The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has been urged to strengthen its existing planning approval requirements to ensure open spaces in new residential developments are equipped with quality recreational facilities from the outset, instead of remaining underutilised for years.

State Exco for Trade and Community Unity, Goh Choon Aik, said developers are currently only required to allocate 10% of the development land for open spaces and provide basic playground facilities. He proposed that MBSP incorporate clearer conditions under its Planning Permission (KM) approvals to require more comprehensive amenities.

These could include jogging tracks, exercise stations, aerobics plazas and underground drainage systems, allowing open spaces to enhance residents’ quality of life while preventing water ponding after heavy rain.

According to Goh, if technical constraints prevent developers from setting aside the full 10% of land, the shortfall should be compensated through the provision of more complete recreational facilities.

He made the remarks during the launch of the upgraded open space at Taman Mutiara Teratai in Bukit Tambun on 24 June.

The completed project features a jogging track, pedestrian walkways, underground drainage, children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment, plaza, benches, waste bins, safety signboards and additional landscaping.

Goh, who is also the Bukit Tambun assemblyman, said the high-quality upgrade carried out by MBSP should serve as a benchmark for future residential developments.

Earlier, MBSP Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the local authority spent approximately RM176,006 to upgrade the 3,000-square-metre open space with various recreational facilities.

He added that MBSP remains committed to enhancing open spaces in existing residential areas in the future, subject to additional allocations or stronger financial resources.

The proposal aims to ensure residents in new townships can enjoy well-planned and functional recreational spaces without having to wait for future public funding.

Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management Sdn Bhd (APAM) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the integration of Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) solutions into a senior living offering, supporting greater financial preparedness for Malaysia’s ageing population. The collaboration reflects a growing focus on combining lifestyle and financial planning solutions, with PRS providing a structured approach to long-term retirement savings.

This collaboration reflects a growing trend to integrate retirement financial planning into senior living developments. Centred on the government-launched Private Retirement Scheme (PRS), it underscores the growing importance of planning for retirement in supporting Malaysia’s seniors with active, independent and financially secure ageing.

The collaboration comes as a timely, strategic move that responds to the country’s gradual transition towards becoming an ‘aged nation’, with 19.8% of the total population and 26.2% of Penang’s population projected to be aged 60 or above by 2040.

The signing ceremony saw the Memorandum of Understanding formalised by Dato’ Seri Kenny Ong, Director of Eden at Botanica CT Sdn Bhd and Group Chairman of MTT Group of Companies; representing Eden at Botanica CT, and Puan Nur Aini Ali Kasim, General Manager of APAM. The ceremony was witnessed by YB Puan Lim Siew Khim, Penang State Executive Councillor for Social Development, Welfare & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs; Mr. Leonard Theng, Group Property & Asset Director, MTT Group of Companies; alongside invited guests, partners and stakeholders.

The PRS solution provides a structured approach to long-term retirement savings and complements Eden at Botanica CT’s senior living offering by supporting residents’ financial preparedness. It combines healthcare, financial preparedness, lifestyle products and community care into a complete ecosystem to deliver sustainable retirement solutions.

Under the collaboration, purchasers receive a contribution of RM 25,000 from Eden at Botanica CT to be invested into AIA Pension and Asset Management’s PRS funds upon purchasing a residential unit at Eden at Botanica CT, which is set to complete in 2027 within the Botanica.CT township in Balik Pulau. Buyers will also obtain a complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage as part of this collaboration, reinforcing a holistic approach to supporting wellbeing throughout retirement.

As rising medical costs become a growing concern, this collaboration supports individuals in buildinggreater financial resilience for retirement. By empowering their retirement aspirations, it ensures they are equipped to handle challenges that may arise in their golden years.

“Our ageing population is both a challenge and an opportunity to rethink what retirement living should look like. Eden at Botanica CT’s commitment extends beyond accommodation to building a holistic ecosystem that supports healthy and active ageing, enabling seniors to live independently, access the support they need and enjoy greater peace of mind in their retirement years,” said Dato’ Seri Kenny Ong.

“Healthcare is a growing concern for seniors, which is why we continuously look to strengthen our care ecosystem. Through our partnership with APAM, innovation and undivided focus on our residents, we aim to play a key role in shaping the future of senior living while simultaneously helping Malaysians embrace retirement as a rewarding, enriching stage of life.”

Leonard Theng, Group Property & Asset Director – MTT Group of Companies

Mr. Leonard Theng said: “This partnership is an important step towards advancing a more holistic approach to senior living. Beyond having a place to call home, proper retirement planning is becoming increasingly critical as people seek greater financial preparedness for their later years. Our scheme sets Eden at Botanica CT apart, and combined with our end-to-end approach, we hope to empower seniors to plan ahead, live independently and embrace retirement with greater confidence, security and peace of mind.

Puan Nur Aini Ali Kasim said: “Retirement is no longer something abstract or distant, Malaysia is moving steadily towards becoming an ageing society. APAM’s focus has always been on helping individuals build something progressively over time, through a structured and disciplined approach. What matters most to us is the role we play in helping individuals prepare, quietly, but meaningfully for the future.” She frames APAM’s philosophy as one rooted in long-term stewardship, an understated yet deliberate commitment to guiding individuals toward financial readiness over time, rather than chasing short-term outcomes.

“What makes PRS particularly important is the reality it addresses – many Malaysians risk outliving their savings. PRS was designed as a proactive solution.” Additionally, she continues, “We are extending complimentary personal accident coverage of up to RM250,000. It is about reflecting something we believe is important – that as individuals plan for the future, they should also feel protected in the present.” In doing so, she highlights that PRS is not merely a savings instrument, but a more holistic proposition, one that acknowledges both longevity risk and the immediate need for protection, reinforcing confidence for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.

Enabling buyers to own a unit rather than merely leasing one, is among the key aspects that differentiate Eden at Botanica CT from other retirement projects. Comprising 350 residential units, the development embraces a vibrant community that integrates home, wellness and meaningful connection. While the residence is primarily for those aged 60 and above, it welcomes secondary residents, including adult children below the age 60 to build an inclusive, dual-generational environment.

Further enhancing the resident experience, Eden at Botanica CT will also introduce a range of move-in-ready benefits designed to provide greater convenience and peace of mind for purchasers. Each unit will come fully fitted with kitchen cabinets and wardrobes, selected furnishings, including air-conditioning units and beds. This thoughtful approach enables residents to settle into their new homes with minimal hassle, allowing them to focus on enjoying an active and fulfilling retirement lifestyle from day one.

Residents also enjoy access to amenities that include lifestyle facilities, supplemented by licensed nursing care, 24-hour carers, smart safety & assisted living technology by Corricare Malaysia, bespoke wellness and activity programmes as well as optional on-demand services. To complete the entire health eco-system, there will also be a Care Residence nearby and a medical centre located within the wider Botanica.CT township.

To learn more about retirement at Eden at Botanica CT and how it offers quality living within a thriving community or to register your interest, please visit https://www.edenatbotanicact.com.my, email edenatbotanicact@gmail.com or call +6017-311 2699.

Construction of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line continues to gain momentum, with the latest aerial progress update as of 31 May 2026 showing significant activity along Segment 1 (CMC1 Package), which stretches from Komtar to Silicon Island. Multiple work fronts are now visible across the alignment, including piling works, pile cap construction, pier columns, and station structures. The Bandar Sri Pinang and Penang International Airport sections remain among the most advanced, with several piers already taking shape above ground.

The aerial photographs released by MRT Corp also highlight steady progress at key locations such as Macallum, Sungai Pinang, and Bayan Lepas, where heavy machinery and construction teams are actively carrying out foundation and substructure works. Temporary traffic management measures and work compounds have been established at several sites to facilitate the ongoing construction activities. As the project progresses, more elevated structures are beginning to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the future alignment of Penang’s first LRT system.

Check out the latest aerial photos below highlighting the station areas with significant construction activity.

*All photos are taken in May 2026

Image Source: MRT Corp Mutiara Line Website (https://laluanmutiara.mymrt.com.my/)

About Iconic Harmony

An affordable housing development by Iconic Maison Sdn. Bhd. at Alma in Bukit Mertajam, strategically located near the junction of Jalan Rozhan and Jalan Alma, just about 1km from AEON Mall and within minutes’ drive of a wide range of essential amenities. The development comprises a 36-storey condominium featuring 751 affordable housing units, each with a standard built-up area of 900 sq ft.

Find out more about Iconic Harmony

The Housing and Local Government Ministry will undertake a comprehensive review of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) framework to support sustainable urbanisation and ensure the regulatory system remains responsive to evolving industry needs.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said the review will focus on reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, improving efficiency through digital integration, closing regulatory loopholes and enhancing service delivery, while continuing to safeguard public interests.

Speaking at the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) President’s Awards and anniversary dinner, Nga announced that a dedicated task force would be established to assess the CCC framework, which was introduced in 2007 as part of a major reform of Malaysia’s building control system.

According to Bernama, the proposed reforms are aimed at creating a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly regulatory environment that promotes quality development and supports the growth of sustainable cities.

Nga highlighted that Malaysia now has more than 500 million sq ft of Green Building Index-certified buildings, describing the achievement as a testament to successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To ensure industry perspectives are incorporated into the reform process, the ministry will invite PAM to participate in the review, bringing professional expertise and practical insights to the table.

Nga also revealed that the ministry is studying a recent High Court decision allowing certified architects to submit applications for development orders. The move is expected to help streamline approval processes, reduce costs and cut red tape.

Earlier at the event, Nga received the prestigious PAM President’s Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and the architectural profession. He is only the fifth recipient in the institute’s 102-year history.