The federal government, in collaboration with state authorities and private developers, will build one million affordable housing units between 2026 and 2035. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement while tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat.

The large-scale housing initiative aims to improve access to safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for more Malaysians. It will be carried out through various programmes including Residensi MADANI, the Public Servants Housing Scheme, the New Home Construction Assistance Programme, Rumah Bakat MADANI, and the Affordable Housing Scheme.

As of this year, 180,000 homes have been completed, with another 235,000 currently under construction. However, Anwar acknowledged that issues such as the mismatch between housing supply and demand and high property prices continue to hinder access to home ownership.

To address these challenges, the government plans to expand the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Rent-to-Own (RTO) programme, targeting low- and middle-income groups. Additionally, the use of modern construction technologies like the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Integrated Management will help accelerate construction and lower costs, especially for public housing.

Anwar also pointed to Kota MADANI in Putrajaya — a partnership with Putrajaya Holdings — as a future model for affordable housing. The development is based on the concept of umran hadhari, or urban prosperity grounded in ethics, sustainability, and modern values.

“This approach offers citizens not only a place to live, but a meaningful urban lifestyle that integrates progress with values, modernity with ethics, and technology with humanity,” he said.

The 13MP, which spans 2026 to 2030, is themed Melakar Semula Pembangunan (Redesigning Development). It aims to reform Malaysia’s socio-economic agenda under the MADANI framework, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and national resilience.

Paramount Corp Bhd is set to strengthen its presence in Penang with the acquisition of an 18.97-acre freehold parcel in Bandar Cassia from Penang Development Corporation for RM57.841 million. Located near its existing Utropolis Batu Kawan development, the site is poised for a mixed-use project comprising serviced apartments, semi-detached townhouses, and shop offices.

The planned development, expected to begin construction in 2027 and complete by 2033, carries an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM744 million. This move expands Paramount’s total landbank to 358.9 acres and lifts its remaining GDV to RM5.5 billion.

According to group CEO Jeffrey Chew, the acquisition reaffirms the company’s confidence in the long-term prospects of Penang’s high-growth corridor. Paramount will fund the purchase through a mix of internal funds and bank financing.

The project is anticipated to enhance liveability and stimulate commercial vibrancy, further cementing Paramount’s role in shaping the northern property landscape.

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A key handover ceremony was held last Saturday to celebrate the completion and delivery of Phase 1 and 2 homes of the Taman Cassia Cempaka residential development in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. The event, hosted by developer PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd., marked a significant milestone for new homeowners as they embark on a new chapter in a modern and well-planned community.

In his speech during the event, PDC Properties CEO Ir. Ismail Ishak expressed gratitude and pride in the achievement, emphasizing that the handover was more than just a symbolic event—it represented the beginning of a new life in a comfortable and strategically located environment.

Ir. Ismail Ishak,
CEO of PDC Properties

One of the most commendable highlights of the project is its impressive QLASSIC score of 81%, a relatively high mark compared to other residential developments in the region. QLASSIC, or the Quality Assessment System in Construction, is a method developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia to objectively evaluate the workmanship quality of building projects based on the Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7). A score above 80% is generally regarded as a mark of high construction quality and attention to detail.

Taman Cassia Cempaka, which is planned across four phases, also includes community-centric amenities such as a playground, football field, hall site, and surau, among others. The development had successfully obtained the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) for both phases without delays, reinforcing PDC Properties’ commitment to timely delivery and high standards.

The project was also awarded the Best Brand Awards 2024, further recognizing its excellence and appeal. Ir. Ismail congratulated all homeowners for choosing a development that not only provides quality living but also fosters a harmonious community.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The construction of a new Olympic-standard swimming pool in Jalan Betek has reached 43% progress and is on track for completion by April next year.

Penang State Exco for Youth, Sports and Health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, shared that the high-impact project is funded with RM3.6 million from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). He described the development as the first of its kind in the area, thanking MBSP for its commitment to revitalising local infrastructure.

More than just a recreational facility, the pool is intended to serve as a sports development hub, especially for swimming. “Penang has produced swimmers who have competed at national and international levels,” said Zi Sen, who is also the State Assemblyman for Padang Lalang. “We hope this facility will help nurture the next generation of swimming talent.”

He also highlighted the potential of the pool to support the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ initiative of offering free swimming lessons, especially for students in flood-prone areas where drowning risks are higher.

Though the pool won’t feature a diving section, it meets Olympic standards and is currently ahead of schedule, with construction having begun on 1 February 2025.

Admission rates are still under review, but the current public pool rate stands at RM3 per session. The facility is expected to open to the public by April 2026.