Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-anticipated expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) by June 2028. Estimated at RM1.55 billion, the project is aimed at addressing long-term capacity constraints and elevating the overall passenger experience at one of the country’s busiest regional airports.

The expansion will more than double PIA’s annual handling capacity—from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers—preparing the airport to meet future demand. According to MAHB group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, the project is being carried out in three phases. Phase One, which includes relocating government agency offices such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Malaysian Meteorological Department, is already underway. Phase Two, focusing on apron expansion, is also in progress. Meanwhile, Phase Three, which involves the main terminal expansion, is in the final design stage. MAHB expects to secure board approval and appoint a contractor by the end of the year.

“The target completion date remains June 2028, and we are committed to meeting that timeline,” said Mohd Izani during a recent media briefing outlining MAHB’s strategic direction.

The expansion is not only expected to ease current congestion but also to position Penang as a more competitive regional hub, particularly as the island continues to see growth in tourism, business travel, and industrial activity. Mohd Izani highlighted that the airport plays a vital role in Penang’s broader economic ecosystem, and the upgrade will ensure it is equipped to support the state’s long-term development goals.

While the focus remains on Penang, MAHB is also moving forward with upgrades at other key airports. These include expansion plans for Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and improvement works at tier-two airports such as Tawau, Miri, and Kota Bharu. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding a new airport proposal in Sarawak and further enhancements to Subang and Langkawi airports.

A recent survey by a market research firm has revealed deep generational and ethnic divides on the issue of racial discrimination in Malaysia’s rental housing market. The findings suggest that while many Malaysians support regulation, views differ sharply on whether landlords should be allowed to select tenants based on race.

The survey, which involved over 1,100 respondents, showed that nearly 57% were in favour of a law to regulate residential tenancies, with only 10% expressing outright opposition. However, opinions diverged when it came to banning racial discrimination in the rental process.

Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 39% supported making it illegal for landlords to choose tenants based on race — the only age group where this view was the most common. In contrast, nearly 59% of those aged 35 to 54 believed landlords should retain the right to make rental decisions based on racial considerations. Overall, almost half of all respondents supported landlords’ discretion to select tenants by race, while 31% favoured a legal ban on such practices.

The findings were shared during a public forum held by a civil society organisation focused on diversity and inclusion. The forum coincided with the release of a new report highlighting discriminatory practices in the rental market and renewed calls for the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act to be passed.

A key concern raised was the disproportionate impact of discrimination on young Malaysians from minority backgrounds, particularly those who rely on rental housing for education or employment opportunities in urban centres. Many participants described landlords’ racial preferences as being driven by fear of problematic tenants, concerns over cultural or religious differences, or personal biases disguised as preference.

Among the ethnic groups surveyed, Malaysian Indians reported the highest levels of discrimination and the strongest support for legislative change, with nearly 64% in favour of banning racial criteria in rental decisions. Full-time students and unemployed individuals also showed high levels of support for reform, though they were among the groups least supportive of an additional proposal — a rent tribunal to help resolve disputes.

The idea of setting up a rent tribunal received majority support overall, especially among older respondents and higher-income groups, who viewed it as a low-cost alternative to resolving issues such as deposit disputes and wrongful evictions. Advocates say such a tribunal could improve transparency and accountability without the burden of legal fees.

Critics at the forum also raised concerns about flawed housing data that may be misguiding national policy. A researcher pointed out a significant discrepancy between official rent statistics and actual market listings, calling for better data collection methods.

Forum participants stressed that while landlords’ concerns are not unfounded, regulation should aim to strike a balance between protecting property owners and ensuring fair access to housing for all. Advocates warned that passing a tenancy act without addressing racial bias would be a missed opportunity for meaningful reform.

As one speaker put it, the existence of discrimination — even if affecting a minority — is reason enough for action. “The law exists to draw a moral line and provide recourse to those harmed,” they said, urging lawmakers not to ignore the experiences of those who continue to face unjust barriers in finding a place to live.Younger Malaysians Push for Ban on Racial Discrimination in Rental Housing

About G’Vinton

A serviced residence development by GSD Land in George Town. The project spans approximately 1 acre and is strategically positioned between Ambank and the NSTP building, offering convenient access to KOMTAR and Gurney Drive. The development will include 336 serviced suites, a nine-level car parking podium, and four shop offices on the ground floor. Recreational facilities will be located on level 39.

Find out more about G’Vinton

Nestled in the peaceful enclave of Teluk Kumbar, D’Tiara Residence by GSD Land offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring homeowners to enjoy modern living in a serene environment — at an affordable price.

Strategically located off Cangkat Bukit Belah 2, nearby the developer’s own D’Starlingtton, D’Tiara sits just minutes away from the upcoming Penang Silicon Island and is about 4km to Penang International Airport. Whether you work in the Free Industrial Zone or travel frequently, convenience is at your doorstep.

Urban Comfort Meets Tranquil Surroundings

Built on a freehold land of approximately 3,388 sqm, D’Tiara features a 25-storey tower with 230 thoughtfully designed residential units, each with a built-up of 700 sq. ft. Priced affordably from RM300,000, D’Tiara makes owning your dream home within reach.

At the ground level, 14 units of shop offices offer daily essentials right downstairs. A 3-level car park podium (Levels 2-4) ensures residents’ vehicles are well accommodated.

Lifestyle-Focused Facilities, Inside & Out

D’Tiara is more than just a home — it’s a lifestyle. The Level 5 and rooftop facilities are designed to encourage relaxation, wellness, and community:

Level 5 & 6 Landscaped & Indoor Amenities:

• Kids’ playground, cycling and camping corners
• Jogging track, reflexology path, soft lawn
• Community room, gym, games room, dance room
• Sauna, kids’ corner, reading and chilling corners

Rooftop Retreat:

• BBQ area, meditation and yoga decks
• Tranquil seating spaces with stunning views

Your Sanctuary, Designed for Everyday Living

Each unit at D’Tiara is designed with comfort in mind, maximizing functionality and natural light to create a seamless flow for daily living. Enjoy peace of mind and a lifestyle that blends the best of nature and city access.

A Home You Can Afford. A Lifestyle You’ll Love.

From accessibility to affordability, from thoughtful layouts to lifestyle-driven facilities, D’Tiara Residence is an ideal choice for first-time buyers and young families alike.

Visit D’Tiara Sales Gallery today and discover your future home in Teluk Kumbar.

Contact GSD Land at 1700-818-365 or +6012-426 0932.

The long-awaited Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has officially commenced following the issuance of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) by MRT Corp to Gamuda Bhd. According to a report by Free Malaysia Today, the notice was issued yesterday, allowing SRS Consortium—led by Gamuda with a 60% stake—to begin full-scale construction on the first civil works package.

This initial phase covers a 24km stretch from Komtar to Island A, part of the Penang South Island reclamation initiative, and includes 19 stations along the route. It forms part of the larger Mutiara Line, which will span 29.5km with 21 stations, linking George Town to a reclaimed island near Penang International Airport, and eventually extending to Seberang Perai via a cross-channel segment.

The RM8.31 billion civil works package was awarded in January, but construction had been delayed pending federal approval. With the NTP now issued, the six-year timeline for completion is officially underway.

The federal government assumed control of the LRT project from the Penang state government in March 2023, appointing MRT Corp—a unit under the Ministry of Finance—as the asset owner and project manager. SRS Consortium also includes Loh Phoy Yen Holdings and Ideal Property Development, each holding a 20% share.

The second package—covering the 5.5km cross-strait segment from Macallum to Penang Sentral—is scheduled to begin in 2026. Tenders for this portion have already been called. Meanwhile, the third package, which includes systems and rolling stock, was advertised in April, with submissions due by August 11.

Once completed, the LRT line is expected to serve 60,000 daily riders initially, with projections of up to 168,000 in the longer term. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook had previously stated that breaking the project into three major packages would help streamline the tender process and minimise delays.