SkyWorld Development Berhad, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire four adjoining parcels of freehold lands in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang for RM82.7 million through its 70% indirect subsidiary, Prefab Master (Penang) Sdn. Bhd.

Spanning a combined area of 26.4 acres, the lands will be used to develop a factory to manufacture prefabricated and prefinished modular systems, supporting the joint development projects in Penang undertaken by SkyWorld Development in partnership with The Penang Development Corporation and PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd.. As a recap, a joint development agreement was executed in December 2024 to collaboratively develop over 35,000 affordable housing units under the newly announced Rumah Bakat MADANI schemes. These homes, priced between RM225,000 and RM420,000, aim to enhance housing accessibility for the B40 and M40 segments.

The factory, strategically located approximately 12 km and 15 km from the development sites in Batu Kawan and Seberang Jaya respectively, is well-supported by established infrastructure, excellent accessibility and proximity to amenities. This strategic location enables seamless delivery of the modular systems to both development sites. Slated to be operational by second half of 2026, the factory is expected to give SkyWorld Development a competitive edge in pursuing large scale development projects in the future by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and streamlined supply chains.

The acquisition will be funded via a combination of internally generated funds and bank borrowings. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the acquisition is expected to be completed within three months from the date of the sale and purchase agreement.

Commenting on the acquisition, SkyWorld Development Chief Executive Officer Lee Chee Seng said, “The acquisition of these lands to build a new PPVC modular systems manufacturing factory marks a significant milestone for the Company. It not only establishes our foothold in modular systems manufacturing but also supports the growing pipeline of our affordable housing across the northern region. Inspired by our partner Teambuild’s success in delivering large-scale HDB’s (Housing & Development Board) projects in Singapore, we aim to replicate that proven success here in our homeland.”

Lee further added, “The economies of scale reaching over 35,000 units of affordable homes allows the factory to achieve optimal efficiency in production and cost. This paves the way for scaling up our Penang projects, while ensuring accelerated and consistent execution across large-scale projects, creating a sustainable competitive advantage that delivers long-term value to all stakeholders.”

The Penang City Council (MBPP) will temporarily close the flyover along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah this Sunday, 10 August 2025, to carry out essential maintenance and cleaning works.

The closure is scheduled from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and will affect both lanes of the flyover, covering the stretch between Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong and Bayan Baru.

Road users intending to travel along this route during the closure hours are strongly encouraged to use alternative roads to minimise traffic disruption.

MBPP thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation, and assures that efforts will be made to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Emeri Place is a commercial development within the IJM Bayouri master plan, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. The project consists of 18 freehold units, each with a built-up area starting from 1,380 square feet. It is designed to accommodate a range of business needs within a low-density setting.

Located near key transport routes such as the North-South Expressway, Emeri Place is situated close to established townships including Nibong Tebal and Batu Kawan. Its positioning offers accessibility and potential exposure to surrounding communities, making it a notable addition to the growing development activity in the southern part of Penang.

Project Name : Emeri Place
Location : Jawi/Nibong Tebal
Property Type : Commercial
Land Tenure: Freehold
Total Units: 18
Built-up Size: 1,380 sq.ft. onward
Indicative Price: RM1,389,000 onwards
Developer : IJM Land

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.

The Penang Hill Cable Car project is set to move into its implementation phase, following the signing of a RM367 million financing agreement between Hartasuma Ropeways Sdn Bhd and Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB). The new cable car system is intended to supplement the century-old funicular railway, not replace it, as visitor numbers to Penang Hill continue to rise.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow clarified that the cable car is a “complementary solution” to manage congestion, enhance visitor experience, and provide a more sustainable way to handle peak periods. As of July 25, the funicular railway had already recorded over one million riders this year — a milestone that highlights growing tourism demand.

Penang Hill Station (for illustration purpose only)

“The cable car will integrate with the upgraded Astaka building and offer a 10-minute journey from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the hilltop, with a capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour,” Chow said. He added that the project supports the Penang2030 vision of a family-focused, green, and smart state.

Chow also revealed that a feasibility study is underway for a potential second cable car line linking Penang Botanic Gardens and Gurney Bay, about 2.5km apart. This reflects the state’s broader commitment to improving accessibility and strengthening Penang’s tourism infrastructure.

Describing the agreement as a move “from concept to construction,” Chow said the cable car project has gone through rigorous environmental studies and stakeholder engagement. The redevelopment of the Astaka site has also entered its construction phase, further transforming the Penang Hill arrival experience.

BPMB managing director Mohamed Nazri Omar said the project is expected to generate 300 jobs during construction and over 100 permanent roles during operations. With tourist arrivals approaching pre-pandemic levels — 1.8 million in 2024 compared to 1.9 million in 2019 — the cable car is expected to nearly double annual visitation to 3.96 million by 2035.

Hartasuma executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon said the financial close marks a defining moment, calling it a “legacy project” for Penang. “We are building more than a cable car — we are building a shared memory,” he said.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng added that the cable car will serve as an effective alternative to the funicular railway, helping manage peak-hour crowding while maintaining the heritage value of the existing system.

Targeted for completion in early 2027, the cable car project is a key step in making Penang Hill more accessible and future-ready, balancing development with conservation.

Source: Google Street View

The long-awaited upgrade of Jalan Teluk Kumbar from a two-lane to a four-lane carriageway is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in Penang’s Southwest District, especially during peak hours.

Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, stated that the project has received initial approval from the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia and the Road Branch of the Ministry of Works under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13). However, it is still pending final approval from the Ministry of Economy before full implementation can proceed.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve the Level of Service (LOS) from the worst rating of F to an optimal LOS A. It will also enhance road safety with modern design standards and improved intersections. Travel times between Teluk Kumbar, the Penang International Airport, the Bayan Lepas industrial zone, and the Second Penang Bridge are anticipated to be shortened.

The project involves widening a 4.2km stretch of road from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, built to urban U5 standards. It will also include the reconstruction of Sungai Mati Bridge, upgrading of drainage near SMK Teluk Kumbar, and improvements to eight intersections.

Zairil highlighted that the improved connectivity could spur economic growth in Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau. Echoing this, Bayan Lepas State Assemblyman Dato’ Azrul Mahathir Aziz welcomed the project, which is targeted to commence in early 2026. He emphasized the urgent need to expand the road from Bukit Belah to Puspakom to better connect with existing highways such as those at Bukit Genting and Pekan Bayan Lepas.

Having consistently raised the issue since 2018, Azrul expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Balik Pulau MP Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik for their efforts in escalating the matter to the federal level. He expressed hope for swift approval to ensure the project begins without delay, noting its potential to benefit thousands of road users and stimulate socio-economic development in southern Penang.