Elsiedale Bungalow at Lebuhraya Halia, Mount Erskine

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will lease two heritage buildings in George Town to Mutiara Land Builders Sdn Bhd for commercial and tuition centre use under a “15+15+15” lease arrangement, potentially generating approximately RM3.88 million in rental income over a maximum period of 45 years.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the lease comprises three 15-year terms, with each renewal subject to the tenant fulfilling the lease conditions.

One of the buildings, a Grade II heritage property in Kampung Kolam, consists of 12 units, including six ground-floor commercial lots and six residential units on the upper floor. As the building has been deemed unsuitable for residential occupancy, the company will invest RM450,000 to restore the property and ensure it meets safety standards.

Heritage buildings at Jalan Kampung Kolam (Source: Buletin Mutiara)

MBPP will grant the tenant a six-month rent-free period to complete the restoration works. Upon completion, one of the units will be handed over to the council free of charge for public use.

The second heritage building, located along Lebuhraya Halia 2 in Mount Erskine, will be converted into a tuition centre. The monthly rental will begin at RM5,000 for the first three years, with a 5% increase every three years thereafter. The council expects to collect about RM994,000 in rental during the first 15 years, contributing to the projected RM3.88 million over the full lease period.

As part of its corporate social responsibility commitment, the tenant will also provide 20 free tuition places annually for students.

Rajendran said the company secured the lease after submitting the highest rental bid through an open tender process.

SkyWorld Development Berhad (“SkyWorld” or “the Company”) has reached a significant milestone in its regional growth journey with the official opening of its first overseas Sales Gallery and Office in Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The new Sales Gallery marks SkyWorld’s first permanent physical presence outside Malaysia, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to expanding its proven development expertise into Southeast Asia. More than a sales centre, the gallery serves as an immersive showcase where prospective homebuyers can experience SkyWorld’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovative design and healthier living.

The gallery features SkySOLIS, a three-tower residential development comprising 1,101 units strategically located in Ho Chi Minh City. Designed around SkyWorld’s Healthy Home principles and built with Malaysia’s QLASSIC quality standards, SkySOLIS reflects the Company’s approach to delivering quality homes that promote better living. The development will also introduce the SkyWorld Connects App, providing residents with seamless digital access to visitor management, facility bookings and community services.

Mr. Lee Chee Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SkyWorld Development Berhad, said, “The opening of our first overseas Sales Gallery represents an important milestone in SkyWorld’s regional expansion. It reflects our confidence in bringing our proven development model beyond Malaysia while introducing the SkyWorld experience to a new market. Through SkySOLIS, we are committed to delivering quality homes, healthier living environments and smart community solutions that create lasting value for homeowners.”

The opening of the Vietnam Sales Gallery and the launch of SkySOLIS represent the first tangible milestones under SkyWorld 2040, the Company’s long-term growth strategy to expand its presence across Southeast Asia and build sustainable, future-ready communities beyond Malaysia.

The Sales Gallery and Office is located at 179 Ly Chinh Thang Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, serving as the company’s dedicated customer experience centre for prospective homebuyers and business partners in Ho Chi Minh City.

Fort Cornwallis has reopened after an extensive restoration, marking a significant milestone in Penang’s efforts to revitalise its historic waterfront while reinforcing George Town’s status as a world-class heritage destination.

Officially reopening the landmark, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the restoration goes beyond preserving a colonial-era monument. Instead, it provides an opportunity for Malaysians to reclaim and reinterpret their history through their own perspective.

He said the fort should serve as a living classroom where future generations can learn about the nation’s struggles, resilience and journey towards independence, rather than merely reflecting on its colonial past.

“Our history must be reconstructed by our own people to reflect the sacrifices, struggles and aspirations of the nation,” he said, adding that Fort Cornwallis stands as a reminder of a time when major decisions affecting Penang were made by foreign powers.

Anwar also stressed that rapid economic progress should not come at the expense of cultural identity, noting that Penang’s achievements as a leading industrial and semiconductor hub must be complemented by continued investment in heritage conservation.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the reopening as a key milestone under the North Seafront Programme, a long-term initiative to transform George Town’s historic waterfront into a vibrant public destination that seamlessly integrates heritage, tourism and urban development.

Nearly RM50 million has been invested by the Penang government through Penang Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), in collaboration with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Think City, to deliver several completed projects under the master plan. These include the upgrading of Padang Kota Lama, the Fountain Garden, Esplanade Seawall, Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Linear Garden, Fort Cornwallis Gallery, the restoration of the historic moat and the redevelopment of Astaka Kota Selera.

Chow said Fort Cornwallis remains the cornerstone of the North Seafront Programme, demonstrating that heritage conservation can drive economic growth while preserving George Town’s unique identity.

Today, the revitalised fort offers more than a restored historical attraction. It is envisioned as a vibrant public space that supports educational programmes, cultural activities, tourism and local businesses, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs while enhancing the visitor experience along Penang’s iconic waterfront.

The North Seafront transformation will continue through additional projects until 2030, further strengthening the area as a connected public realm that balances heritage conservation with modern urban development.

The restoration has also earned international recognition. The Esplanade Seawall strengthening project received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award under the New Design in Heritage Context and Sustainable Development categories earlier this year, while Astaka Kota Selera was honoured with the Gold Award and Building of the Year by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).

Together, the projects demonstrate how heritage conservation can become a catalyst for urban regeneration, ensuring George Town’s rich history continues to support its future as a thriving cultural, tourism and economic destination.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The upgrading of Komtar Walk has reached 32% completion and remains on track for full completion by October 2026, bringing a refreshed, modern look to one of Penang’s most recognisable landmarks.

PDC Setia Urus Sdn. Bhd. chief executive officer Loi Kai Horng said the rejuvenation works are progressing according to schedule.

The project includes improvements to the stormwater drainage system, replacement of glass panels and structural components, new flooring, and the installation of a new LED display screen.

Once completed, the upgraded entrance to Komtar Walk is expected to offer a more contemporary and attractive appearance while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Loi said the works will also address longstanding water leakage issues during heavy rainfall, in addition to improving safety and comfort for visitors.

He added that the rejuvenation project forms part of the Penang Development Corporation’s (PDC) ongoing efforts to preserve and strengthen Komtar’s status as one of Penang’s most iconic buildings.

The initiative also aligns with the vision of Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who has been advocating efforts to revitalise the landmark and reinforce its role as a key destination in the state.

The facelift is expected to contribute to the continued transformation of the Komtar precinct, enhancing its appeal to both locals and tourists while supporting broader urban renewal efforts in George Town.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche segment in Malaysia, and their growing adoption is beginning to influence how new property developments are planned and marketed. In Penang, EV charging facilities are increasingly being viewed as an essential amenity rather than a premium add-on.

While public charging infrastructure continues to expand across the state, developers are also preparing for a future where more residents own electric vehicles. Incorporating EV charging facilities during the design and construction stage is not only more cost-effective than retrofitting later, but also helps future-proof developments against evolving homeowner expectations.

One such example is M Amaya by Mah Sing in Batu Maung. The development, which is being designed to be rated GreenRE Gold once completed, will come equipped with 20 EV charging stations, which is the biggest provision of EV charging infrastructure planned in a property development in Penang to date. Together with other green features like solar-powered common areas, rainwater harvesting system, energy efficient LED lighting and low VOC paint, the development is indicative of a trend toward EV-ready property developments.

The shift is also supported by planning policies. Penang’s planning guideline requires new developments to allocate at least 2% of parking bays as EV charging-ready spaces, encouraging developers to prepare their projects for the state’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

With a growing range of affordable electric vehicle (EV) models available in the Malaysian market, EV ownership is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. As the cost of switching to electric mobility becomes more accessible, demand for convenient residential charging facilities is likely to grow in tandem.

As EV adoption continues to accelerate, developments that incorporate EV charging infrastructure from the outset are expected to enjoy a competitive advantage over those that require costly retrofits in the future. For homebuyers, it offers greater convenience and peace of mind, while for developers, it represents an investment in future-proofing their projects to meet changing lifestyle needs. As Penang embraces a greener and more sustainable future, EV-ready developments are poised to become an increasingly important benchmark of quality and long-term value.