The Penang government has spent a total of RM281.7 million for the maintenance works in public and private housing schemes in the state since 2008.

State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the amount spent was up to July 31 this year.

He said the total spending included maintenance works under public housing scheme; maintenance works under Penang Island City Council (MBPP) housing scheme, maintenance works under Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) housing scheme and Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP).

“Generally under TPM80PP, a total of RM45.24 million has been spent.

“This involved various works that have been carried out for 479 projects, like upgrading of flats’ lifts, replacement of water tanks, replacement of roofs, painting, road paving and others.

“The state also hopes that the Federal Government can assist the state in this maintenance works’ projects.

“We appeal for their kind consideration in order to assist the needy staying in the flats,” he told reporters after visiting Desa Bayan apartment in Bayan Lepas yesterday.

During the visit, Jagdeep announced that the state has approved the repair works for five lifts in Desa Bayan apartment.

“This 21-year-old apartment has five blocks with a total of 720 units.

“The residents here have been facing this long-standing problem. Hence, I am happy to announce that the state will bear 80% of the RM123,000 repair cost.

“The remaining 20% will be borne by state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, who is also the Batu Maung assemblyman,” he said, adding the repair works, which are scheduled to start this month, would take about 16 weeks.

Abdul Halim, who was present, noted the plight of the residents staying in the apartment, especially with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has signed a lease agreement with MPDT Capital Bhd for the company to redevelop the port’s three old warehouses and part of Tanjung City Marina with an expected investment of RM120 million.

In a statement today, PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said it had invited qualified companies to develop the old warehouses and the Tanjung City Marina land section through a request for proposal which was opened from Nov 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021.

“Various proposals had been received and after going through several processes, we approved MPDT Capital for a lease period of 30 years with the option to extend for 15 years.

“The project is expected to take between 18 and 24 months,” he said.

Tan also said among the attractions to be developed in the 24,946 square metre area are restaurants including an open food court, various sports and recreational facilities, and a simulator training centre.

Tan said once the development is completed and operational, he believes the area would revive the atmosphere around the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal and become an attractive tourism destination in Penang.

“The redevelopment is anticipated to boost Penang’s tourism sector and stimulate the state’s economy,” he said.

Source: Bernama

Taman Areka neighbourhood park at Lebuh Sungai Pinang 7 is now upgraded with more car parking facilities.

Sungai Pinang State Assemblyman (ADUN), Lim Siew Khim said, the car parking facility can now accommodate about 85 vehicles at a time.

“The open space here has been upgraded by the Penang Stadium and Open Space Corporation and is fully ready for the use of visitors and residents since August 1,” she said when visiting the area on Thursday morning.

Taman Areka, which covers an area of ​​more than three acres, is a recreational park equipped with various outdoor gym, jogging and bicycle tracks, a children’s playground as well an urban community farm.

According to Siew Khim, the community farm was started two months ago with the help of several local residents.

“This land used to be abandoned and full of bushes, so we took the initiative to plant vegetables and fruits here… it turned out to be worthwhile in just two months and the results have been harvested.

“Among those grown here are long beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, sweet potatoes, lemongrass, telang flowers, pineapples, sugarcane trees, and many more,” she said excitedly while picking vegetables that had been cooked there. along with the locals.

Siew Khim also shared her plan to have ducks, chickens, rabbits here in the future, so children can get to know more about the habitats and animals that are rarely found in the city now.

“In fact, for the suburbs of Sungai Pinang, I have contacted the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) to come and see and review the suitability of planting berembang or mangrove trees on the banks of Sungai Pinang. With the natural habitat of berembang trees, it is hoped to attract fireflies. to this area, ” she shared.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

A newly proposed affordable housing development by KH Venture Estate Sdn. Bhd. in the heart of Bukit Mertajam. Located on a 1.29-acre land along Lebuh Aston, immediately opposite Aston Park East gated and guarded housing scheme. It is just a stone’s away from Jit Sin Independent High School, surrounded by an abundance of essential amenities.

This development comprises a 19-storey residential tower, featuring 237 affordable units and 4 levels of car parking podium. Residence facilities will be located at level 4.

The project is still pending approval. More details will be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Affordable housing
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 237
Indicative Price: (to be confirmed)
Developer : KH Venture Estate Sdn. Bhd.

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.

Southeast Asia’s only Tropical Spice Garden (TSG) in Penang, is reaching out to Malaysians to ask for their support to help it stay open for generations to come. The eco-attraction launched its crowdfunding campaign “Join the Family, Save the Garden” to raise the vital funds it needs to remain operational and to re-open when restrictions are lifted. The campaign which was launched on the 1st of August aims to raise the funds needed through subscription to its community-powered garden membership program, Spice Fam. Donations from the public are also accepted.

Katharine Chua, Owner and Managing Director of TSG, said “Because of COVID, our doors have been open and shut for the last 16 months and our existence is hanging by a thread. Although we’ve always prided ourselves on running a sustainable business, one that is environmentally conscious and places people at its heart, nothing could have prepared us for this challenge. So, we urgently need the community’s support to help keep this garden open for future generations to come.”

TSG is hoping to raise funds to stay operational and re-open once travel restrictions are lifted. Malaysians who want to support the gardens can either purchase a Spice Fam membership or make a donation on the campaign site. For as low as RM25/month, the subscription will allow members unlimited entry to the Garden, join monthly activities, events, virtual classes and workshops (currently ongoing) from anywhere in the world. Members are also entitled to exclusive garden camping passes.

“Your Spice Fam subscription is more than just money, it’s the garden’s lifeline to stay open. In return, I hope that we’ll be able to bring you and your loved ones closer together in nature. We’re just getting started, as there is so much in store for everyone in the years to come.” said Katharine.

Katharine added, “We want to be able to continue to share this unique and special place which does so much for bringing the community together, nurturing a love for nature and educating young and old alike. And in this new normal, now more than ever – we need green, healing spaces. Every cent raised will go into maintaining the Garden and growing the Spice Fam community. We invite you to join us on this adventure.”

Timeless and enchanting, Tropical Spice Garden is a bio-diverse living museum of the spices and other tropical plants that have shaped our global history. The five landscaped acres of the garden is a treasure trove of more than 500 living specimens of lush and exotic flora from around the world. The spices and plants you find at the Gardens have their roots deep in Penang and Malaysia’s history and culture. It’s a bio-diverse living museum of the spices and other tropical plants that have shaped our global history.

For more information on TSGs “Join the Family, Save the Garden” campaign, click here, or alternatively support its online shop.