said.

Ramkarpal pointed out that Bukit Gelugor, the largest parliamentary constituency on Penang island with about 75,000 registered voters, has long needed a dedicated community hall. Many local programmes are currently held in school halls or neighbouring areas due to the lack of a proper venue.

Both Chow and Ramkarpal expressed optimism that the redevelopment of the old Sunshine Farlim site could soon materialise with close collaboration between MBPP, the state government, and Sunshine. The proposed community hall, they said, would not only provide a much-needed space for public gatherings but also serve as a new focal point for community life in Bukit Gelugor.

“The Penang government supports initiatives that strengthen community ties and improve the quality of life for residents. Redeveloping the old Sunshine Farlim site into a community hall would be a meaningful step in that direction,” Chow said.