Penang is set to establish a new badminton academy at Karpal Singh Drive, with the goal of nurturing world-class badminton players, following in the footsteps of the legendary Datuk Lee Chong Wei. The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who underscored the state government’s dedication to creating additional recreational spaces for sports activities. The academy is set to commence construction in the first quarter of 2024,

“We are fully committed to bringing this academy to life, and we anticipate its completion by 2029” stated Chief Minister Chow at a press conference in Komtar yesterday. The academy will be constructed on Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) land, with PGBC Sdn Bhd leading the project.

Chow expressed his optimism about producing more badminton talents in the future, citing the achievements of Chan Peng Soon, Lim Khim Wah, and Ong Ewe Hock, who have brought pride to Penang with their remarkable accomplishments.

Ong, the founder and chairman of PGBC Sdn Bhd, revealed plans to rent out the badminton courts at the academy, aiming to continue Penang’s supremacy in the sport by nurturing and developing more skilled shuttlers through the academy’s programs.

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The Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project, which has been scaled down from three islands to one following a request from the prime minister, will finally kick off with Gamuda Bhd starting Phase 1 of the reclamation works worth RM3.717 billion on July 1.

This involves about 1,260 acres of the total 2,300 acres to be reclaimed for the island known as Silicon Island (also known as Island A), which the project developer Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd — the 70:30 joint venture between Gamuda and the Penang state government — had previously estimated would cost RM6 billion in total to reclaim, with the cost of common infrastructure expected to be RM2.5 billion.

Under the project development agreement executed in March between the Penang state government and Silicon Island, which is undertaking the development entirely through the deployment of private sector capital, Silicon Island will award the full scope of Island A’s reclamation — comprising both reclamation and common infrastructure works and the building of a highway — to Gamuda’s wholly owned SRS TC Sdn Bhd as the turnkey contractor.

In a filing Thursday (June 22), Gamuda said Phase 1 of the reclamation works has now been awarded to SRS TC Sdn Bhd, who has in turn awarded it to Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd, another Gamuda wholly-owned unit.

The job is expected to be completed by June 30, 2030.

Source: TheEdgeMalaysia.com

Nibong Tebal Arena development project near Jalan Bukit Panchor has reached 80% of the construction progress as of last week, and is expected to be completed by October.

Penang Youth and Sports Exco, Soon Lip Chee, stated that the project started on August 16, 2021, and was originally scheduled to be completed on February 26. However, it faced various constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) previously.

Therefore, they hope that the project can be completed earlier than the new target completion date.

“After its completion, the Nibong Tebal Arena, which has nine badminton courts, can be used for national-level competitions. I hope this hall can be completed as soon as possible so that every competition can be held here, and it can also serve as a venue for ceremonies and other events,” he explained after conducting a site visit to the project today.

Chief Minister Y.A.B. Chow Kon Yeow officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nibong Tebal Arena development project at the original site of the old JKR quarters July last year, which covers an area of 1,808 acres or 7,316.72 square meters.

East Design Architect Sdn. Bhd. is the consultant for this project, while the contractor is Cemara Bina Jaya (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Capable of accommodating 98 dining tables or 1,200 people at a time, Nibong Tebal Arena is also equipped with various facilities, including 561 retractable chairs, guest rooms, delivery rooms, doping rooms, offices, stalls, 83 parking lots, and more.

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Proposed landed residential development by Brightleaf Sdn. Bhd. in Simpang Ampat. The location of the development is near Jalan Bukit Tambun and is in close proximity to the Iconic Point commercial hub. This location offers convenient connectivity to nearby townships through the Federal Route 1. Additionally, residents of this development can enjoy a quick and easy 5-minute drive to reach the Bukit Tambun Toll Plaza.

The proposed development comprises three phases. Phase 1 will feature 8 units of 2-storey semi-detached houses, 42 units of 2-storey terrace houses, and 10 units of 3-storey terrace houses. In Phase 2, there will be 10 units of 2-storey semi-detached houses, 33 units of 2-storey terrace houses, and 8 units of 3-storey terrace houses. Phase 3 is earmarked for future development, with specific details yet to be determined.

The project is still pending approval. More details to be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Simpang Ampat
Property Type : Residential
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 18 (semi-detached), 75 (2-storey terrace), 18 (3-storey terrace)
Indicative Price: (to be confirmed)
Developer: Brightleaf 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 urban renewal project for Mahsuri flats at Bayan Baru officially broke ground yesterday, with the first phase of the project expected to be completed by 2028.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hopes that the unity government led by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim can assist the urban renewal project (PSB) by revising existing laws to facilitate smoother progress of the project, benefiting not only the people of Penang but also the entire country.

He made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the urban renewal project at the Bayan Baru today.

“According to existing laws, in order to carry out a redevelopment plan, the consent of 100% of residents is required. If even one person opposes, the plan cannot proceed.”

He said that neighboring Singapore only requires the consent of 70% of local residents for their urban renewal project.

“The urban renewal project for the Mahsuri flats was able to proceed smoothly because it obtained the consent of 100% of the residents, but it is not always so fortunate.”

Therefore, he hopes that the central government can amend existing laws or formulate new ones to lower the consent threshold for residents and simplify procedures, allowing more people to benefit.

“This is a good plan, as residents can upgrade from the existing 250 to 500 sq.ft. units to larger units measuring 850 sq.ft., and from 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom to 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.”

Penang State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo, stated that besides the Mahsuri flats, the Taman Free School flat, Padang Tembak flats, Taman Siakap flats, and Mak Mandin flats will also undergo the urban renewal.

He mentioned that the first phase of the project for the Mahsuri flats is expected to be completed by 2028, with the second and third phases scheduled for completion in 2032.

He added that around 250 units and over a thousand residents are involved in the project, with an estimated cost of RM700 million.

“After the completion of the first phase, residents will move into the new units before the old flats are gradually demolished.”

Image source: Facebook