The long-awaited Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has officially commenced following the issuance of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) by MRT Corp to Gamuda Bhd. According to a report by Free Malaysia Today, the notice was issued yesterday, allowing SRS Consortium—led by Gamuda with a 60% stake—to begin full-scale construction on the first civil works package.

This initial phase covers a 24km stretch from Komtar to Island A, part of the Penang South Island reclamation initiative, and includes 19 stations along the route. It forms part of the larger Mutiara Line, which will span 29.5km with 21 stations, linking George Town to a reclaimed island near Penang International Airport, and eventually extending to Seberang Perai via a cross-channel segment.

The RM8.31 billion civil works package was awarded in January, but construction had been delayed pending federal approval. With the NTP now issued, the six-year timeline for completion is officially underway.

The federal government assumed control of the LRT project from the Penang state government in March 2023, appointing MRT Corp—a unit under the Ministry of Finance—as the asset owner and project manager. SRS Consortium also includes Loh Phoy Yen Holdings and Ideal Property Development, each holding a 20% share.

The second package—covering the 5.5km cross-strait segment from Macallum to Penang Sentral—is scheduled to begin in 2026. Tenders for this portion have already been called. Meanwhile, the third package, which includes systems and rolling stock, was advertised in April, with submissions due by August 11.

Once completed, the LRT line is expected to serve 60,000 daily riders initially, with projections of up to 168,000 in the longer term. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook had previously stated that breaking the project into three major packages would help streamline the tender process and minimise delays.

A newly proposed affordable housing development is set to be built along Jalan Kampung Masjid in Teluk Kumbar, situated close to the upcoming Silicon Island. The site is approximately a 10-minute drive from Penang International Airport and less than 20 minutes from the Penang Second Bridge.

The project will consist of a single 36-storey block of affordable housing (Rumah MutiaraKu), comprising 344 residential units from Level 10 to 36. Levels 1 to 7 will be allocated for multi-storey car parking, while community facilities will be located on Levels 1, 8, and 9.

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

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Full list of affordable housing in Penang
• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Teluk Kumbar
Property Type : Affordable housing
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 344
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.

Thousands gathered at the scenic Kampung Agong in Penaga for the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025, a lively celebration that brought together the old and the new in a day filled with cultural charm and modern engagement.

Held on Saturday from 2pm to 8pm, the event featured an exciting lineup of traditional performances, heritage workshops, and interactive activities. Visitors enjoyed batik painting, wayang kulit shows, silat demonstrations, and nostalgic games such as sepak raga bulatan, drawing enthusiastic participation from both locals and tourists.

The festival also offered a modern twist through science and tech programmes, including STEM workshops and stargazing sessions by Tech Dome Penang. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP)’s Maker Space and sustainability-themed workshops by the Penang Green Council (PGC) added a contemporary dimension to the cultural celebration.

Officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the event was jointly organised by the Chief Minister’s Office (Penang2030 Unit), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), MBPP, Tech Dome Penang, and PGC.

In his speech, Chow said the festival exemplifies the Penang2030 vision by blending tradition with progress, especially in rural settings. “This celebration not only honours our cultural heritage but also strengthens community ties and showcases our achievements under the Penang2030 initiative,” he said.

He added that the inclusion of traditional elements like kuih-making and cultural attire competitions alongside innovative programming proves that heritage and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

Chow reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving both tangible and intangible heritage — from restoring historical landmarks like Masjid Jamek Benggali to safeguarding local dialects and performing arts.

The day ended on a high note with a colourful fireworks display, symbolising unity and shared pride across Penang’s diverse communities.

As Penang continues its transformation into a vibrant urban hub with global appeal, PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. (PDCP) leads the way with thoughtful, community-driven developments. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), PDCP is dedicated to delivering quality, innovative, and sustainable living spaces at attainable prices. From affordable housing to premium residences, PDCP’s projects are crafted to enhance the everyday lives of Penangites.

With a clear vision to enrich the urban landscape, PDCP’s current and upcoming projects showcase architectural excellence and a deeper narrative: one that respects the past while building for the future.

Legasi @ Burma: A Living Tribute to Penang’s Heritage

Among PDCP’s signature developments, Legasi@Burma is a heartfelt homage to Penang’s soul — reflected not only in architectural finesse but also deep respect for heritage. Located along Jalan Servis, Jalan Irrawadi and Jalan Chow Thye, just off historic Burma Road, this landmark is more than bricks and mortar. It blends memory, culture, and vision.

Central to the development is the restoration of 19 colonial-style shop lots, designated Conservation Category 2 and preserved in line with heritage guidelines. PDCP committed over two years to secure approvals and carefully plan every detail. The result: a bold engineering feat where the entire row of shop lots was shifted forward — intact — to make way for new elements without dismantling a single façade.

Behind the conserved buildings rise a 27-storey condominium tower and a 16-storey office suite, linked by a vibrant retail podium. Together, they form a mixed-use development bridging past and present.

The architectural philosophy centers on harmony. Restored colonial shop lots tell Penang’s layered history and the communities that enlivened them. Meanwhile, modern towers symbolize progres — Penang’s rise as a cosmopolitan city ready for the future.

For PDCP CEO, Ir. Ismail Ishak, this project carries deep meaning. Raised in the very neighbourhood, his connection to the people and urban fabric shapes the vision. “We are not just preserving the legacy,” he says. “We are building legacies.”

Beyond architecture, PDCP is committed to giving back by enriching communities, supporting cultural continuity, and fostering sustainable growth – ensuring progress benefits all.

The project includes:

• 138 office suites
• 361 residential condominiums
• 15 retail podium units
• restoration and upgrading of 19 shop houses

With Legasi@Burma, PDCP tells a story of continuity, care, and identity. This development is poised to become a landmark on the global stage of iconic urban regeneration – alongside Bugis Junction in Singapore and Xintiandi in Shanghai. It is where heritage meets the future, and where Penang’s spirit thrive.

Delivering Quality Across Penang

Beyond Legasi@Burma, PDCP has an impressive portfolio of ongoing and completed projects that underscore its role as a trusted name in Penang’s property landscape.

Ongoing Projects:

• Cassia Cempaka Phase 1 & 2, Batu Kawan: Landed residential
  developments with easy access to the growing Batu Kawan
  township.
• The Meridian, Bukit Jambul Phase 1: A 200-unit condominium
  project located next to the Penang Golf Course, in the established
  neighbourhood of Bukit Jambul.

Completed Projects:

PDCP’s contribution to affordable and mid-range housing has made home ownership a reality for many:

• Ixora Heights Apartment, Sungai Nibong
• D’Residence, Bayan Mutiara
• Intan Delima, Batu Kawan
• Dedaun Bungalow, Batu Kawan
• Affordable Housing (Suria, Jiran Residensi & Dua Residensi)

Each development is carefully designed to offer more than just a home — it fosters a strong sense of belonging, community, and pride.

Looking Ahead: Ambitious Plans for Tomorrow

PDCP continues to look forward with a robust pipeline of exciting upcoming developments:

• Cassia Cempaka Phase 3: 92 units of 2-storey terrace homes in Batu Kawan, and
• Cassia Cempaka Phase 4: 56 units of semi-detached homes in Batu Kawan, thoughtfully designed with complete amenities to support growing families.
• Damai Lestari: 20 units of 2-storey semi-detached homes and 28 units of 2-storey terrace homes in Bertam, Kepala Batas — offering suburban charm and practical living.
• One Mutiara: Featuring 356 units of affordable housing for first-time homebuyers.
• Seroja Avenue: A mixed development in Batu Kawan comprising 313 units of double-storey terrace homes and 472 units of low-density, high-end condominiums, totaling 820 residential units.
• Weld Quay Redevelopment: A transformative urban project poised to breathe new life into George Town’s waterfront.
• Cassia Teratai: A mixed development of terrace homes and shop units in Batu Kawan, enhancing community living with integrated commercial convenience.

A Commitment That Endures

PDC Properties is more than a developer — it serves as a custodian of Penang’s values, culture, and aspirations. With every project, PDCP upholds a commitment to creating spaces that truly matter — homes that nurture, offices that inspire, and communities that thrive.

As Penang continues to rise as a global city, PDCP’s developments — past, present, and future — will continue to shape its skyline and soul, leaving a legacy of innovation rooted in heritage. Penang’s future is being built today. And with PDC Properties, it is being built with heart.

To find out more about the latest projects, please contact PDC Properties
at 04-240 1999 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. 
Level 1, Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Building,
No. 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru,
11909, Bayan Lepas, Penang

Northern Malaysia’s leading property developer, Ideal Property Group, has secured the prestigious gold award at the FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards 2025 for its innovative Greek-inspired affordable housing development- I-Santorini, establishing the company as an internationally recognized leader in quality housing development.

Prestigious International Recognition

The FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards represents one of the most distinguished accolades in the global real estate industry, organized by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) with 71 years of established credibility and membership spanning 60 countries. The award’s rigorous evaluation process requires participants from Malaysia to first achieve success at the Malaysia’s chapter before advancing to international competition.

The judging panel, comprising top real estate professionals and experts worldwide, evaluates developments based on comprehensive merits including innovation, sustainability, and overall excellence. This holistic assessment makes the recognition particularly meaningful for developments demonstrating exceptional quality across multiple criteria.

I-Santorini successfully competed against international developments, achieving world-class standards and compete effectively on the global stage.

This international recognition validates Ideal Property Group’s methodology to redefine affordable housing and gained global recognition. Ideal Property Group’s success in balancing cultural design elements with practical living needs and sustainability illustrates sophisticated understanding of both local market requirements and international quality standards.

Award-Winning Project Excellence

Ideal Property Group’s innovative approach through its Greek Santorini-inspired design is exemplified in the gold award-winning development, with the calm ambiance of Greek islands being successfully recreated within Penang’s urban setting, featuring characteristic blue domes, poolside cabanas, and a tranquil Mediterranean landscaping.
Ideal Property Group’s mission has been recognized internationally in creating sustainable living environments while pioneering new benchmarks through creative and value-added features that maintain high appreciation values.

Despite being classified as affordable housing, I-Santorini offers residents scenic sea views and high quality leisure facilities typically associated with premium developments. This winning development is a testament to the company’s mission in delivering exceptional value without compromising on workmanship and lifestyle quality.

The project’s strategic location within a sought-after Penang neighborhood provides access to 14 educational institutions including local and international schools, while medical centers, hospitals, financial institutions, parks and shopping amenities including a marina mall and giant hypermarket are conveniently accessible.

Consistent Excellence and Expanding Portfolio

Ideal Property Group currently manages eight ongoing projects encompassing high-rise residential, luxury seafront developments, office towers, and industrial parks, reflecting continued growth and diversification strategy. Three major developments, including two affordable housing projects and one office tower, are targeted for completion in the third and fourth quarter this year.

Last year, Ideal Property Group was announced as the world gold winner with its luxury seafront residential development, Queens Residences Q2@Queens Waterfront Penang in the same award. These consecutive awards confirm that Ideal Property Group’s expertise meets international standards while successfully serving diverse market segments, highlighting the company’s significant contribution to elevating overall property development standards and raising the quality benchmark of Malaysia’s property development sector.