Introducing Dahlia, the latest addition to the thriving Botanica.CT township, a master-planned, garden-inspired development by MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd. Dahlia offers brand-new homes from an unbeatable price from RM2xx,xxx* — making it one of the most attractively priced new freehold residences in Penang Island today. Strategically located in Balik Pulau’s only integrated garden township – Botanica.CT.

A Sanctuary within Nature

Set within the vibrant Botanica. CT township, Dahlia is surrounded by scenic greenery, fresh air, and panoramic views of Balik Pulau’s natural beauty. This thoughtfully designed apartment development brings together the essence of suburban tranquillity and the convenience of modern living, offering residents a peaceful retreat away from the island’s urban hustle.

Functional Design, Everyday Comfort

Dahlia is a low density, 16-storey apartment, comprising four levels of car parking podium and a total of 143 units of residential units. Dahlia presents practical, functional layouts ideal for young couples, young families and first-time homebuyers. With unit sizes of 850 sq.ft., each home is designed for optimal space usage, natural lighting, and comfort.

Lifestyle Amenities for All Ages

Being part of the Botanica CT master plan, Dahlia residents also benefit from proximity to existing amenities such as various residential properties, a commercial precinct and the Prince of Wales Island International School. Upcoming developments include a 173-bed Selgate Specialist Hospital, a Wetland Park and Eden at Botanica CT – The First Integrated Senior Living Resort in Penang.

Strategic Connectivity in Balik Pulau

Located just a short drive from Penang Island’s key destinations, Dahlia offers excellent connectivity to:

• Balik Pulau Town Centre – 3.4KM
• Klinik Kesihatan Air Puteh – 1.4KM
• Penang International Airport – 17KM
• Second Penang Bridge – 22 KM
• George Town – 25KM

Despite its serene surroundings, Dahlia ensures residents remain connected to urban conveniences while enjoying the charms of Balik Pulau’s laid-back lifestyle.

A Rare Opportunity on Penang Island

In a market where new homes on Penang Island typically start from RM400,000 and above, Dahlia offers a rare chance to own freehold property at an entry price of just RM2xx,xxx*. Whether you’re starting your homeownership journey or investing in long-term value, Dahlia presents an unmatched opportunity within an established township.

Project Name: Dahlia
Location: Balik Pulau
Property Type: Apartment
Land Area: 1.001 acres
Buil-up Size: 850 sq.ft.
Indicative Price: RM2xx,000 onwards
Developer: MTT Properties & Development

For enquiries, contact MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd Sales Gallery

• Johannson (wa.me/60124633699)
• Asmu’I (wa.me/60125707699)
• Mei Ling (wa.me/60124958699)

Or visit the Sales Gallery at:
Botanica.CT Sales Gallery, No.8-10, Jalan Sungai Air Putih, 11000, Balik Pulau, Penang

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM5 million to implement several new basic infrastructure projects in the Southwest District of Penang, particularly in Teluk Kumbar. These projects are in addition to those already planned, and are aimed at addressing the pressing needs of local residents.

In conjunction with this, Anwar also approved the establishment of a mini Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) at the upcoming Kompleks Madani Teluk Kumbar. The complex, which is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by 31 January 2027.

“There are currently two UTCs in Penang—at Komtar and Bagan—and now we’re adding a mini UTC at Kompleks Madani Teluk Kumbar to better serve residents here,” Anwar said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the complex.

He expressed confidence that the new facility would offer a more comprehensive range of services, benefitting communities in Teluk Kumbar and nearby areas. He added that the newly announced RM5 million allocation would be managed by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) to fund additional public infrastructure developments in Teluk Kumbar, Balik Pulau, and surrounding areas.

“All projects must commence this year. We want applications to be submitted in an orderly manner so approvals can be expedited,” Anwar stressed.

The event was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Y.A.B. Chow Kon Yeow, Minister of Local Government Development Nga Kor Ming, and other federal and state officials.

Chief Minister Chow noted that Kompleks Madani Teluk Kumbar—costing RM25 million—is more than just a new public market. “This will be a long-awaited landmark for Teluk Kumbar, improving local infrastructure and addressing traffic congestion, especially in Bayan Lepas,” he said.

According to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran, the complex is being built on 4.37 acres of land and will include 78 stalls, eight kiosks, a multi-purpose hall with five badminton courts, administrative offices, and dedicated parking for 103 cars, 54 motorcycles, and 22 bicycles.

Spanning 74,000 square feet over two floors, the complex will also feature green building elements, universal design accessibility, toilets, changing rooms, and other public amenities.

“This project will stimulate the local economy and uplift the quality of life for the community. It reflects MBPP’s commitment to the Penang2030 vision and the ideals of Malaysia Madani—good governance, inclusivity, and people-focused development,” Rajendran added.

The mini UTC will further enhance the complex’s role as a hub for essential public services, enabling residents to conveniently access government agency services without needing to travel far.

SkyWorld Development Berhad (“SkyWorld”), Malaysia’s leading city developer, marked a significant milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony in Seberang Jaya, officially commencing the development of the nation’s largest affordable housing project under the Rumah Bakat MADANI initiative. The event was officiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Anwar Bin Ibrahim.

This momentous occasion also marks SkyWorld’s first venture in Penang, coming just eight months after the signing of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Properties, demonstrating rapid execution and strong collaboration under the Malaysia MADANI vision.

SkyWorld Pearlmont will be the first development in Penang to fully adopt Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) technology, setting a new standard in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. It will also feature a vertical school, the first of its kind to be incorporated within an affordable housing development in the state, offering greater convenience and accessibility for working families.

This development will serve as a public-private initiative aimed at delivering more than 35,000 units under the Rumah Bakat MADANI scheme.

Innovation Through PPVC: Building Better, Faster, Smarter

SkyWorld Pearlmont introduces a new benchmark for affordable homes by becoming Penang’s first PPVC residential development. Often described as the “LEGO” of construction, PPVC modules are fully built, tiled, painted, and fitted off-site before being assembled onsite, drastically improving construction speed, quality, and site safety, while minimizing environmental impact.

“Because of PPVC technology, we are able to bring high quality and a new standard of living at a faster pace,” said Mr. Lee Chee Seng, CEO of SkyWorld. “This is a product built with premium quality but priced affordably, a breakthrough made possible by our PPVC innovation.”

The project will come with real, tangible benefits:

• 10-year warranty on waterproofing and piping.
• RM0.18/sf maintenance fee cap for 10 years.
• A benchmark of 85% QLASSIC build quality score certified by CIDB.

A Vertical School Supporting Modern Families

To reduce time, cost, and stress for working parents, SkyWorld Pearlmont will include the country’s first Vertical School, directly accessible within the development.

Vertical schools represent an architectural evolution in educational design, where learning environments are structured within multi-level, purpose-built towers rather than sprawling, land-intensive campuses. 

This vertical format is especially suited for urban and high-density settings, allowing architects to maximise limited land while maintaining functional, child-centric spaces. Each floor is typically designed to serve a specific age group or learning theme, with clear spatial zoning that supports developmental needs and intuitive wayfinding. 

SkyWorld Pearlmont – Designed for Generations

Set on 31 acres of freehold land in the heart of Seberang Jaya, Phase 1A of SkyWorld Pearlmont offers:

• 1,846 units in 3 towers, 900 sq ft each with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Prices from RM328,000 – RM382,000, including options with 1 or 2 carparks
• 10-acre elevated landscape park, the largest in Penang
• SkyWorld Healthy Home features: passive design, natural light & ventilation
• Pay-per-Use clubhouse with infinity pool, pickleball/badminton courts, kids’ playland, gym
• Smart community living via the SkyWorld Connects App

Inclusive Ownership, Economic Impact

Unlike traditional public housing, Rumah Bakat MADANI units are freehold and open to all Malaysians, including non-Penangites working in the state, particularly in the E&E (Electric and Electronic) and industrial sectors that drive Penang’s economy.

This project aims to not only invite young talents from across Malaysia to call Penang home or only about housing, but it is also about building a stronger economy and community. 

A National Model for Public-Private Collaboration

SkyWorld Pearlmont is part of a broader initiative to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025 and stands as a national model for collaborative governance.

Backed by SkyWorld’s proven track record of three consecutive FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence wins, the company is now bringing that global standard into affordable housing, demonstrating its consistency and commitment to delivering quality developments across Malaysia.

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Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the long-anticipated expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) by June 2028. Estimated at RM1.55 billion, the project is aimed at addressing long-term capacity constraints and elevating the overall passenger experience at one of the country’s busiest regional airports.

The expansion will more than double PIA’s annual handling capacity—from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers—preparing the airport to meet future demand. According to MAHB group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, the project is being carried out in three phases. Phase One, which includes relocating government agency offices such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Malaysian Meteorological Department, is already underway. Phase Two, focusing on apron expansion, is also in progress. Meanwhile, Phase Three, which involves the main terminal expansion, is in the final design stage. MAHB expects to secure board approval and appoint a contractor by the end of the year.

“The target completion date remains June 2028, and we are committed to meeting that timeline,” said Mohd Izani during a recent media briefing outlining MAHB’s strategic direction.

The expansion is not only expected to ease current congestion but also to position Penang as a more competitive regional hub, particularly as the island continues to see growth in tourism, business travel, and industrial activity. Mohd Izani highlighted that the airport plays a vital role in Penang’s broader economic ecosystem, and the upgrade will ensure it is equipped to support the state’s long-term development goals.

While the focus remains on Penang, MAHB is also moving forward with upgrades at other key airports. These include expansion plans for Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and improvement works at tier-two airports such as Tawau, Miri, and Kota Bharu. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding a new airport proposal in Sarawak and further enhancements to Subang and Langkawi airports.

A recent survey by a market research firm has revealed deep generational and ethnic divides on the issue of racial discrimination in Malaysia’s rental housing market. The findings suggest that while many Malaysians support regulation, views differ sharply on whether landlords should be allowed to select tenants based on race.

The survey, which involved over 1,100 respondents, showed that nearly 57% were in favour of a law to regulate residential tenancies, with only 10% expressing outright opposition. However, opinions diverged when it came to banning racial discrimination in the rental process.

Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 39% supported making it illegal for landlords to choose tenants based on race — the only age group where this view was the most common. In contrast, nearly 59% of those aged 35 to 54 believed landlords should retain the right to make rental decisions based on racial considerations. Overall, almost half of all respondents supported landlords’ discretion to select tenants by race, while 31% favoured a legal ban on such practices.

The findings were shared during a public forum held by a civil society organisation focused on diversity and inclusion. The forum coincided with the release of a new report highlighting discriminatory practices in the rental market and renewed calls for the long-awaited Residential Tenancy Act to be passed.

A key concern raised was the disproportionate impact of discrimination on young Malaysians from minority backgrounds, particularly those who rely on rental housing for education or employment opportunities in urban centres. Many participants described landlords’ racial preferences as being driven by fear of problematic tenants, concerns over cultural or religious differences, or personal biases disguised as preference.

Among the ethnic groups surveyed, Malaysian Indians reported the highest levels of discrimination and the strongest support for legislative change, with nearly 64% in favour of banning racial criteria in rental decisions. Full-time students and unemployed individuals also showed high levels of support for reform, though they were among the groups least supportive of an additional proposal — a rent tribunal to help resolve disputes.

The idea of setting up a rent tribunal received majority support overall, especially among older respondents and higher-income groups, who viewed it as a low-cost alternative to resolving issues such as deposit disputes and wrongful evictions. Advocates say such a tribunal could improve transparency and accountability without the burden of legal fees.

Critics at the forum also raised concerns about flawed housing data that may be misguiding national policy. A researcher pointed out a significant discrepancy between official rent statistics and actual market listings, calling for better data collection methods.

Forum participants stressed that while landlords’ concerns are not unfounded, regulation should aim to strike a balance between protecting property owners and ensuring fair access to housing for all. Advocates warned that passing a tenancy act without addressing racial bias would be a missed opportunity for meaningful reform.

As one speaker put it, the existence of discrimination — even if affecting a minority — is reason enough for action. “The law exists to draw a moral line and provide recourse to those harmed,” they said, urging lawmakers not to ignore the experiences of those who continue to face unjust barriers in finding a place to live.Younger Malaysians Push for Ban on Racial Discrimination in Rental Housing