The construction works of the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two) are ahead of scheduled progress and they are expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, as of Nov 30 last year, the project’s actual progress was reported at 8%.

“It was 2% ahead of scheduled progress. The Package Two alignment is divided into six sections.

“Construction works has commenced at Section One (Lebuhraya Thean Teik) with bore piling works for the ramp’s foundation leading to the mainline of Package Two. Further to this, utility relocation and road widening works will be carried out accordingly within Section One,” he told a press conference at the contractor’s machinery depot in Lorong Bukit Gambir 1 today.

The cost of the 6km-bypass was RM851 million.

The Package Two is one of the four project packages under the ‘three major roads and an undersea tunnel project’ in Penang, which was awarded to Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Consortium Zenith-BUCG Sdn Bhd) in September 2013.

Following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval by the Department of Environment (DoE) in November 2017 for the three major roads project component, Consortium Zenith Construction had begun the detailed design and the implementation of the Package Two project.

Chow said: “As widely reported in the media, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd’s majority shareholding was taken over by ECK Development Sdn Bhd since January last year (2021).”

“With this new management steering the project, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd has started to accelerate the implementation of the relevant works, namely the construction detailed design, preparation of land acquisition plans, procurement of authority approvals and commencement of construction.

“The Package Two alignment consists of mostly viaduct structures (65%), a series of tunnels (20%) and at grade sections (15%).

“Twin land tunnels will be built along the Package Two alignment – two at Section 2 and one at Section Three,” he said.

It is understood that the contractor would be using the drill and blast method for the tunnel construction.

Chow said the Package Two project required land acquisition like any other road projects.

“The land acquisition process involves state land, Federal land and private land. Land acquisition process is ongoing by the state agencies at several sections.

“Meanwhile, certain sections of the Package Two alignment will involve alternative design works to optimise public safety, environmental impact and the overall constructability.

“Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, as the design and build contractor, is finalising the alternative design works which will be reviewed by the state-appointed independent consulting engineering firm,” Chow said.

Chow added that upon completion, the Package Two project would be handed over to the Ministry of Public Works.

He said that the toll-free bypass would benefit the public with the reduction of travelling time in the area.

Earlier today, Chow, Penang transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Infrastructure Corporation chairman Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, Package Two interim project director Datuk Yeoh Lean Huat and several other key personnel had a meeting at the Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd in Jalan Pisang Embun, Bandar Baru Air Itam.

The entourage also conducted a site visit to witness the progress of the construction work.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

An international class hotel, known as Le Meridien Penang Airport, will be built in the middle of this year near the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.

The 200-room hotel, which is one of the components of a mixed-use development known as Penang Gateway, is slated to be completed in four years or by 2026.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who together with Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim witnessed the hotel management agreement (HMA) signing ceremony between Marriott International Inc and innovative developer Rackson Group last night, said the state was proud to welcome a top-rated hotel to the hospitality industry in Penang.

“This latest addition is an award-winning brand that will undoubtedly add excitement to the state’s already vibrant and dynamic landscape, particularly in the island’s south-west district.

“In the vicinity is the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone where over 300 multi-national companies operate. Penang was once a traditional seaport economy before gradually evolving into the Silicon Valley of the East, and this year, we celebrate the golden jubilee of our industrialisation journey.

“As part of the RM1.5bil Penang Gateway in Bayan Lepas, this part of the world will be booming with plenty of activities and opportunities.

“The hotel, especially, will offer an all-inclusive experience and convenience to business travelers and holiday seekers,” Chow said in his speech.

He added that besides the hotel, which is designed by SA Architects Malaysia, other components for the Penang Gateway’s first phase development include serviced suites and retail components.

This urban development, he said, which is touted to be the first Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) in the state, will also be seamlessly connected to the Penang International Airport’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) station, the airport itself via a link bridge, and other airport developments in the future.

The Penang Gateway will have several medical-related services that Chow believes will bode well for the medical tourism in the state.

“In all, Penang Gateway will offer healthcare, shopping, leisure, and entertainment conveniences as well as comfortable lodging for vacationers and business travelers, amongst others. This will be one of the economic stimulation developments following the Covid-19 pandemic, with job creation in the construction sector and during the hotel’s opening.

“With Rackson Group coming on board, it is clear that Penang continues to remain a desirable investment destination,” Chow said.

Marriott International was represented by its vice-president (asset mangement) Yeoh Soo Hin while Rackson Group was represented by its chairman Ng Lim Hon and chief executive officer Kelvin Lor at the HMA signing ceremony.

Yeoh said they are confident of the hotel’s success due to its location which is in close proximity to many notable local companies and MNCs, the loyalty of Marriott Bonvoy’s members today and the multi decade long-term rise in travel among the newly-minted global middle class.

“Today, Marriott International, the largest hotel management company in the world and in Malaysia, is very excited to enter into partnership with Rackson Group to bring one of our premium brands Le Meridien to Penang.

“This signing underscores Marriott International’s commitment to further growing its footprint across Malaysia which stands at 35 opened hotels and 17 brands, as of today,” Yeoh said.

Lor said they are proud to be associated with such a prestigious brand like Marriott International. Le Meridien Penang Airport, he said, would feature a 2,000sq ft presidential suite as well an infinity pool overseeing the runaway of Penang airport.

“This means a lot to us and represents a big leap forward for an up-and-coming developer like us.

“The hotel building facade will stand out prominently with its interesting design elements.

“It will be almost impossible for business clientele and holidaymakers, both local and international, to miss this landmark upon touching down at the airport,” Lor said.

The ceremony also witnessed the official opening of Rackson’s Sales Gallery in Pulau Tikus.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

A section of the Bukit Kukus paired road project under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is expected to be officially open to road users on Jan 13 this year.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, together with MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and MBPP secretary A. Rajendran, visited the project site today.

Zairil said MBPP had already completed its portion of the construction works recently.

“We are happy that finally a section of the project is 100% completed after six years in construction.

“It has been delayed for a few times due to the landslide incident, the Covid-19 lockdown and some technical issues involving additional works.

“Nevertheless, it has been completed now. We hope this iconic project will be able to solve traffic congestion at a rate of up to 30%.

“At a height of 55m from the pile caps, is the highest elevated highway in the country.

“Thus, this project is the state government’s legacy for the people of Penang.

“Hopefully, it will bring many benefits to the road users, especially residents of Balik Pulau, Paya Terubong and nearby areas,” Zairil told Buletin Mutiara during a site visit today.

The 5.5km paired road project, costing RM545.6 million, consists of three sections. It connects Paya Terubong and Relau.

The state government, through MBPP, is responsible for the construction of a 3.3km stretch that costs RM275.6 million.

Meanwhile, two more developers, PLB Land Sdn Bhd and Geo Valley Sdn Bhd, are responsible for the remaining 1.4km (RM150mil) and 0.8km (RM120mil) stretches respectively.

According to Zairil, the other two portions by the private companies would not be ready this year.

“PLB Land’s section is expected to be completed in 2025.

“Meanwhile, for Geo Valley’s section, the completion date is unknown due to an ongoing court case but they will do their best to expedite the project,” he added.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Yet another upcoming affordable housing development by Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) at Teluk Kumbar. Located on a 4.2-acre land near Jalan Gertak Sanggul, just a stone’s throw away from Baymont Residence. It is surrounded by several seafood restaurants,  less than 5 minutes drive to Lexis Suites Penang and Tanjung Asam Beach.

This development will feature 800 units of mixed development, including affordable housing units with the construction work expected to be carried out at the end of this year

The project is still in the planning stage. More details to be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Teluk Kumbar
Property Type : Mixed development
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 800
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : Penang Housing Board (LPNPP)

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.

State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo emphasised the importance of delivering affordable housing schemes to the community when he announced a new housing scheme in Lot 244, Mukim 9 Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Lepas on Saturday.

He said the state has managed to reach 130,087 of various types of housing units as of now, which is near to 60% of its 220,000 target units of affordable homes by 2030.

“We need to continue with the momentum to ramp up the affordable units for the sake of Penangites.

“We are now doing well in our effort to meet the targeted units as the state Housing Board is set to kick-start its own affordable housing projects this year.

“We hope that the positive results can be seen,” he told reporters in Bayan Lepas today.

The scheme, which will be developed on a 4.2-acre plot, will see 800 units of mixed development with the construction works expected to be carried out at the end of this year.

Meantime, Jagdeep expressed his hopes that the Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican could assist the state in building the People’s Housing Project (PPR).

Jagdeep reiterated that the state had identified five plots of land, measuring 72.3 acres for PPR development in each of the five districts in Penang.

“We are now awaiting directive from the Federal Government as we have done our part in identifying the land.

“The Federal Government had already stated that two PPR projects will take place in Penang, one on the island and one on the mainland,” he said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara