Preparatory works for the Penang Silicon Island project have started yesterday and will continue until the related works are completed, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

He said this followed the approval to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project which was obtained from the state Department of Environment (DOE) on July 21.

The go-ahead is a follow-up to the nod of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA) for the Penang South Island (PSI) project which was approved with 71 conditions by the central DOE through a letter dated April 11.

“With the approval of the agencies involved, the preparatory works for the Silicon Island will begin from today and continue until the related works are completed.

“On behalf of the state government, we express our highest appreciation to the state DOE for the careful assessment that has been given in evaluating and approving the related EMP.

“The decision is the result of cooperation and joint efforts to ensure that the development of the Silicon Island project complies with the environmental and safety standards of the local community,” he said today, also expressing the state’s appreciation to all parties which had contributed views in drafting this EMP.

In May, Chow announced that Penang would do away with two of three islands of the controversial PSI reclamation project, which meant a scaling down of 49 per cent of the total three man-made islands project.

Island A, now known as Silicon Island, measures about 920ha.

Meanwhile, Chow said, in line with the state government’s commitment to make ex-gratia payments to the fishing community affected by the project after the approval of the EMP, the payment of 75 per cent of the ex-gratia would begin to be credited in phases starting today while the remaining 25 per cent would be completed in early 2024.

“Payments will be made in phases taking into account the scope of the PSI project which has been reduced to an island, compared to the previous initial planning.

“The development of the Silicon Island project is designed based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. It is expected to become a leading technology centre in the region and open up new job opportunities by injecting lasting economic benefits to the locality.

“To begin with, a total of 600 sea and land-based job opportunities will be offered over the next 18 months. Priority will be given to fishermen and local residents,” he added.

On April 26, Chow announced that Penang had finally obtained the EIA approval for the PSI project, which came with 71 conditions to be fulfilled.

The approval was for the three islands, namely A, B and C.

The controversial reclamation project had undergone a comprehensive process with regards to the EIA report approved on June 25, 2019, but there was an appeal until the decision was overturned.

Several revised reports were subsequently submitted.

PSI involves the development of three artificial islands, with an area of 1,800ha, in the waters off Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.

However, the project received objections from the fishing community and environmental non-governmental organisations in the state because it was alleged that the project would damage the marine ecosystem in the area.

Source: NST Online

Proposed luxury condominium development by Instant Icon Sdn. Bhd. at Batu Ferringhi. Strategically situated on a freehold cliff land along the coastal road of Jalan Batu Ferringhi, where the well-known Boon Siew Villa is currently located. It sprawls across a vast land area of approximately 1.1 acres, and the property is expected to offer an unobstructed panoramic sea view.

This development entails the creation of a 43-storey condominium, comprising 66 upscale residential units accompanied by 2 levels of recreational and utility spaces. Additionally, the structure will incorporate 8 levels dedicated to car parking.

The project is in its planning stage and still pending approval. More details about the development to be available upon its official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Batu Ferringhi
Property Type : Condominium
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 1.1 acres
Total Units: 66
Land Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer: Instant Icon 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.

Petaling in Selangor has emerged as the most populated district with 2.3 million residents, according to the statistics department.

Johor Bahru is the second most populated district with 1.8 million people, followed by Ulu Langat in Selangor with a population of 1.5 million, Bernama reported.

Petaling also recorded the highest density with 4,783 persons per square kilometre, followed by Timur Laut, Penang (4,710) and Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang (1,845).

Meanwhile, three districts in Sarawak have the least number of residents. Tanjung Manis has a population of 7,900, Song has 10,000, and Bukit Mabong has 10,400.

The statistics department also categorised eight districts as ageing districts, with over 7% of its population aged 65 and above.

They are Johor Bahru, Johor; Kota Bharu and Kuala Krai in Kelantan; Seberang Perai Utara and Barat Daya (Penang); Kota Kinabalu (Sabah); Miri (Sarawak); and Ulu Selangor (Selangor).

Meanwhile, three districts in Sarawak have the most number of elderly residents, with 14.4% of those in Lubok Anti aged 65 years and above, followed by Sri Aman (12.8%) and Song (11.9%).

Terengganu has the highest composition of Bumiputeras in 2023 with 99.7% followed by Nabawan, Sabah (99.6%) and Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu (99.4%).

Meanwhile, the highest composition of Chinese is in Timur Laut, Penang, with 63.9%, followed by Kampar, Perak (48.3%) and Sibu, Sarawak (48.2%).

The highest composition of Indians is in Bagan Datuk, Perak, followed by Klang in Selangor, and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, with a composition of 23.2%, 18.8% and 18.4% respectively.

Source: FMT Online

Mah Sing Group Bhd is reviewing its mixed-development master plan for its remaining 17.4-acre landbank in Batu Maung, Penang.

Group founder and managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum told StarBiz the plan initially focused on a premium range of residential and commercial properties.

“The post-pandemic period requires us to re-evaluate the scheme because the global and local economies have slowed down.

“We now want to develop a wide range of residential and commercial properties with different price tags and innovative features.

“We should be ready to implement our development plans for Batu Maung in one or two years,” Leong said.

Leong still believes property prices in Penang, particularly Batu Maung, will surge once interest rates drop.

“Batu Maung is close to the Penang Bridge, Penang International Airport, schools, shopping malls and healthcare facilities.

“We developed our Southbay project in Batu Maung, and it sold well because of the infrastructure and amenities,” he said.

The light rail transit project, currently planned to connect Bayan Lepas and George Town, would boost the property value in the area, he added.

“This is why we don’t want to switch entirely to an affordable range of properties in Batu Maung, preferring to develop a mixture of medium and high-end properties with different prices and innovative features instead,” Leong said.

Mah Sing’s current emphasis is on affordable residential properties such as the M-Series houses, which have performed well.

He said the group will continue to focus on affordable homes, targeting first home buyers and the genuine buy-to-own middle-class young buyers.

Since January this year, Mah Sing has acquired 589 acres of land in Puchong, Semenyih, Johor and Kepong for its M Terra, M Hana, M Tira, Glengowrie Estate and M Zenya projects.

“These projects have the potential to develop about RM5bil worth of properties,” Leong said.

Source: TheStar.com.my

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Gurney Green district, Arica is the latest freehold development brought to you by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), a premier lifestyle property developer. Designed to provide a serene sanctuary, Arica caters to young couples, small families, and empty nesters seeking a post-retirement lifestyle that harmonizes luxury and tranquillity.

Arica boasts a low-density living concept, with thoughtfully designed units ranging from 947 sq ft to 1,259 sq ft. All units are tastefully fitted and furnished to offer an elevated living experience. The 2- and 3-bedroom units feature efficient and practical layouts, maximizing space and functionality. As a testament to E&O’s commitment to sustainability, Arica is designed to meet Green Building Certification standards, ensuring an eco-friendly living environment.

One of Arica’s standout features is its emphasis on active and communal living. The development masterfully intertwines personal and professional spaces within the common areas, promoting meaningful connections and engagement among residents. With an array of meticulously designed indoor and outdoor amenities, Arica offers a seamless and delightful living experience for all.

Situated within the thriving commercial precinct of Gurney Green, Arica enjoys an enviable location adjacent to The Meg, E&O’s maiden launch on Andaman. With seamless integration of architectural styles, Arica and The Meg create a visually cohesive community, enhancing the overall appeal of the neighbourhood. Arica residents are poised to benefit from the retail conveniences of Temu at The Meg, granting them effortless access to everyday essentials and elevating their lifestyle with added convenience.

Stepping beyond the boundaries of Arica, residents will find themselves surrounded by Andaman’s masterfully planned green spaces and community-focused design. Spanning over 90 acres, these thoughtfully crafted parks, playgrounds, and public realms transform the surroundings into an idyllic haven, where the gentle sea breeze mingles with lush greenery. The expansive seafront promenades, purposefully designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, seamlessly connect Andaman to the vibrant destinations of Gurney Bay and Seri Tanjung Pinang

Scheduled for completion in 2027, Arica offers a remarkable opportunity to embrace a sophisticated urban island lifestyle. With its GreenRE Platinum Provisional Certification and the most sought-after prime location in Penang Island, Arica is poised to attract discerning individuals seeking an exciting and sustainable community to call home.

Michael Tan, Director of Development & Construction Management at E&O

To gain insight into the vision and features of Arica, we had the privilege of interviewing the Director of Development & Construction Management at E&O, Michael Tan. Aligning with E&O’s ethos of elevating life at every address, Michael emphasized that Arica goes beyond providing mere living spaces, offering features like a ground-level day care and a business lounge tailored to the modern work-from-home lifestyle. Arica’s array of fitness amenities and relaxation spaces, including gyms, courts, jacuzzis, sun decks, and communal areas, are complemented by rooftop event rooms and tranquil landscapes. Each aspect of Arica’s design embodies E&O’s vision, providing residents with a holistic living experience that enriches their everyday life.

With meticulous design addressing diverse needs, Arica blends functionality, aesthetics, and value. Integrating into a 15-minute city adds complexity, but collaboration with local authorities assures seamless amenity integration. Undeterred, Arica’s commitment stands strong – presenting not just an investment, but a haven of stability, convenience, and vibrant island living for its residents.

Find out more about ARICA @ ANDAMAN