Latest news with #Penang2030
Free Malaysia Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Strong investor interest, but Penang land take-up modest, says Chow
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow launching the Penang Industrial Master Plan 2030. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said despite the state continuing to attract investors amid a global semiconductor boom, demand for new industrial land remains modest, with just about 100 acres (40ha) taken up each year. The state government, however, has over 2,000 acres (800ha) of industrial land earmarked for development, including sites under acquisition, reclamation or request-for-proposal stages, to ensure long-term availability for future growth. Chow was responding to a question on the availability of industrial land in the state to cater to future investors. 'At 100 acres a year, 2,000 acres will last us for decades. For example, one of our industrial parks, which spans over 1,000 acres, took more than 15 years to complete since it was initiated in 2008,' he told reporters here today. Chow said not all investors want land, adding that Chinese investors, for example, are content with taking up idle factories so they have a quick turnaround. He said these Chinese investors would rather purchase or lease existing factory sites and repurpose them instead of waiting for new land to be made available. 'They want to start quickly, so they look for idle or underutilised factories. Sometimes, these are leased or bought from companies with excess capacity,' he said. He also said there are factories with enough land to expand within their compounds, and they build new facilities there. 'These count as fresh investments, too,' he said. He said Penang recorded RM13 billion in approved investments recently, but this figure covers various areas, including brownfield sites, digital economy initiatives and existing infrastructure. Earlier, Chow launched the Penang Industrial Master Plan 2030, which will help expand and improve industrial land supply, infrastructure, and human capital, with a total of 44 projects estimated to cost RM41.2 billion. The plan covers both physical and non-physical industrial development, including zoning of new greenfield sites, upgrading existing greyfield and bluefield industrial areas, and rehabilitating brownfield sites. Greenfield areas are untouched land meant for brand-new industrial parks, while greyfield zones are older, underused sites that can be upgraded. Bluefield areas combine new development with the revitalisation of existing spaces, and brownfield sites are former industrial areas that may be polluted or abandoned, targeted for clean-up and reuse. Penang currently has 54 industrial parks and more than 8,900 manufacturing-related establishments, the majority located in Seberang Perai. Key industries include machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, basic and fabricated metal products, and food processing technology. The plan forecasts a total of 5,310ha of industrial land available by 2030, with new zones identified for future development in Batu Kawan, Bertam, and Penang South Island (reclaimed island).
The Star
01-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Hiking group maintaining Penang Hill trail marks 29th anniversary
(From right) Choong, Koay and Ong presenting a mock cheque for RM5,000 to Tan (third from left) and Khor (second from left) while Heng (centre) looks on during Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group's 29th anniversary event in Penang. A LIVELY reunion dinner celebrating decades of hiking, bonding and trail maintenance was held by the Moon Gate No. 5 Hiking Group in Penang to mark its 29th anniversary. The hiking club is known for its free refreshments and volunteer-driven upkeep of the famous Moon Gate trail on Penang Hill. In his opening speech at the dinner, the group's honorary advisor Datuk Seri Benny Khor said the club provided free coffee, water and biscuits to hikers. 'The hiking club focuses on maintaining and improving the trail's condition to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. 'Our mission has always been to bring people together to enhance and care for the Moon Gate No. 5 trail that is now a must-visit for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. 'The group relies on donations, surplus funds from the annual dinner and contributions from its committee members to sustain its operations. 'This is because there are no membership fees or public fundraising initiatives,' he said. Representing Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai, was vice-chairman Datuk Heng Yak Hoi who said the hiking club promoted both hiking and humanitarian values. 'The stories are truly touching as members and volunteers tirelessly carry gas cylinders uphill, prepare hot drinks and serve hikers come rain or shine. 'This selfless spirit aligns with the Penang2030 vision of fostering an inclusive, healthy and resilient community,' he said. Heng added that the importance of hiking as a form of physical and mental exercise should be emphasised to encourage people to embrace outdoor activities for a balanced lifestyle. During the dinner, TG Ocean Health Food Industries Sdn Bhd directors Datuk Ong Thor Guan, Koay Kai Bin and Choong Jin Koi presented RM5,000 to club chairman Tan Chee Yeong to support its efforts. More than 1,000 people attended the dinner at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Macalister Road, George Town. Many of the diners took home prizes such as hiking shoes, electrical goods and motorcycles. Moon Gate No. 5, is a colonial- era stone archway. The hiking group's upkeep of this historic path has helped the trail become a popular destination. At the dinner, members and supporters reaffirmed their goal of keeping the trail accessible and well-maintained to ensure that Moon Gate No. 5 remains a symbol of Penang's community-driven conservation efforts.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Over 1,000 spectators cheer on 50 muay thai boxers in Bkt Mertajam
Some 1,000 people converged in Taman Sireh for the festival. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star OVER 50 amateur and professional boxers from sports clubs in the country took part in a muay thai competition at the inaugural Festival Kebun Sireh X Penang2030. The event, held at a public field in Taman Sireh, Bukit Mertajam, was organised by Penang Muay Thai Association (PMTA) and Kebun Sireh Village Community Management Council. It was supported by the Batu Kawan parliamentary office, Bukit Tengah service centre and Seberang Perai City Council. Some 1,000 people attended the event which PMTA president Hilmie Ibrahim described as the festival's highlight. 'Besides muay thai, there were other events such as checkers and a colouring contest. 'It was good to see many youngsters showing interest in muay thai which helps with character building among youths,' said Hilmie. Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung said the event encouraged youngsters to be active in healthy sporting activities while promoting unity. 'It is good to see people from different walks of life coming together to attend the event and cheer for each other,' he said. He added that although muay thai was a serious sport that required intense training and discipline, it also fostered camaraderie among the boxers. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the event as a platform for Penangites to be involved in healthy activities and community building. 'The event is a clear reflection of the people of Penang being an active community, engaged in social and healthy activities. 'Not only does it promote the sport of muay thai, it also shows that festive occasions, traditions, sports, and community events can be celebrated in harmony,' he said in his speech. Chow expressed hope that Penang would continue progressing towards becoming a developed state, in line with Penang2030 Vision. 'The Penang2030 vision is a roadmap for developing the state during my tenure, aimed at advancing various industries, strengthening social development and achieving balanced growth that improves the overall quality of life for the people. 'It is also my hope that, with the time we have left, we can intensify efforts to mobilise greater community and public participation in support of these balanced development initiatives,' he said. Auxiliary police member Muhammad Sayuti Mad, 37, from Kuala Kedah, said he was invited by his friend in Taman Sireh to join the event. 'I am happy to be part of this event. I also asked my daughter to take part in the colouring contest,' he said. Technician Khairul Annur Harun, 35, who lives near Taman Sireh, said such events brought the community together, offering a break from routine. 'Such programmes create a positive atmosphere, especially when these combine culture, sports, and festive elements. 'I hope more such events will be held in future to strengthen the spirit of unity among residents,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Future of Penang Turf Club land depends on owners, says Chow
The Penang Turf Club, founded in 1864, holds about 81 hectares of prime land in Batu Gantong. (Penang Turf Club pic) GEORGE TOWN : The future of the 81-hectare Penang Turf Club land in Batu Gantong depends entirely on what its private owners propose to do with it, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said. He said any redevelopment must follow existing planning laws and align with the Penang2030 vision — the state's roadmap for a greener and smarter future. 'The land is privately owned and zoned as a Priority Development Zone 1 for commercial purposes,' he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubok), who had asked about the status of the land. 'Any request to change its category or conditions must go through the district land office and the state land and mines office before being brought to the state authority for consideration.' Civil society groups such as Penang Forum had urged the state to place the land under a special area plan to preserve it as a public green space. They argued that large-scale commercial developments would erode its livability and heritage value. Chow said that the state would assess any proposals from the landowners fairly and require the incorporation of 'community-friendly designs', smart technology, and safeguards for the environment and heritage. 'The state will ensure that decisions are balanced and just for both the applicant and the public. This is to ensure that the project creates jobs and stimulates the local economy,' he said. The land is held in trust for the Penang Turf Club by Goh Eng Toon, Ong Eng Khuan, and Teh Choon Beng, under title HSD 20562, Chow confirmed. Founded in 1864, the Penang Turf Club will cease operations after its final race on May 31. It owns one of the island's last remaining large undeveloped land parcels, with estimated values ranging from RM2 billion to RM6 billion. The club previously attempted to sell the land via an open tender but failed to secure a successful bid. It now plans to divide the site into smaller parcels to appeal to more buyers.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Governor Calls For More Targeted, Inclusive Approach In i-Sejahtera Programme
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- Penang's newly appointed Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, emphasising the need to prioritise those genuinely in need while introducing sustainable empowerment alternatives such as skills training and micro-aid. This initiative should not merely alleviate burdens, but also create opportunities for self-reliance and raise the socio-economic status of recipients, he said in his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today. Ramli also praised the Penang government's commitment to welfare, noting that RM50.54 million was disbursed through i-Sejahtera in 2024, benefiting over 280,000 recipients. 'The scale of this programme reflects not only its reach but also the state government's dedication to enhancing lives regardless of age, status, or background,' he said. On May 9, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that a review of the i-Sejahtera programme is currently underway to ensure it achieves its intended impact. The i-Sejahtera programme is an expression of appreciation and concern from the state government that is given in the form of financial aid once a year to the people of Penang, namely the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, housewives and infants aged two years and below. In his speech, Ramli also stressed the importance of continuously refining state-level planning to ensure welfare and social development efforts remain relevant and effective. This includes the Penang State Structure Plan 2040, which is being reviewed to strengthen and align existing policies under the Penang2030 vision, he said. Meanwhile, the Governor also expressed appreciation to the federal government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects in Penang, which aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the state, such as the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway (JSD), the LRT Mutiara Line, the Sungai Perak Treated Water Transfer Project or the Perak-Penang Water Project (PAP), and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.
