The long-standing issue regarding the shortage of workers has once again been brought up in the meeting with the Penang government.

Delegates from the Penang Master Builders, led by its president Datuk Goh Teng Whoo, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow early this morning.

Goh said the shortage of foreign workers has seriously impacted the construction industry.

“We understand that the issue is a matter of the Federal Government and we, in the construction industry in Penang, need about 50,000 workers to get things moving.

“In addition to having endured the shortages of foreign workers, the renewal of work permits is also mostly rejected.

“We propose an automatic yearly renewal of work permits until the issue of shortage of manpower is resolved,” he told Chow during the visit.

The delegates said the shortage of foreign workers issue has indirectly increased workers’ wages tremendously.

“Building materials cost has also increased,” Goh said.

Chow said the issue regarding the shortage of workers has been brought up many times by various organisations from different industries.

“This has been one of the main issues faced by trade organisations and other industries for the past 18 months.

“We have now entered the ‘talent war’ period where different sectors and industries are fighting for labour in and not in the market.

“The ministry has not been able to instil confidence and solve the long-standing issue.

“I take note of the need for 50,000 workers in the construction industry in Penang,” Chow said.

Other issues, such as the efficiency of several Government departments and traffic congestion were also discussed.

Those present at the meeting were the association’s immediate past president Datuk Lim Chee Tong, deputy president Tan Yee Churd, vice-president I Jeffery Koay Kai Chin, secretary-general Datuk Albert Moh, assistant secretary-general Lim Chun Khon, assistant treasurer Tan Eng Leong, and committee members Datuk Finn Choong, Datuk Lim Kai Seng, Ong Seng Chye, Alvin Yeow, Datuk Jessen Ang and Tai Lee Leong.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Iconic Point at Simpang Ampat has been completed and the handover ceremony of the unit shop offices to the buyers was held on Tuesday evening at the site.

The Iconic Point is developed by Iconic Worldwide Berhad (IWB) and is the first commercial project in Simpang Ampat which offers semi-detached and detached shop offices with individual shared lifts.

IWB managing director Datuk Seri Tan Kean Tet said the RM127.81 million commercial hub is poised to be the ‘go-to lifestyle and entertainment hub’ in Simpang Ampat.

“Iconic Point spans across 8.7 acres of land and features 49 freehold shop offices, with a built-up of 4,350sq ft for three-storey semi-detached shop offices and a 5,556sq ft built-up detached shop office.

“We are pleased to create a new lifestyle hub in Simpang Ampat. We have also managed to receive positive responses from international branches in Iconic Point such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Family Mart and CU Mart. Not forgetting our other tenants such as ZUS Coffee, Secret Recipe and Watsons.

“With multiple choices of renowned food and beverages (F&B) brands and other amenities, this is the kind of value that we want to inject in Simpang Ampat as there has not been a commercial development such as Iconic Point in the area.

“The development also features a four-storey boutique hotel at the end of the Iconic Point belt where one can opt for a comfortable respite while still be within the vicinity of various amenities,” Tan said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the handover ceremony at Iconic Point today.

Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.

According to Tan, since the relaxation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the Federal Government, the market has seen a noticeable surge in consumer spending.

“Malaysians are going out more often and opting for dine-ins.”

He added that creating such a commercial hub would be the right fit for the growing demand for contemporary lifestyle spaces in the area.

“It is always our aspiration to be the first mover in bringing a new lifestyle experience to Simpang Ampat.

“I am optimistic that Iconic Point will become a significant landmark and be one of the key drivers in bringing vibrancy and eventually, growth of Simpang Ampat’s property landscape,” he said.

Chow extended his appreciation to IWB for choosing Penang as the preferred destination for the company’s investments.

“I was told that Iconic Point received an overwhelming response, with 100% of its units fully taken up in just two days during its soft launch in 2019.

“Such response to Iconic Point demonstrates that despite recent market issues, Penang has maintained a strong interest in properties among owner-occupants and investors.

“The attraction of Penang’s property market is attributed to the state’s resilient and growing economy, as well as the fact that there is a steady supply of attractively-priced properties in strategic locations, such as Iconic Point.

“Thus, I hope to see Iconic Point emulate Icon City’s (another project by IWB in Bukit Mertajam) success in becoming a productive commercial centre, as the Penang government continues to work with the private sector to further develop Seberang Perai.

“After all, as I have said many times, the future of Penang is in Seberang Perai.

“Seberang Perai has a lot of potential in terms of economy, agriculture, social development and many others,” he said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Waterside Residence, which comprises 256 units, is located right at the starting point of the Penang Bridge. A freehold condominium unit prominently situated along Penang’s eastern coastline, facing calm waters between the island and mainland Penang.

Waterside Residence is a stone’s throw away from shopping hotspots such as Queensbay mall and Lotus hypermarket. Additionally, Waterside Residence is just walking distance from the upcoming Waterfront Shoppes and Promenade in The Light City, providing residents with abundant choices around the clock for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The residents are presented with a wide choice of traffic selections when traversing around town, thanks to its excellent connectivity.

The scenery from Waterside Residence is breathtakingly stunning, with a view of the sea and landscape on the east coast of Penang Island. Common amenities like schools, markets and hospitals are also easily found within a 10-km radius of the residence for daily convenience.

Waterside Residence will elevate your lifestyle to the next level. The residents can enjoy a stroll around the shared facilities. For those who prefer an active lifestyle, the swimming pool is one of the perfect places for your workout by swimming laps at the 30m swimming pool, followed by a calorie-burning session in the gym. For a relaxing session, one can dip in the jacuzzi or laze by the poolside deck while letting the children have fun at the kids’ wading pool or the children’s play area. Other common facilities include a reading room, a multipurpose hall, a changing room, gym & yoga room, car wash bays, Popbox storage locker, EV charging station, a games room, a barbecue pit and a cabana.

Project features:

• A residence condominium
• Freehold low-density condo (4 units per floor only)
• A total of 256 units only
• Spacious and functional layouts – from 1,055 sq.ft (2-bedrooms) – 1,270 sq.ft (3-bedrooms)
• Located at The Light Waterfront Penang, near the upcoming Waterfront Shoppe mall & Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (under construction)
• Excellent accessibility to highway – Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway
• Each unit is provided with 2 parking lots & a locker room
• Prices start from RM869,000*
• Completed with certificate of completion and compliance in the year 2020

*T&C apply.

New show units @ Waterside Residence (viewing by appointment)
Weekdays: 830am – 530pm
Weekend & Public Holidays: 10am – 5pm

Developer: Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd (IJM Land Bhd)
Address: Suite 1-16-01, Menara IJM Land, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 3, 11700 Gelugor, Penang.
Telephone: 04-296 1333
Email: ask@ijm.com / sales@ijm.com

SJKC Kuang Yu is set to break ground for its new campus located on a 6-acre plot provided by the Penang Development Corpo­ration (PDC) in Batu Kawan. Located along Jalan Cassia Barat 1, about 5 minutes walking distance from Suria 1 affordable housing scheme by PDC. Upon completion, there would be 24 classrooms in the new 3-storey building, with 35 pupils in each class.

According to the recent announcement from Kuang Yu School Building Committee on their Facebook page, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held later in December this year to kickoff the construction.

While awaiting the implementation of the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project, short and medium-term projects have been executed by the Penang government to minimise the magnitude and flood frequency in the area.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said part of Jalan P. Ramlee (from the Jalan Ismail Cik Matt junction to the Jalan Perak junction), which is in a generally low area, has been raised by an average 0.5m from its initial height.

“The medium-term project, which includes efforts to increase trench capacity and the installation of two pump houses, is scheduled to complete end of this year.

“According to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk A. Rajendran, the estimated cost of the project is RM5 million.

“We could see a positive impact resulting from this local council project.

“However, the implementation and completion of the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project are still crucial to mitigate floods in the area,” Chow said during the ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Jelutong today.

Also present were Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, and Rajendran.

Source: Buletin Mutiara