Penang welcomed a significant milestone in its industrial growth yesterday as battery manufacturer INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd officially launched its first manufacturing facility at the Penang Technology Park@Bertam, Kepala Batas.

The Malaysian subsidiary of Shenzhen-based Senior Technology Material Co Ltd—renowned for its expertise in lithium-ion battery separator technology—was established in August 2023. The new state-of-the-art plant marks the company’s first foray into manufacturing in Malaysia.

Officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the opening ceremony drew attention to the facility’s potential as a regional game-changer. INV chairman Datuk Chen XiuFeng revealed that the company is investing RM6.4 billion in the facility, which is slated to be fully operational by June 2027.

“At full capacity, the plant will produce 2 billion square meters of high-performance battery separators annually, targeting a 15% global market share,” said Datuk Chen. “This will be the largest low-carbon separator plant in ASEAN and a key enabler of the global energy transition.”

Chow lauded the rapid development of the project, noting its transformation since the groundbreaking in November 2023.

“INV’s presence enhances Penang’s green technology and energy ecosystem. With applications in EVs, aerospace, energy storage, and electronics, this facility represents a major leap forward,” he said.

He also highlighted the plant’s potential to generate 1,200 skilled jobs, aligning with the state’s vision to strengthen high-value industries and nurture local talent.

Chow reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting technology-driven investments in line with national roadmaps like NIMP 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy.

“We are also actively improving infrastructure, connectivity, and livability to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth in hubs like Bertam,” he concluded.

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The revised assessment tax rate enforced from 1 January 2025 is now reflected in the second half-year assessment bills issued by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

Mayor Dato’ Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid clarified the matter during a press conference following the council’s 612th Full Board Meeting yesterday. He explained that the first half-year bills for 2025 were still calculated based on the previous rate, while the latest bills incorporate the newly adjusted rates.

“For instance, if a property owner paid RM150 in the first half of the year based on a RM300 annual assessment, they will now need to pay RM150 plus an additional RM30 for the second half,” he said. “Those who had paid the full RM300 upfront earlier in the year only need to settle the RM30 adjustment.”

The new rates follow a reassessment process announced on 25 September 2024, where MBSP decided to increase the assessment tax rate by up to 5% depending on property categories. The old rates had been in place since 2020 and were set to expire on 31 December 2024.

According to MBSP’s Director of Valuation and Property Management, Sr. Mat Nasir Hassan, the revised rates are expected to generate an additional RM10 million in revenue for the local authority.

Of the 362,097 properties in Seberang Perai, only 63% (228,721 units) will be affected by the revision. The remaining 37% (133,376 units) will continue to enjoy the updated yet unchanged tax rates.

MBSP urges all ratepayers to review their updated bills. For further inquiries, visit https://esemak.mbsp.gov.my or contact MBSP at 04-5497 493/494/495/464/468, or email pen@mbsp.gov.my.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The construction of the Air Itam to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package 2), has reached 80% completion and is now entering its critical phase.

State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, announced that a permanent closure of the Lintang Angsana junction will take effect starting 1 July 2025. This is to facilitate the construction of a flyover crucial to the highway’s development.

“Motorists from Air Itam will no longer be able to turn right into Farlim via Lintang Angsana. They must instead use alternative routes at the Lintang Angsana–Jalan Angsana junction,” Wong explained during a site visit and press conference. However, traffic from Farlim to Air Itam will remain unaffected.

To address public transport disruptions, discussions with Rapid Penang are underway to reroute affected bus services. Meanwhile, the Farlim night market area has been temporarily opened for public parking to ease congestion in the vicinity.

Additional safety measures, including signage, social media announcements, and on-site traffic personnel, are being implemented to maintain smooth traffic flow throughout the construction period.

Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly benefit the community by shortening travel time to Bayan Lepas and Butterworth industrial zones and providing toll-free access. Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong state assemblyman, expressed appreciation for the public’s patience, noting that the project will enhance connectivity and community well-being.

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