Source: Buletin Mutiara

Nature enthusiasts and culture seekers now have a fresh reason to explore Seberang Perai with the launch of the Penang River Cruise at Auto-City Juru. Officially opened at the River Park Jetty, this two-hour journey along Sungai Juru offers passengers a close encounter with the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional heritage.

The cruise takes visitors through a landscape rich with mangroves, aquaculture farms, paddy fields, and charming fishing villages. Along the way, passengers may be greeted by playful silvered leaf monkeys, giant squirrels leaping through the treetops, and a wide variety of birdlife, from soaring eagles to woodpeckers and waterbirds. The river is also home to reptiles including mangrove snakes, pit vipers, and even the rare dog-faced water snake, turning the voyage into a real-life nature documentary.

Beyond sightseeing, the cruise features hands-on activities such as crab trapping, net fishing, and clam gathering, making it a highly interactive and family-friendly attraction. One highlight is the “Mirror of the Sky” phenomenon, where calm waters perfectly reflect riverside cottages, fishing boats, and lush greenery to create a postcard-perfect view.

At the launch event, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the cruise as a “shining star” in Seberang Perai’s tourism offering. Drawing comparisons with world-famous river cruises on the Mekong, Yangtze, and Nile, Wong emphasised that Sungai Juru, though modest at just 15km, has its own charm.

“Sungai Juru may be small, but it is small yet beautiful. A complete cruise can be done in just two hours, ideal for today’s travellers who seek immersive experiences without needing days to explore,” Wong said. He also highlighted the educational value of the trip, which introduces visitors to ecology, conservation, and sustainable practices in a fun and engaging way.

The Penang River Cruise complements Auto-City’s existing reputation as a hub for food, retail, and entertainment, creating a holistic experience for both locals and tourists. According to Auto-City founder and general manager Gary Teoh, researchers have identified six distinct habitats along the river, ranging from mangroves and nipah palms to diverse wildlife.

“These elements combine education, conservation awareness, and entertainment to mesmerise visitors. The hands-on activities, from crab catching to casting fishing nets, make the experience truly memorable,” Teoh said.

The launch was attended by state representatives, Penang Global Tourism, and Tourism Malaysia officials, underscoring the cruise’s significance to the state’s tourism growth.

The long-awaited North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) is set to bring major relief to Penang’s northern coastline, providing residents, commuters, and tourists with a crucial alternative to the often-congested Jalan Batu Ferringhi.

For years, the single-carriageway route from George Town to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang has struggled with overwhelming traffic, particularly during peak hours, festive periods, and holiday weekends. Accidents, heavy rain, or fallen debris frequently worsen the situation, leaving vehicles stranded in gridlock for hours and delaying emergency services.

To address these long-standing challenges, the Penang government is pressing forward with the NCPR project, a 10.61km highway that will drastically cut travel times and improve accessibility. According to state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the NCPR will consist of 8.41km of at-grade road and a 2.2km coastal viaduct.

The new route will stretch from Tanjung Bunga to Teluk Bahang, bypassing key choke points along the current road. It will pass the iconic Masjid Terapung (Floating Mosque), extend over the sea near Shamrock, cut through Batu Ferringhi, and end in Teluk Bahang. Once completed, the highway will slash peak travel times from 30–45 minutes to just seven minutes.

Construction of the RM2.9 billion project, which includes RM500 million for land acquisition, is expected to begin in 2026 following final agreements between the state government and Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC). Detailed design work, along with environmental and land processes, will take up to 1.5 years. Work will first commence on state-owned land.

“This is more than just a road project,” said Zairil. “The NCPR is a vital lifeline that will ease severe congestion, improve emergency response times, and enhance safety along Penang’s northern corridor.”

Beyond resolving traffic woes, the NCPR is also expected to stimulate socio-economic development. By strengthening connectivity, the project could open new opportunities for businesses and tourism in the northern coastal belt, further driving Penang’s economic growth.

“With this investment, we are ensuring Penang remains competitive and resilient,” Zairil added. “The NCPR will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike, supporting sustainable growth for decades to come.”

Scheduled for completion in 2031, the North Coastal Paired Road promises not only smoother and safer travel but also a stronger foundation for Penang’s long-term development.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has confirmed that the much-anticipated Sungai Dua to Juru elevated highway project is progressing to the next phase, with tendering and contractor appointments currently underway. The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place in early November, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Although the project is estimated to take at least five to six years to complete, Chow stressed its long-term significance. Once finished, the elevated highway will not only ease traffic flow between Sungai Dua and Juru but also enhance accessibility around major connecting points, such as Jalan Kebun Nenas and the Penang Bridge interchange along the North-South Expressway.

Chow reiterated his view that the future of Penang lies in Seberang Perai, where rapid industrial growth continues to fuel economic activity and stimulate housing development. However, he acknowledged that with expansion comes challenges. Rising population numbers and vehicle ownership have led to worsening traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. “If road issues are not resolved promptly, residents will continue to face daily gridlocks—whether commuting to work or school,” he noted.

The state government, he said, is committed to tackling such concerns by securing several large-scale infrastructure projects. Among them, the Sungai Dua–Juru elevated highway stands out as one of the quickest to receive federal approval after Penang raised the matter with the Prime Minister. “Traffic congestion along the North-South Expressway is extremely serious. We highlighted this to the Prime Minister, and this project was approved faster than many others I have sought. I believe it will bring meaningful relief to the situation,” Chow explained.

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A modern high-rise within the 44.3-acre Utropolis Batu Kawan integrated development, strategically positioned near UOW Malaysia KDU, The Ship Campus, Columbia Asia Hospital, IKEA, Design Village, and the Second Penang Bridge. Introducing Penang’s first triple-key concept, it offers highly flexible layouts—from dual-key units with a private studio to triple-key units featuring three self-contained suites—designed for multi-generational living, co-living, or strong rental potential.

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*Photo taken in Aug 2025

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JKP Sdn. Bhd. (JKPSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MKD) and implementing agency for the Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP), has launched Phase 6 and Phase 7 of its flagship Taman Seri Saujana project in Seberang Perai Selatan.

The pre-launch ceremony, held at Nibong Tebal Arena, was officiated by MPBPP chairman and JKPSB chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli. The event drew more than 1,000 attendees, including state leaders, government officials, industry partners, potential buyers, and members of the public.

Modern homes at competitive prices

Phase 6 features 32 double-storey semi-detached homes, while Phase 7 offers 42 double-storey terrace units, designed with modern layouts and family-friendly spaces. Each unit comes with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, catering to growing households seeking comfort and practicality.

• 2-storey semi-detached homes: From RM550,000 (Lot size min. 34’ x 70’, built-up min. 24’ x 37’)
• 2-storey terrace homes: From RM461,000 (Lot size min. 22’ x 65’, built-up min. 22’ x 32’)

Buyers will also enjoy added perks such as free legal fees for Sales & Purchase Agreements. The project is open to both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera purchasers.

A strategic township development

Spanning 34.3 acres, Taman Seri Saujana is a mixed development across seven phases, featuring affordable cluster homes, terrace houses, semi-detached units, shop offices, a community hall, and a surau. Its location in Mukim 7, Jalan Bukit Panchor, offers residents easy access to schools, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, Mydin, C-Mart, and other amenities.

The project has been designed to balance affordability with exclusivity, providing modern two-storey homes that emphasise both spaciousness and functionality.

Kenduri Rakyat brings community together

In line with JKPSB’s commitment to “merakyatkan pembangunan” (people-centric development), the launch was accompanied by a Kenduri Rakyat. Guests enjoyed a kampung-style feast, cultural performances, a children’s colouring contest, clown and face-painting activities, as well as exhibitions and financing counters by participating banks.

The event fostered a sense of togetherness while giving the community first-hand access to information about the project.

Commitment to community well-being

JKPSB Chief Executive Officer Farizul Arif Abd Mutalib said the company’s mission goes beyond property development.

“JKPSB is committed not only to delivering quality housing but also to uplifting community well-being through projects that are accessible and beneficial to the Bumiputera community in Penang,” he said.

With Phases 6 and 7 now open for sale, Taman Seri Saujana continues to strengthen its position as one of Seberang Perai Selatan’s key township projects, offering families modern homes in a strategic and vibrant setting.