A massive fire broke out at Chew Jetty here early this morning, prompting a major firefighting operation to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties.

Firefighters successfully contained the fire and confirmed that five premises were engulfed. These comprised a car paint shop, workshop, welding shop, scrap goods dealer and timber factory.

Chew Jetty, one of George Town’s best-known waterfront landmarks, is the largest and one of the oldest of Penang’s Chinese clan jetties. Built on wooden stilts above the sea, the settlement dates back to the 19th century and is known for its traditional stilt houses and wooden walkways.

Northeast District Zone 1 operations officer Rosli Ibrahim said the Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 1.08am.

Some 30 firefighters from four stations were deployed, assisted by 17 Volunteer Fire Brigades, police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force.

No casualties were reported.

Firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to a nearby petrol station and surrounding residential areas.

The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation.

Picture source: PenangToday Community (Facebook)

The Rimbun, the latest residential development by PTL Properties Sdn Bhd, has received strong market response since its Sales Gallery officially opened on 12 July 2026, with the project preview commencing on the same day.

Since opening its doors to prospective homebuyers, The Rimbun has achieved an encouraging 70% reservation rate, reflecting strong interest in the development and growing demand for well-planned, affordable homes on Penang Mainland.

Located in Permatang Tinggi, Bukit Mertajam, The Rimbun is an affordable strata townhouse development designed around the practical needs of modern families.

For PTL Properties, a good residential development is more than just a house. It is a place where families feel secure, children grow, and everyday life takes shape.

This belief is reflected in the company’s philosophy:

“Affordability should never mean compromising on quality.”

PTL Properties focuses on landed and boutique residential developments, placing strong emphasis on practical design, quality, location, convenience and long-term liveability. The company believes a good home should not only be affordable to own today, but also remain comfortable and practical for many years to come.

The Rimbun continues this approach with 664 freehold townhouse units, offering two built-up options of approximately 981 sq.ft. and 1,250 sq.ft. Each unit features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by a gated and guarded environment and clubhouse facilities including a swimming pool, gym, outdoor gym, community hall and BBQ pit area.

A Growing Track Record on Penang Mainland

The Rimbun also represents the latest chapter in PTL Properties’ growing presence across Penang Mainland.

The developer’s track record includes Woodlands Park in Bukit Mertajam, Sena Mas in Tasek Gelugor, Ari Altitude in Bukit Mertajam, and Ari Mellizo in Butterworth.

With The Rimbun, PTL continues to build on its experience in creating residential communities centred on functionality, accessibility and everyday comfort.

The development’s 70% reservation rate following the opening of its Sales Gallery and preview on 12 July 2026 provides an encouraging indication of market confidence in both the project and the developer behind it.

Ultimately, buying a home is about more than owning a property. It is about choosing a place where families can build their lives for years to come.

PTL Properties. Built on quality. Designed for better living.

For further enquiries, please contact PTL Properties at +6012-904 4277 or complete the registration form below.

The Penang state government has been urged to expedite the development of 419 affordable housing units on a long-vacant parcel of land in Sungai Dua, Northeast District, which has remained undeveloped for about 35 years.

Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan said the approximately 1.9-acre site comprising Lots 9117 and 20113, located next to Vanda Business Park Sungai Dua, has been earmarked for development since 1991.

He said the original proposal included not only affordable housing, but also commercial components, public facilities, a dry market, a modern public market and parking facilities.

“As the area’s assemblyman, my position is clear, the affordable housing component and these facilities must be retained. I do not want a high-end project that is ultimately unaffordable to the people,” he said during a recent visit to the site with members of the media.

Kumaresan said the status of the project has been raised repeatedly in the Penang State Legislative Assembly since 2019, including requests for updates on its implementation.

He said the state government had previously indicated in November 2022 that the project was expected to begin in 2023. However, no progress has been made.

In 2025, the state government reportedly said the landowner, Hamna Sdn Bhd, had partnered with another developer to undertake the project, but the collaboration was subsequently terminated.

The latest update on May 8, 2026 stated that discussions on a joint venture to develop the RMM project were still ongoing, with the appointment of a developer yet to be finalised.

Kumaresan had previously proposed that the state government open a Request for Proposal (RFP) to allow interested private developers to submit proposals for the project.

He said several private parties had expressed interest, although any development would have to take into account existing agreements and court decisions requiring consent from the relevant parties.

“If Hamna is unable to develop the land, the state government has other options, including opening an RFP or considering development through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC),” he said.

“We have already waited 35 years. This project should not be delayed any further.”

Looking for a new landed home in an established Bukit Mertajam neighborhood?

Sunway Wellesley Serene Villas is taking shape, with construction progressing towards its targeted 2027 completion.

LATEST PROMO : UP TO RM66,888* IN VALUE

For a limited time, homebuyers can enjoy a package worth up to RM66,888*:

• Free Kitchen Cabinets – worth up to RM18,000*
• Free Air-Conditioners – worth up to RM10,000*
• Special DIP Incentive – up to RM38,888*

The package offers added practical value to help make your new home more move-in ready.

LANDED LIVING WITH LIFESTYLE FACILITIES

Located within Sunway Wellesley, Serene Villas comprises 210 homes in a gated & guarded community, with access to residents-only lifestyle facilities including:

• Swimming Pool
• Fully Equipped Gymnasium
• Tree-lined Jogging Trail
• Outdoor Fitness Area
• Half Basketball cum Pickleball Court

The development is part of an established neighborhood, with shopping, healthcare, education, sports and other everyday conveniences within easy reach.

The ETS station is also nearby, while the proposed LRT station could further enhance the area’s future connectivity, giving residents more options for travelling beyond immediate neighborhood.

In other words, the home is new, but the neighborhood is already established.

SEE THE PROGRESS. COME EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF

Construction is progressing on site – now is a good time to visit and see Serene Villas for yourself.

Step into the Sunway Wellesley Show Village to explore the actual show units, understand the layout and lifestyle facilities, and see how the development is taking shape.

Ready to visit?

WhatsApp to arrange your show units viewing:

Jacky: bit.ly/JC-SWSVxPPT
Li Siah: bit.ly/CLS-SWSVxPPT

Come see the progress. Walk through the homes. Imagine yourself living here.

Motorists heading towards George Town can expect temporary nightly closures along part of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway from Sept 7 to 9 due to ongoing highway construction works.

IJM Land Bhd, developer of The Light Waterfront Penang, said the closures will take place from 10pm to 5am daily, affecting the stretch between the Jalan Tunku Kudin junction and Jalan Ahmad Nor.

The temporary traffic diversion is required to facilitate construction of an elevated U-turn facility, which is intended to complement the upcoming Air Itam Bypass and help ease congestion along the expressway.

Motorists travelling towards George Town during the affected hours are advised to plan their journeys ahead, follow on-site traffic signage and exercise caution when approaching the construction area.