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

Mandarin Residence is an affordable housing development by Focal Products Sdn. Bhd. at Farlim in Penang. Located at the intersection of Jalan Teochew Satu and Jalan Thean Teik, next to Hui Aun Apartment. It is only 1km away from Sunshine Central. It’s conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from Thean Teik Highway, providing quick and easy access to a plethora of nearby amenities.

The proposed development consists of two 39-storey residential blocks, offering a total of 646 affordable units with 11 levels of car parking podium:

• Block A: Affordable (242 units), low-medium cost (81 units)
• Block B: Affordable (251 units), low-medium cost (72 units)

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing
• Full list of affordable housing in Penang

Property Project : Mandarin Residence
Location : Farlim, Ayer Itam
Property Type : Affordable housing
Total Units: 646
Built-up Area: 850 sq.ft. (affordable), 750 sq.ft. (low-medium cost)
Indicative Price: RM300,000 (affordable), RM150,000 (low-medium cost)
Expected completion: June 2026
Developer: Focal Products Sdn. Bhd.

About GEM Residences

GEM Residences, a commercial development by Belleview Group at Prai, Penang. It is part of the company’s 6 hectares mixed development along Jalan Baru, diagonally opposite Megamall Penang. Next to it will be the upcoming largest mall in the northern region – GEM Mall, the tenant mix include SOGO (first and largest departmental store in the northen region at 212,000 sq.ft.) and a supermarket (largest at 50,000 sq.ft.).

Find out more about GEM Residences

The long-awaited transit centre for the homeless or also known as the ‘Pusat Transit Gelandangan’ in Jalan C.Y. Choy in George Town will finally be made available from Aug 1 this year, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

Chow said it was very important for such an initiative to exist in any state for that matter to prioritise the safety of the homeless as they are also an important part of our society.

“This transit centre will be an ideal platform for the homeless, although temporary until they can return to their respective homes or be offered a space at any old folks’ home in the state.

“They (homeless) are one of us. So, we mustn’t neglect their existence but instead be more compassionate and provide the needful for them to run their daily lives.

“This project involves a lot of parties, such as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and many others.

“It is through their unwavering support and commitment that we can see this project finally kicking off,” Chow said in his speech during the launching and handing over ceremony of the transit centre from the state government to the state Welfare Department (JKM) in Jalan C.Y. Choy yesterday.

It is learnt that there are two units at the transit centre now, with one of them being an existing Category Two heritage building (two-storey), which has been conserved and maintained very well.

The other unit is a three-storey building that has been built just behind the heritage building.

Chow said a total of RM4.4 million had been spent by the Penang government on this project, which is located on a 1,370sq m land owned by the MBPP.

“I am made to understand that this transit centre can accommodate up to 88 residents, and it will be equipped with facilities such as laundry, café, recreational space for senior citizens, community centre and many others,” he added.

Chow also said there will be many opportunities for organisations and the public to contribute to the transit centre when it is fully operational from Aug 1.

“We have witnessed how busy the Komtar Bus Terminal area can be when donors stop their vehicles by the side to distribute food packets to the homeless.

“With this new initiative, the transit centre, which will also be known as a designated distribution centre, will enable interested parties to contribute food or other items to the homeless in a more systematic and organised manner.

“Also, we are open to welcoming NGOs and other bodies with the right skills to come in and conduct workshops, courses and exciting programmes to groom and equip the homeless to stay relevant and competitive in this era of digitalisation,” Chow said.

Meanwhile, state JKM director Zakaria Taib said each resident could live at the transit centre for a maximum period of 14 days subject to approval for extension if needed.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

A proposed mixed-use development by City Garden Penang Sdn. Bhd. in the bustling area of Jelutong. Situated at the intersection of Jalan Jelutong and Jalan Tengku, it is within close proximity to the recently launched Alton Skyvilla by Airmas Group. It is only a short walking distance to Sunshine Supermarket, with an abundance of other essential amenities nearby.

The proposed development will see the construction of a 37-storey serviced residence, including a 5-level car parking podium. The building will comprise 12 units of shop offices and 196 units of residential suites. The recreational facilities for residents will be situated on the 8th floor.

The project is currently in the planning stage, more details will be unveiled upon official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location: Jelutong
Property Type: Mixed development
Total Units: 196 (serviced suite), 12 (shop office)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price: (to be confirmed)
Developer: City Garden Penang 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.