Dog owners in Penang will soon have a designated space to enjoy outdoor activities with their pets, as Casa Permai Central Park in Tanjung Bungah is set to become Penang Island’s first pet-friendly park.

According to a report by Kwong Wah Yit Poh, signboards outlining the park’s rules have already been installed, with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) expected to officially launch the initiative once the remaining work is completed.

Penang Island City Councillor Lee Cheng Hwai said the initiative aims to better manage the park’s existing use by pet owners while promoting responsible pet ownership. Casa Permai Central Park has long been a popular spot for residents and nearby communities to walk their dogs and spend time with their pets.

Under the new guidelines, pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are required to clean up after their animals immediately. Pets will not be allowed in children’s playgrounds, while animals must not be left unattended. The guidelines also prohibit feeding stray animals and strongly recommend that pets wear muzzles. Park users are also reminded to respect others sharing the public space.

Lee said a survey conducted at Casa Permai Central Park in June showed that feedback generally favoured the proposal, with respondents highlighting the importance of keeping pets leashed and maintaining cleanliness.

However, the plan has also raised concerns among some nearby residents, particularly over hygiene. One long-time resident told Kwong Wah Yit Poh that irresponsible owners sometimes leave dog waste behind or discard plastic bags improperly, contributing to unpleasant odours and litter around the park. He called for regular patrols and more frequent cleaning of the surrounding area and drains.

MBPP will conduct periodic patrols to monitor compliance, raise awareness of the rules and take appropriate enforcement action against violations where applicable.

For now, the council will focus on implementing the initiative at Casa Permai Central Park before considering whether similar facilities could be introduced elsewhere. Lee noted that not every public park is suitable for pets, as each location has different layouts, facilities, surrounding communities and safety considerations.

The initiative aims to create a shared public space where pet owners and other visitors can enjoy the park while keeping it clean, safe and comfortable for everyone.

Images souce: Kwong Wah Yit Poh

Paramount Property has topped out Seiras Residences, the RM266 million fifth residential phase of its integrated Utropolis Batu Kawan development in Penang, marking the completion of its main structural works ahead of its targeted completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Launched in 2025, Seiras Residences comprises a 43-storey residential tower featuring 411 fully furnished units, each measuring approximately 1,033 sq ft. The development offers dual-key and triple-key configurations, catering to flexible living arrangements and the needs of different households.

With the main structure completed, construction will now progress to architectural works, interior finishes, communal facilities and unit fit-outs.

Paramount Property Northern Region CEO Wang Chong Hwa said the milestone brings the developer closer to delivering the homes to purchasers while reflecting the continued growth of Utropolis Batu Kawan.

Since establishing Utropolis Batu Kawan a decade ago, Paramount Property has progressively expanded the integrated development with residential, commercial and lifestyle components, contributing to Batu Kawan’s transformation into a growing urban centre.

The topping-out of Seiras Residences marks another step in the developer’s efforts to build a well-connected community catering to people living, working and spending time in the area.

About Lightwater Residences

The second residential project at The Light City by IJM Perennial Development Sdn. Bhd. features two 34-story towers with 262 freehold luxury homes, each equipped with a private lift. Located near the Penang Bridge and adjacent to The Waterfront Shoppes, unit sizes range from 1,324 sq.ft. to 3,466 sq.ft. with facilities on levels 6 and 25.

*Photo taken in Sep 2026

Find out more about Lightwater Residences

A proposed landed housing development near Taman Bidara in Bukit Mertajam, on a 7.3-acre site along Jalan Bidara 1. The development is located less than 10 minutes’ drive from Machang Bubok and Kulim town centre, offering convenient access to nearby residential areas, amenities and commercial facilities via Jalan Kulim.

The project is planned to be developed in two phases, comprising a total of 64 two-storey landed homes. Phase 1 will feature 20 units of two-storey terrace houses and 14 units of two-storey semi-detached houses, while Phase 2 will comprise a further 30 units of two-storey semi-detached houses.

The project is still in its planning stage and more details will be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 7.3 acres
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 20 (terrace), 44 (semi-detached)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

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.

Penang has earned further international recognition in tourism after being named one of the world’s 25 best places to visit in 2027 by National Geographic, highlighting the state’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and renowned food scene.

The recognition places Penang on the prestigious list of destinations recommended by the internationally acclaimed publication, making it the only destination in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to be featured.

State executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who oversees tourism, culture and the creative economy, said the recognition would further strengthen Penang’s position as an international tourism destination.

“Penang is proud to be among the destinations featured in this prestigious annual list, which offers travellers inspiration and compelling reasons to explore the world in the coming year,” he said.

Wong explained that the selection followed a comprehensive nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams.

He added that National Geographic’s global reach and storytelling have long inspired travellers to discover new destinations, experience different cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Penang’s latest achievement builds on its previous recognition in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage of the best islands in Southeast Asia for food, which celebrated the state’s distinctive culinary heritage.

From George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic architecture to its multicultural traditions and vibrant street food, Penang continues to offer visitors a distinctive mix of experiences.

Wong said the latest recognition reinforced the state’s international appeal and reflected the unique qualities that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

He added that the state would continue to strengthen its tourism brand, raise its international profile and enhance its appeal to welcome more international visitors.

The latest recognition is expected to raise Penang’s visibility among global travellers planning their holidays for 2027, providing another opportunity for the state to showcase its heritage, culture and gastronomic attractions to a wider audience.