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Penang undersea tunnel project has been given new life with a Kedah-based developer clinching a deal to take over the project through the purchase of majority shares in the company awarded the project.

The state government has given its blessings to the Kedah company, led by a Penang businessman with a “Tan Sri” title, to take over the project, said a source.

“The state executive council gave its nod for the takeover in early December. The new company will breathe new life into the project, which was hampered by MACC probes over the years. The Tan Sri is the white knight of the project,” the source said.

FMT has contacted chief minister Chow Kon Yeow for comment.

While the exact value of the takeover could not be ascertained, it was learnt that the incoming company would absorb liabilities and other costs as well. The source said the Kedah company will pay in instalments once work starts on each component of the project.

Last October, the tunnel and road builders Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) told FMT that it was in the midst of an “internal restructuring” so the project could roll out smoothly.

A source had earlier told FMT that the restructuring was an effort to rescue the image of CZC and the tunnel and roads project, which had been severely affected by the corruption allegations, among others.

Yet another proposed affordable housing development at Jelutong by Major Development Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Hooi Hwa Development Sdn. Bhd.). Located on approximately 1.2 acres of land along Lorong Madrasah, right opposite Jelutong Palace apartment. It is just a short drive away from Jalan Ahmad Nor / Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu interchange, about 5 minutes drive to Penang bridge.

This development will see the construction of a 35-storey residential building featuring 298 affordable units, with 10 levels of car parking podium. The units are expected to be priced at around RM300,000.

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

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing
• Full list of affordable housing in Penang

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Affordable housing
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 298
Indicative Price : RM300,000 (estimated affordable housing price)
Developer : Major Development Sdn. Bhd.
Last Updated: May 2023

Location Map:

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.

All districts in Penang are now red zones, amid a tourism surge after the interstate travel ban was lifted last month.

This means all districts have recorded more than 40 Covid-19 cases in the past 14 days.

Seberang Perai Utara, the state’s last yellow zone, turned red yesterday after recording an additional 20 cases.

It has recorded 57 cases in the past fortnight.

The Timur Laut and Barat Daya districts on the island lead the tally with 430 and 406 cases, respectively.

The worst-hit sub-districts (mukim) are the capital city of George Town, with 211 active cases.

The Penang government has announced its decision to continue giving rebates on assessment rates this year.

State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the decision was made to alleviate the financial burden of the people which is caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have announced the same decision in May last year and we are doing it again this year.

“The rebates will benefit 649,950 ratepayers in Penang; both on the island and the mainland.

“A full (100%) assessment rebate will be given to low-cost, low medium-cost and village house owners this year.

“A 50% rebate will be given to owners in other categories,” Jagdeep told a press conference at the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) office in Jalan Macalister today.

According to Jagdeep, the total assessment rebate to be given by both local councils namely Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for the year 2021 is almost RM25 million.

“For MBPP, the total rebate given for 2021 is RM10,297,993.98 while MBSP is RM14,246,852.20.

“This huge amount of rebates proves that the Penang government cares for the people especially during trying times.

“MBPP and MBSP will continue to focus on improving the core services, especially in terms of waste collection and public cleaning services.

“Most importantly, the councils strive to ensure SOPs are complied in all public facilities.

“The local councils will continue to provide the best service as well as continue the development agenda in Penang,” he added.

Source: Buletin Mutiara