The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has been urged to strengthen its existing planning approval requirements to ensure open spaces in new residential developments are equipped with quality recreational facilities from the outset, instead of remaining underutilised for years.

State Exco for Trade and Community Unity, Goh Choon Aik, said developers are currently only required to allocate 10% of the development land for open spaces and provide basic playground facilities. He proposed that MBSP incorporate clearer conditions under its Planning Permission (KM) approvals to require more comprehensive amenities.

These could include jogging tracks, exercise stations, aerobics plazas and underground drainage systems, allowing open spaces to enhance residents’ quality of life while preventing water ponding after heavy rain.

According to Goh, if technical constraints prevent developers from setting aside the full 10% of land, the shortfall should be compensated through the provision of more complete recreational facilities.

He made the remarks during the launch of the upgraded open space at Taman Mutiara Teratai in Bukit Tambun on 24 June.

The completed project features a jogging track, pedestrian walkways, underground drainage, children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment, plaza, benches, waste bins, safety signboards and additional landscaping.

Goh, who is also the Bukit Tambun assemblyman, said the high-quality upgrade carried out by MBSP should serve as a benchmark for future residential developments.

Earlier, MBSP Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the local authority spent approximately RM176,006 to upgrade the 3,000-square-metre open space with various recreational facilities.

He added that MBSP remains committed to enhancing open spaces in existing residential areas in the future, subject to additional allocations or stronger financial resources.

The proposal aims to ensure residents in new townships can enjoy well-planned and functional recreational spaces without having to wait for future public funding.

Located within Aspen Vision City, a 247-acre freehold township, Versa forms part of a thoughtfully master-planned township where homes, shops, parks, offices and lifestyle conveniences are seamlessly connected. As homebuyers increasingly seek more than just a desirable address, Versa delivers a balanced living experience defined by space efficiency, flexibility and long-term value.

Designed for How People Live Today

Versa features two 37-storey towers, with 490 units in each tower, and is targeted for handover in 2027. Units come in 2-bedroom layouts ranging from approximately 703 sq ft to 868 sq ft, a size range that makes perfect sense for urban living.

Versa Upgraded Option is now available for selected 2-bedroom units, allowing buyers to upgrade to a smart and functional 3-bedroom layout with semi-fitted finishes. It is the kind of flexibility that becomes genuinely useful in real life, whether that extra room becomes a study area, a guest room, a child’s room or simply more usable space as life evolves.

A Location That Is Already Well-Connected

Versa enjoys excellent connectivity, with key transport links and amenities already in place. Located just minutes from the Penang Second Bridge, it offers seamless access between the mainland and Penang Island’s major business districts. Residents also benefit from close proximity to prominent lifestyle destinations such as IKEA Batu Kawan, Design Village Outlet Mall, and Klippa Shopping Centre; placing dining options, retail experiences and daily essentials within effortless reach.

Complementing these conveniences is the 25-acre Central Park within Aspen Vision City, which provides a vibrant green sanctuary for recreation, wellness and community engagement. The development is also strategically positioned near the Batu Kawan Industrial Parks, home to a growing concentration of multinational corporations and manufacturing investments that continue to drive employment opportunities and economic growth in the region.

Together, these advantages contribute to Batu Kawan’s growing prominence as a dynamic urban hub, where residential, commercial, industrial and lifestyle components converge to create a well-connected, highly liveable destination.

Facilities That Go Beyond the Standard List

Versa does not stop at the usual pool-and-gym formula. It includes sports court, a putting green and even a skating rink, alongside a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, yoga spaces, a multi-purpose hall, BBQ areas and landscaped gardens.

There is also a sky facilities deck on Level 35, with views of the city, surrounding greenery and even the distant coastline.

Part of a Bigger Township Story

Versa makes even more sense within the context of Aspen Vision City. The township includes residential areas, education hubs, healthcare facilities such as Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan, and lifestyle conveniences like Soccer Experience, a Caltex petrol station and a 25-acre Central Park.

Add major nearby attractions such as IKEA Batu Kawan and Klippa Shopping Centre, the township begins to feel less like a development in progress and more like a place with its own daily rhythm.

Aspen has also committed approximately RM561 million in infrastructure investment to support and enhance the wider development. That investment has contributed to the improvement of road networks, connectivity and key facilities, making the township easier to live in, get around and better supported for long-term growth.

Why Versa Deserves Attention

Versa’s strength lies in how well it fits the way people live now and in the foreseeable future. It is practical, well-planned and easy to live in, with seamless connectivity that adds convenience to everyday life.

For first-time home buyers, upgraders and investors, Versa offers a compelling residential proposition in a well-connected location backed by robust infrastructure and growing momentum, presenting long-term value potential.

This is what makes Versa worth a closer look. If you are curious about the layouts, pricing or how Versa feels in person, click here to connect https://bit.ly/LiveChatWithAspen_Versa.

Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management Sdn Bhd (APAM) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the integration of Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) solutions into a senior living offering, supporting greater financial preparedness for Malaysia’s ageing population. The collaboration reflects a growing focus on combining lifestyle and financial planning solutions, with PRS providing a structured approach to long-term retirement savings.

This collaboration reflects a growing trend to integrate retirement financial planning into senior living developments. Centred on the government-launched Private Retirement Scheme (PRS), it underscores the growing importance of planning for retirement in supporting Malaysia’s seniors with active, independent and financially secure ageing.

The collaboration comes as a timely, strategic move that responds to the country’s gradual transition towards becoming an ‘aged nation’, with 19.8% of the total population and 26.2% of Penang’s population projected to be aged 60 or above by 2040.

The signing ceremony saw the Memorandum of Understanding formalised by Dato’ Seri Kenny Ong, Director of Eden at Botanica CT Sdn Bhd and Group Chairman of MTT Group of Companies; representing Eden at Botanica CT, and Puan Nur Aini Ali Kasim, General Manager of APAM. The ceremony was witnessed by YB Puan Lim Siew Khim, Penang State Executive Councillor for Social Development, Welfare & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs; Mr. Leonard Theng, Group Property & Asset Director, MTT Group of Companies; alongside invited guests, partners and stakeholders.

The PRS solution provides a structured approach to long-term retirement savings and complements Eden at Botanica CT’s senior living offering by supporting residents’ financial preparedness. It combines healthcare, financial preparedness, lifestyle products and community care into a complete ecosystem to deliver sustainable retirement solutions.

Under the collaboration, purchasers receive a contribution of RM 25,000 from Eden at Botanica CT to be invested into AIA Pension and Asset Management’s PRS funds upon purchasing a residential unit at Eden at Botanica CT, which is set to complete in 2027 within the Botanica.CT township in Balik Pulau. Buyers will also obtain a complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage as part of this collaboration, reinforcing a holistic approach to supporting wellbeing throughout retirement.

As rising medical costs become a growing concern, this collaboration supports individuals in buildinggreater financial resilience for retirement. By empowering their retirement aspirations, it ensures they are equipped to handle challenges that may arise in their golden years.

“Our ageing population is both a challenge and an opportunity to rethink what retirement living should look like. Eden at Botanica CT’s commitment extends beyond accommodation to building a holistic ecosystem that supports healthy and active ageing, enabling seniors to live independently, access the support they need and enjoy greater peace of mind in their retirement years,” said Dato’ Seri Kenny Ong.

“Healthcare is a growing concern for seniors, which is why we continuously look to strengthen our care ecosystem. Through our partnership with APAM, innovation and undivided focus on our residents, we aim to play a key role in shaping the future of senior living while simultaneously helping Malaysians embrace retirement as a rewarding, enriching stage of life.”

Leonard Theng, Group Property & Asset Director – MTT Group of Companies

Mr. Leonard Theng said: “This partnership is an important step towards advancing a more holistic approach to senior living. Beyond having a place to call home, proper retirement planning is becoming increasingly critical as people seek greater financial preparedness for their later years. Our scheme sets Eden at Botanica CT apart, and combined with our end-to-end approach, we hope to empower seniors to plan ahead, live independently and embrace retirement with greater confidence, security and peace of mind.

Puan Nur Aini Ali Kasim said: “Retirement is no longer something abstract or distant, Malaysia is moving steadily towards becoming an ageing society. APAM’s focus has always been on helping individuals build something progressively over time, through a structured and disciplined approach. What matters most to us is the role we play in helping individuals prepare, quietly, but meaningfully for the future.” She frames APAM’s philosophy as one rooted in long-term stewardship, an understated yet deliberate commitment to guiding individuals toward financial readiness over time, rather than chasing short-term outcomes.

“What makes PRS particularly important is the reality it addresses – many Malaysians risk outliving their savings. PRS was designed as a proactive solution.” Additionally, she continues, “We are extending complimentary personal accident coverage of up to RM250,000. It is about reflecting something we believe is important – that as individuals plan for the future, they should also feel protected in the present.” In doing so, she highlights that PRS is not merely a savings instrument, but a more holistic proposition, one that acknowledges both longevity risk and the immediate need for protection, reinforcing confidence for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.

Enabling buyers to own a unit rather than merely leasing one, is among the key aspects that differentiate Eden at Botanica CT from other retirement projects. Comprising 350 residential units, the development embraces a vibrant community that integrates home, wellness and meaningful connection. While the residence is primarily for those aged 60 and above, it welcomes secondary residents, including adult children below the age 60 to build an inclusive, dual-generational environment.

Further enhancing the resident experience, Eden at Botanica CT will also introduce a range of move-in-ready benefits designed to provide greater convenience and peace of mind for purchasers. Each unit will come fully fitted with kitchen cabinets and wardrobes, selected furnishings, including air-conditioning units and beds. This thoughtful approach enables residents to settle into their new homes with minimal hassle, allowing them to focus on enjoying an active and fulfilling retirement lifestyle from day one.

Residents also enjoy access to amenities that include lifestyle facilities, supplemented by licensed nursing care, 24-hour carers, smart safety & assisted living technology by Corricare Malaysia, bespoke wellness and activity programmes as well as optional on-demand services. To complete the entire health eco-system, there will also be a Care Residence nearby and a medical centre located within the wider Botanica.CT township.

To learn more about retirement at Eden at Botanica CT and how it offers quality living within a thriving community or to register your interest, please visit https://www.edenatbotanicact.com.my, email edenatbotanicact@gmail.com or call +6017-311 2699.

Construction of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line continues to gain momentum, with the latest aerial progress update as of 31 May 2026 showing significant activity along Segment 1 (CMC1 Package), which stretches from Komtar to Silicon Island. Multiple work fronts are now visible across the alignment, including piling works, pile cap construction, pier columns, and station structures. The Bandar Sri Pinang and Penang International Airport sections remain among the most advanced, with several piers already taking shape above ground.

The aerial photographs released by MRT Corp also highlight steady progress at key locations such as Macallum, Sungai Pinang, and Bayan Lepas, where heavy machinery and construction teams are actively carrying out foundation and substructure works. Temporary traffic management measures and work compounds have been established at several sites to facilitate the ongoing construction activities. As the project progresses, more elevated structures are beginning to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the future alignment of Penang’s first LRT system.

Check out the latest aerial photos below highlighting the station areas with significant construction activity.

*All photos are taken in May 2026

Image Source: MRT Corp Mutiara Line Website (https://laluanmutiara.mymrt.com.my/)

About Iconic Harmony

An affordable housing development by Iconic Maison Sdn. Bhd. at Alma in Bukit Mertajam, strategically located near the junction of Jalan Rozhan and Jalan Alma, just about 1km from AEON Mall and within minutes’ drive of a wide range of essential amenities. The development comprises a 36-storey condominium featuring 751 affordable housing units, each with a standard built-up area of 900 sq ft.

Find out more about Iconic Harmony