Cyclists are happy that a temporary lane leading to Karpal Singh Drive has been opened along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang.

IJM Land northern region general manager Goh Su Yin said the 1km-long lane was to replace the bicycle lane which had to be removed to widen the expressway.

“This lane connects Karpal Singh Drive to Persiaran Bayan Indah in Bayan Lepas, and ensures better distancing between cyclists and motorists.

“An improved dedicated bicycle lane and jogging track measuring 1.65km will be made available along The Light Waterfront Penang’s promenade upon the completion of The Light City development in mid-2025.

“We apologise for the delay in the opening of the temporary lane.”

Chargeman BB Gan was pleasantly surprised to find that a temporary lane had been opened, enabling him to cycle to Karpal Singh Drive upon reaching the junction leading to The Light City building site.

“I was getting bored of my usual route along Persiaran Bayan Indah in the past few months.

“At least now, I get to enjoy different views on this new route.

“I will gather some of my cycling buddies to try the temporary lane soon. We may even cycle to the Esplanade and beyond,” said Gan.

Cycling enthusiast R. Mathevan said he would get his two sons to cycle with him next week, adding that when the previous bicycle lane was still open, they would make their way to Karpal Singh Drive weekly.

The previous bicycle lane was launched in 2012 and closed late last year before being removed. It was a collaboration between Penang Municipal Council, now known as Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and five developers.

It was part of the state government’s Bicycle Lane Master Plan to create 120km of bicycle lanes encircling the island and 80km more on the mainland.

In a StarMetro report on Jan 25, cyclists and joggers expressed unhappiness at the closure of the track which runs through the Linear Park.

The track and park have been maintained by IJM Land at a cost of RM13,000 per month for the past nine years.

The park’s ownership is shared by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

The front portion of the park sits on LLM’s right of way while the other half, which is a reserve for storm water discharge, is under the state DID’s purview.

The Light City is a mixed development with total GDV of RM4.5bil.

It includes a retail mall, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, office towers, hotel and two residential projects.

Source: TheStar.com.my

About Granito @ Permai

An affordable housing development by BSG Property in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. It is strategically located next to TAR College, adjacent to 2 Permai luxury residential scheme. This development featuring a 50-storey building with two residential towers and 12 levels of car park. There are 980 units of affordable homes with a standard built-up area of 864 sq.ft.

Find out more about Granito @ Permai

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who is also the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, officially inaugurated the Taman Kejiranan Hillside at Tanjong Bunga yesterday, as part of ‘My Taman, My Tanjung Bungah’ initiative.

Situated in the vicinity of Astaka Hillside and a myriad of food and beverage hotspots, Taman Kejiranan Hillside offers excellent public recreational amenities for residents of Tanjong Bunga with ease.

In his address during the inauguration, Zairil mentioned that discussions between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and him began as early as 2022 to repurpose the site that was ill-maintained in the residential area.

To revitalise the area, a nuanced approach was necessary. Hence, the concept of a ‘pocket’ park with a botanical element was considered.

“For years, the site was neglected, and when I was approached by Zairil, the notion to introduce new elements was present. Utilising the existing space, we erected a treehouse as one of the new components,” said the architect in charge, Loh Mei Ee, when asked about her inspiration for the architecture of the park.

Other recreational amenities introduced include a children’s playground, walking/jogging paths, benches and reflexology equipment.

Not to forget, LED lamps were installed throughout the park to enable residents to enjoy its amenities at any time of the day.

More than 20 species of flowers were planted in the park, ensuring that visitors could delight in the vibrant colours of the blossoms according to the blooming season.

Moreover, these flowers release compounds that can help residents or visitors de-stress while enjoying their time in the park.

“A total of RM317,777.10 was spent on the project. Of this amount, RM170,000 came from my provisions, while RM147,777.10 was allocated by the MBPP.

“Without the support of MBPP and the efforts that went into designing the park, this initiative would not see such results,” Zairil said.

Furthermore, Zairil hoped that these uplifting efforts would benefit the community of Tanjong Bunga and contribute to the Penang2030 vision of becoming a Family Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Regalway Industrial Hub, a light industrial development undertaken by Regalway Development Sdn. Bhd. in Simpang Ampat. It is conveniently situated near Jalan Tasek Junjong, in proximity to Muda Paper Mills. Just a short 5-minute drive away is Pearl City (Bandar Tasek Mutiara), while Batu Kawan is approximately 10 kilometers from this location. Surrounding communities include various housing schemes in Pearl City and Hijauan Hills by Asas Dunia.

This development features a diverse range of offerings, including 38 units of 2-storey detached light industrial factories, 7 units of 2-storey commercial showrooms, and 20 units of 2-storey semi-detached commercial units. The light industrial factories, with a generous build-up area of 9,780 square feet, are designed to feature a spacious double-ceiling high volume of 34 feet, 4.5-meter front and side loading bays, and 2 ton/m2 load-bearing capacity on the ground floor.

Project Name: Regalway Industrial Hub
Location : Simpang Ampat
Property Type : Industrial
Total Units: 38 (light industrial factory), 7 (showroom), 20 (commercial)
Built-up Size: 9,780 sq.ft. (light industrial factory)
Land Tenure : Freehold
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer: Regalway Development Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. 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.

The proposed easing of the conditions for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has been welcomed by some expatriates in Penang.

They said it would allow them to continue calling Malaysia their home while the country attracts many new participants who can contribute to the economy, cultural diversity and talent market.

Their comments came following the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who during the tabling of Budget 2024 on Oct 13, said Putrajaya is looking to ease MM2H conditions to make Malaysia more tourist- and investor-friendly.

Stringent conditions implemented since August 2021 have led to a significant drop in MM2H applications.

While the actual proposed changes have yet to be announced, expatriates like Emi Yamazaki hope it involves a lowering of the monthly income requirement.

“The savings and assets are not the main problem for most foreigners considering living in Malaysia. It’s the monthly income as most retirees’ pensions do not reach RM40,000.

“For the few that do, other options like Australia, America or England would be on the table. Lowering the amount will make a huge difference in attracting people to come and spend here.

“If I had to give an amount, the previous sum of RM10,000 per person or RM20,000 for a couple was reasonable,” said Yamazaki, a Japanese who has lived in Penang for the past 22 years.

Yamazaki said she has contributed significantly to the state’s cultural scene, having been involved with numerous community events that foster closer ties between the peoples of Malaysia and Japan.

“Penang is a wonderful place to live. It’s comfortable, relaxing and reasonably priced. Everybody is friendly and the bucolic atmosphere feels like paradise.”

Neighbouring countries like Thailand and the Philippines have similar programmes for expatriates but with less stringent requirements.

Another expatriate, who moved to Penang five years ago from Thailand, is considering heading back to the country’s northern neighbour after the family’s visa expires next year.

“Unfortunately, I know many friends who are selling their properties and leaving. We might reconsider depending on what rules are being relaxed and when they will take effect,” she said.

She also hopes the government will resolve to maintain any new criteria for the foreseeable future and not flip-flop every time there is a change of heart or administration.

“Or at least, uphold conditions that were originally in place and agreed upon for existing residents when they first applied, and continue them for each renewal until cancellation.

“That’s because many foreigners under the MM2H programme like myself have made Malaysia our first home rather than our second.

“This is our permanent place of residence.

“We all contribute to the Malaysian economy daily and all we’re asking is to have some long-term security rather than being seen as a tourist or six-month holidayer.

“Imagine buying property and then suddenly discovering that you’re no longer eligible to stay here,” she added.

Source: TheStar.com.my