Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a shift in urban development priorities, stressing that government projects must focus on uplifting the general population, not just serving luxury interests.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rumah Belia Madani and affordable housing project in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said development must be people-centric and benefit those most in need. He directed the Housing and Local Government Ministry to provide monthly updates on all major development projects, with special emphasis on affordable housing.

“Development is not about iconic towers or luxury projects. It’s about how much it uplifts the people, especially the underprivileged,” Anwar said.

He highlighted the need for city mayors and local councils to operate with integrity and efficiency, particularly when it comes to approving development proposals. “Mayors and local councils must explain approval processes from time to time, ensuring they are quick and efficient,” he added.

Anwar emphasised that the government’s people-first development policy, introduced in 2022, must now deliver visible outcomes. He criticised planning trends that overlook the daily realities of most Malaysians, noting that over 80% of urban residents rely on modest homes and affordable eateries—yet these are often neglected.

“If most people eat at food stalls, why are these places often rundown? Clean and functional facilities should be the standard,” he remarked.

He also stressed the urgent need for more affordable housing in high-cost urban areas, pointing out that while the wealthy can afford million-ringgit homes, the government has a duty to ensure liveable, dignified housing for the rest.

“There must be a clear policy among leaders and civil servants to prioritise affordable housing. Without it, development approvals will only enrich the wealthy and marginalise the poor,” he said.

Anwar concluded by urging elected representatives to stay connected to the people’s struggles. “Go back to your constituencies. Observe the conditions of schools, mosques, and homes. Understand the people’s burdens,” he said.

Pekatra Indah is an exciting new residential development located in the rapidly growing area of Simpang Ampat, Penang. Designed to cater to modern families seeking comfort, functionality, and affordability.

Prime Location with Easy Highway Access

• Alma, Bukit Mertajam – 7km
• Juru Toll Plaza – 12km
• Kulim – 13km
• Nibong Tebal – 15km
• George Town – 27km

This ideal location is surrounded by daily conveniences, education centres, shopping malls, healthcare facilities, and recreational attractions.

Nearby Amenities

• Education: SMK Jit Sin II (3km), GEMS International School (3km)
• Public Facilities: Mountain View Golf Resort (5.4km), North-South Highway (8km), Second Penang Bridge (10km)
• Healthcare: Bukit Mertajam Hospital (3km)
• Shopping: Pearl City Mall (3.5km), Lotus’s Bukit Mertajam (5km), Aeon Bukit Mertajam (7km), Design Village (13km), IKEA (14km)

Functional Home Design

Pekatra Indah features Type A single-storey bungalow with a built-up area of 1,528sf. It comes with:

• Land size 4000 sq ft
• Individual Title
• 3 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms
• Spacious living room
• Open layout concept
• Duo Master Bedroom*
• Dining & Kitchen with private garden view
• Private Garden for catering to a variety of preferences and lifestyles.
• Park up to 4 cars
• Prices start from RM6xxK*

The layout is designed for both growing families and investors looking for a valuable asset in a high-potential location.

Construction Progress

Construction works at Pekatra Indah have now entered Phase 2, continuing the success of Phase 1. The homes in the first phase have been fully completed, and the focus has now shifted to the development of the second phase to meet the growing demand.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seeking a strategic property investment in Southern Penang, Pekatra Indah offers a rare combination of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle potential.

Contact OIB Group via whatsapp http://www.wasap.my/60124010246/Pekatra_Indah_Bungalow or visit https://oibgroup.com

Project Name : Taman Pekatra Indah (Phase 2)
Location : Seberang Prai Selatan, Pulau Pinang
Property Type : Single Storey Bungalow
Tenure: Leasehold
Land Area: from 4,000sf
Built-up Size: from 1,510sf
Total Units : 90
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : Robert Fullerton Realty (Tasek) Sdn Bhd

A newly proposed commercial development in the heart of George Town. It is located on a 1.04-acre plot at the intersection of Jalan Anson and Jalan Macalister, directly opposite Ghee Hiang, and just a stone’s throw from 22 Macalisterz and Tropicana 218 Macalister.

The project involves the restoration of the existing two-storey building and the construction of a new 40-storey serviced residence block. The new building will feature several components: retail spaces across three levels—specifically on levels 1, 2, and 40. Parking facilities will occupy ten levels, from level 2 to level 11, to serve both residents and visitors. An office floor will be located on level 12, while levels 13 to 38 will house 250 serviced apartment units. Several community facilities will also be incorporated across multiple floors, including on the rooftop.

The development is currently in the planning stage. More details will be available upon the official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : George Town
Property Type : Serviced residence
Total Units: 250
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

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.

About Terraces Condominium

A highrise residential development by IJM Land at Bukit Jambul, Penang. Strategically located on 9.32 acres of land next to INTI International College. It comprises a 34-storey condominium tower, featuring 410 residential units with two different design types to choose from.

*Photo taken in Mar 2025

Find out more about Terraces Condominium

The large-scale construction phase of the Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) line is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the state’s most anticipated public transport projects.

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd. Zarif Hashim, announced that appointed contractors will first begin with soil investigation works before finalising the rail line’s design based on site conditions.

“Once the design is finalised, the first step will involve identifying and relocating existing utilities at the construction sites,” he said. “In the next six months, the public will start seeing machinery being deployed to carry out these utility relocation works. However, heavy construction activities, such as pillar installation, will only begin in the final quarter of next year.”

Speaking to reporters during the 2025 Mutiara LRT Hari Raya celebration held at The Top, Komtar, Mohd. Zarif also shared that the LRT project will take approximately five years to complete and is targeted for full completion by 31 December 2031.

“This timeline is typical for mega infrastructure projects, which usually follow an ‘S-curve’ development pattern—slower progress in the initial stages followed by acceleration once critical phases are underway,” he added. “We are aware that the people of Penang have been waiting a long time for this LRT, and we are committed to delivering it efficiently.”

In an earlier statement on 21 April 2025, MRT Corp confirmed that the project remains on track according to schedule. Significant progress has been made in recent months, including the approval of preliminary works under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, granted on 15 April 2025.

Additionally, land acquisition efforts have advanced rapidly, with access secured for 86 land lots to date. The gazettement process under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 has also been completed—a major achievement ahead of the original target set for October 2025.

The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara LRT line will feature 21 strategically located stations and aims to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and Seberang Perai. It is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve public accessibility across the region.

The main alignment includes a route stretching from the southern reclaimed island of Penang (PSR-A) to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in George Town. Train services will run in alternating loops across the line once operational.