The upcoming construction of the Bandar Cassia Public Market and Hawker Complex is set to bring a wave of socioeconomic benefits and new business opportunities for the local community in Batu Kawan.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the project, which spans 7.69 acres of land owned by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will include a total of 82 stalls, a 32-unit food court, 20 enclosed stalls, 78 open hawker lots, and 449 parking bays. The project is expected to be completed by June 23, 2027.

“The strategic location of this project was chosen to support the area’s rapid residential, industrial, and educational growth. Situated just three kilometers from Batu Musang Jetty, the market will be accessible not only to nearby residents but also to surrounding communities,” Chow said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

He added that the project will also include the upgrading of Jalan Batu Kawan, improving traffic flow and overall connectivity in the area. Once completed, the facility will be handed over to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for management.

Also present at the ceremony were State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town Planning Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, PDC CEO Dato’ Aziz Bakar, and other local dignitaries.

Chow noted that this would be the first and largest public market complex built in the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency. He explained that the state had waited nearly two decades to initiate the project due to Batu Kawan’s previously low population, which did not justify such a large facility.

“Now that Batu Kawan has reached a significant stage of development, it is time to provide key public amenities such as mosques, places of worship, markets, halls, and schools,” he said, adding that Batu Kawan is a vital responsibility for PDC in driving Penang’s economic, industrial, and commercial growth.

Highlighting Batu Kawan’s industrial progress, Chow shared that nearly all industrial lots in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) have been sold, with factories already established. He also mentioned the upcoming Medi-City project, currently in its final planning stages, and other future developments including the Madani Talent Housing Project and a new site launch in Seberang Jaya.

PDC CEO Aziz Bakar added that Medi-City, covering around 230 acres, will cost over RM10 billion and be developed in phases. The planning application for Phase 1 (50 acres) is expected to be submitted to MBSP by September.

Chow concluded by expressing hope that Batu Kawan will evolve beyond just a development site, becoming a key catalyst to elevate Penang’s position in industrial and commercial excellence.

Get your own Jellycat-inspired Dou Dou Plushie at PICC! Only for 2 days only this July — blink and you’ll miss it!

Jellycat-inspired Plushie Pop-up Party

• Date: 5 July 2025 (Sat) & 6 July 2025 (Sun)
• Time: 11am – 5pm
• Venue: PICC Sales Gallery, Penang

What to expect at this adorable experience:

• Dou Dou Adoption Station* – Take home your very own plushie pal!
• Dou Dou Birth Certificate Customisation*
• DIY Charm Making* – Add your own flair!
• Insta-worthy Family Photo Zone*
• Sushi Corner* – Treat yourself!
• Exclusive Sushi YA Voucher Giveaways*
• From Dou Dou Adoption to Child’s Bright Futures!

This Jellycat-inspired pop-up isn’t just adorable — it’s meaningful.

Let your children discover how fun and inspiring learning can be — all at the PICC Sales Gallery! Some of the top educational institutions to turn your family weekend into an unforgettable experience:

In collaboration with:

• Fairview International School
• Straits International School
• Cadenza Music & Performing Arts Academy

They’re bringing:

• Exclusive deals on registration & enrolment*
• One-on-one sharing sessions with experts on your child’s education*
• Plus… mystery gifts to surprise and delight!*

And there’s more on Sunday (6 July)!

Let your little ones create, explore, and express themselves with fun hands-on activities by THE HOUSE, Learning & Enrichment School:

• Candle-Making – Nurture focus, creativity & coordination*
• Colouring Fun – Encourage self-expression through art*
• Mini Music Sessions – Spark rhythm, confidence & joy*
• Activities available in scheduled time slots throughout the day!*

Adopt. Create. Cuddle. Penang’s Most Wholesome Event Is Just Around the Corner. Don’t say Hunza didn’t jio you! Tag your family & friends & plan your visit now!

WhatsApp: https://wa.link/v0rf9z
Call: 04-6090688
Location: https://bit.ly/3AIr2r2

*T&C Apply

The second phase of the road widening and upgrading project along Jalan Tok Kangar is now underway, with completion targeted for 14 October 2026. According to Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, the new completion contractor, Igneus Setia Sdn. Bhd., has been given 18 months to finish the remaining works and additional new scopes.

Speaking during a site visit on 1 July 2025, Zairil—who is also the State Assemblyman for Tanjung Bunga—announced that a new temporary diversion road has been opened to the public to help ease traffic congestion in the area.

“The first phase of the project, which involved the construction of a bridge, was completed back in 2018. The second phase faced multiple setbacks due to utility issues, contractor and consultant problems, which ultimately led to the termination of the original contractor’s agreement on 23 December 2024,” Zairil explained.

He expressed regret over the delays and apologised on behalf of the state government, assuring the public of their commitment to completing the project.

The second phase involves upgrading and widening a 2.15km stretch from the Auto City traffic light junction (Jalan Perusahaan/Jalan Kebun Nanas) to the junction at Taman Sri Delima/Taman Delima Jati. The project is managed by the Public Works Department (JKR) Penang, with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) serving as the implementing agency.

Originally budgeted at RM22.98 million, the project’s cost has now risen to RM52.84 million due to the inclusion of several new components, including a new bridge, additional temporary detention ponds, a U-turn facility near Taman Delima, and other ancillary works.

Zairil noted that the previous contractor had completed 76% of the project, while the new contractor has made 4% progress and is currently on schedule.

Eight & Eight Condominium, a condominium development by UDA Holdings Berhad in Tanjung Tokong. Situated along Jalan Desiran Tanjung, it stands adjacent to The Brezza condominium. Boasting a prime location, it’s merely a 5-minute walk to Island 88, with convenient access to essential amenities within the established upscale neighborhood.

This development will witness the construction of two blocks of 48-storey condominiums, comprising a total of 600 residential units. These units will offer a built-up size ranging from 885 sq. ft. to 1,140 sq. ft. Additionally, the development will include an 8-level car parking podium.

Project Name: Eight & Eight Condominium
Location : Tanjung Tokong
Property Type : Condominium
Total Unit: 600
Built-up Area: 885 sq.ft. – 1,140 sq.ft.
Land Tenure: Leasehold
Indicative Price: RM622,000 – RM950,000
Developer: UDA Holdings Berhad

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.

Housing experts in Malaysia are urging the government to implement a vacancy tax to curb the rising number of vacant and unsold homes, and to stabilise property prices by deterring speculation.

According to a report by FMT, many so-called “affordable” housing units are being held vacant by owners or investors, reducing availability for genuine homebuyers. The move to tax empty homes, they argue, could encourage more responsible ownership and push developers to build in line with actual market demand.

K Theebalakshmi, a research associate with Khazanah Research Institute, believes a vacancy tax would help prevent speculative hoarding and drive more balanced development. She noted that between 2010 and 2022, Malaysia’s housing prices increased by 5.8% annually—well above the healthy range of 3% to 4%.

“In highly urbanised states where vacancy and overhang rates are high, a vacancy tax would help stop people from holding on to homes for quick profit,” she said.

Citing data from the Department of Statistics, Theebalakshmi highlighted that nearly 20% of homes in Selangor and Penang were vacant in 2020. Selangor alone had over 343,000 empty homes, with nearly 200,000 newly completed or pending occupancy. In Penang, more than 53,000 units remained unoccupied.

As of mid-2024, 22,642 completed homes nationwide remained unsold for more than nine months, with a combined value of RM14.24 billion, based on figures from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC).

Countries such as Canada, Australia, and Singapore have already implemented similar measures. For instance, Vancouver imposes a 3% vacancy tax on homes left empty for over six months. Melbourne applies a sliding scale starting at 1%, while Singapore levies higher property taxes on non-owner-occupied homes.

Professor Azree Othuman Mydin, dean of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Housing, Building and Planning, echoed the call for a vacancy tax. He said it could particularly discourage flipping and hoarding in the RM300,000 to RM500,000 price range, which is often targeted for speculation.

Azree also proposed tightening rules around affordable housing by increasing the real property gains tax for premature sales, and restricting future eligibility for government housing if buyers leave units empty without valid reasons.

“If we want housing to go to those who need it most, we must stop treating homes as trading tools,” he emphasised.