Penang Island: One big construction site?

101
332

Residents around Karpal Singh Drive today submitted a memorandum at the Penang State Assembly protesting reclamation plans in their area.

The plan refuses to go away even after the Department of Environment rejected the environmental impact assessment report for the fifth time (yes, you read that right). The must be some kind of record! Read this piece on the Aliran website.

Mega-projects are dotting many parts of Penang Island so much so some people are calling the place “one big construction site”.

All this is happening while the population of Penang Island is barely rising while total fertility rates have plummeted well below population replacement rates.

Let’s look at the mega-projects taking place or in the pipeline:

Read the full article on the Aliran website

Please help to support this blog if you can.

Read the commenting guidlelines for this blog.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

101 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Karuppu
Karuppu
21 May 2026 3.24pm

The constitution is the only safeguard for all races if they choose to abide by it. Islam is no safeguard for non Muslims so do not go down the path to an Islamic state safeguarding non Muslims they reject it whole heartedly.

Twinkle
Twinkle
20 May 2026 8.18am

The biggest disruption caused by Rafizi’s Bersama would be vote splitting among urban centrist voters. If they split this base, they could possibly hand victory to the conservative opposition (PN-PAS) in marginal seats?

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/05/20/how-rafizi-led-bersama-could-disrupt-malaysias-political-calculus/220576

Karuppu
Karuppu
21 May 2026 3.26pm
Reply to  Twinkle

Rafizi’s Bersama should contest in Terengganu as there is no single opposition party elected there.

GK is back
GK is back
22 May 2026 11.11am
Reply to  Karuppu

Bersama likely yet another mosquito party. Unless they contest 222-seat, nobody will treat them seriously.

SuperRing
SuperRing
23 May 2026 8.15am
Reply to  GK is back

Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), initially known as the Malaysian United Party (MU), is a Penang-based political party registered on Dec 2, 2016, by George Town businessman Tan Gin Theam and former Barisan Nasional politicians. Originally intended as a “third force” and independent check-and-balance, it made its maiden electoral venture in the 14th General Election, fielding 20 state and 5 parliamentary candidates exclusively in Penang – all candidates lost, even their deposits!

GK is back
GK is back
24 May 2026 6.25pm
Reply to  SuperRing

Hahaha. Indeed, Bersama is no different from other smallish parties trying to talk big, “action” before the crushing defeat on election day.

Moderate Malaysian Citizen
Moderate Malaysian Citizen
26 May 2026 1.11pm
Reply to  SuperRing

Bersama only brings harm to PH and only good things to our WINNING PAS. I am sure Bersama can take away many NM voters who blindly supported PH in the past and allows our WINNING PAS to WIN in many more mixed and marginal seats.

GK is back
GK is back
3 Jun 2026 9.29am

I am open to the idea that pas may win the GE and then unleashing the ultimate happiness for all Malaysians.

Something like mandatory x, y and z. Closing x, y, and z.

One stream, one plan, one x, y, and z.

Malaysia needs reset after so many boring decades. Build back better after the storm.

Before the sunlight that has to be darkness.

Amir WS
Amir WS
11 Jun 2026 4.49pm
Reply to  GK is back

Will PAS leave PN or Bersatu leave PN?

Will umno join PAS in Muafakat 2.0?

Lots of permutations in Malay politics, as usual, with or without any umbrella.

Let’s stick with Madani government for stability, starting with Johor.

Last edited 18 days ago by Amir WS
Murai
Murai
14 Jun 2026 11.53am

We ought to give Wawasan a chance to govern Johor, then we see if it is effective for federal government. A good test for Hamzah.

GK is back
GK is back
22 May 2026 12.42pm
Reply to  Twinkle

Bersama more or less as impactful as Muda = ilek or nada, or tarak. Rafizi must join umno before could soar high again.

Twinkle
Twinkle
1 Jun 2026 12.12pm

Penang’s LRT Development Latest Update (JUNE’26) – The Mutiara Line — The Game Changer of the Northern Corridor Malaysia

Twinkle
Twinkle
5 Jun 2026 4.42pm

Siti Kasim: NO PORK, NO LARD SIGNAGE: SHOULD THE STATE OR THE CONSUMER DECIDE?

Khoo NK
Khoo NK
6 Jun 2026 11.03am
Reply to  Twinkle

Lots of Chinese food has lost the soul and flavour when become halal. No more old taste (kor char bee). So better support authentic Chinese food that does not sell out.

GK is back
GK is back
7 Jun 2026 12.06pm
Reply to  Khoo NK

No lard maybe is the healthier choice. Although once in a while is ok. What is life anyway if one too scare of anything.

Loong Huat
Loong Huat
16 Jun 2026 8.31am

Preserve Lot 642 in Gelugor as a public green space – Residents are asking whether there comes a point when balance, restraint and long-term planning should take precedence over further intensification of development within an already mature urban area.

https://www.nst.com.my/amp/opinion/letters/2026/06/1462072/preserve-lot-642-public-green-space

Loong Huat
Loong Huat
14 Jun 2026 8.55pm

Six Madani recreational parks in Penang are expected to be completed by the end of this year, expanding access to quality recreational facilities and enhancing the quality of life for residents in both urban and suburban areas.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/06/14/six-madani-recreational-parks-in-penang-to-be-completed-by-year-end/223766

This will enhance recreational facilities and community wellbeing.

Twinkle
Twinkle
12 Jun 2026 9.45pm

Insane Queue for This Michelin Char Kway Teow in Penang! – Penang Street Food

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YiXJTA5fDyk&pp=iggCQAE%3D

This will lure tunglang back to provide his food commentary?

Twinkle
Twinkle
17 Jun 2026 2.02pm
Reply to  Twinkle

After 56 years on Penang’s Jalan Burma, popular Apong Guan is said to be relocating (with the food truck) to Kuala Lumpur in August

Many are calling for the Penang authorities to preserve this famous food and maintain its legacy within the state.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/eat-drink/2026/06/16/after-56-years-on-penangs-jalan-burma-popular-apong-guan-is-said-to-be-relocating-to-kuala-lumpur-in-august/224045

Last edited 13 days ago by Twinkle
A Rakyat 8
26 May 2026 3.24pm

” Villain or angel: Yap Ah Loy’s dubious legacy must be viewed in right historical context ”

The link – https://focusmalaysia.my/villain-or-angel-yap-ah-loys-dubious-legacy-must-be-viewed-in-right-historical-context/

========

Here is a question .  

If Yap Ah Loy was mainly providing ‘services’ to maintain peace with the tacit approval of the British, then why is he regarded as the person who established Kuala Lumpur rather than the British themselves?
 

GK is back
GK is back
27 May 2026 7.57am
Reply to  A Rakyat 8

LOL. Yap Ah Loy story is how many decades ago?

Furthermore, we might not know the truth behind these ancient stories.

Live now, brother.

A Rakyat 8
31 May 2026 9.43pm
Reply to  GK is back

I am living in the present, and history has become part of that journey, especially when it comes to exploring past mysteries and historical inconsistencies.

I remember in the seventies, the school history books stated that Yap Ah Loy was the founder of Kuala Lumpur. We accepted it without question because there was little background information available and no easy way to verify what we were being taught.

GK is back
GK is back
3 Jun 2026 9.16am
Reply to  A Rakyat 8

You better believe it if the system praises non Malay which is rare although mostly is factually correct.

The trend now is re-writing history.

A Rakyat 8
31 May 2026 9.44pm
Reply to  GK is back

Not that we cared much anyway. We were busy living the seventies, not scrutinising history.

Today, however, we live in the digital age. We have access to vast amounts of information, and if we are willing to look deeply enough and ask the right questions, we stand a much better chance of discovering what really happened and getting much closer to the truth.

Peace and love to you brother.

And GK, you do remind me of another commenter who goes by the moniker – shriek.

GK is back
GK is back
3 Jun 2026 9.19am
Reply to  A Rakyat 8

I was famous here, last time. I had been missing for many years. Came back and noticed Anil already not active like previously.

Anil, you sudah sangat tua kah?

Hehehehe

A Rakyat 8
3 Jun 2026 12.39pm
Reply to  GK is back

My guess is maybe a few years ago …… last heard back in 2021. Welcome back.

GK is back
GK is back
4 Jun 2026 12.54pm
Reply to  A Rakyat 8

No, it was way earlier. Maybe around early 2010s. That times we could like post multiple times until hundreds or so haha .

Nowadays I even doubt if Anil himself still manning this blog.

Rakyat 8
21 May 2026 11.24am

” Pay assessment with recyclables ” https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2026/05/21/pay-assessment-with-recyclables ======== This is a good idea, isn’t it? Something is better than nothing. At least this program helps the Rakyat in some ways. But where is Penang in all this? They only know how to tax the Rakyat on this and that, claiming it is part of state policy. But no Empathy for the Rakyat. They have a green agency with people drawing salaries, but doing what? We, the Rakyat, do not know. They only brag that Penang is first in this and first in that, then make U-turns on issues like single-use plastics because… Read more »

Rakyat 8
14 May 2026 11.43am

” Mega-projects are dotting many parts of Penang Island so much so some people are calling the place “one big construction site”. ” ======== Then why continue electing DAP to govern Penang? They have already been in power for nearly 20 years and appear to have grown far too comfortable in office. By now, Penangites can already see the direction the island is heading. Mega-projects and unchecked development are increasingly transforming Penang into what some describe as one large construction site. Many residents are beginning to question whether the state government prioritizes the island’s environment, livability, and the welfare of… Read more »

Twinkle
Twinkle
24 May 2026 11.02am
Reply to  Rakyat 8

Penang Mutiara Line: Triple replanting to boost Penang’s urban canopy

Among them: big-leaf mahogany – tall, majestic trees prized for their timber, which is used in musical instruments; Pink mampat, known for their striking purple-pink blossoms and reddish young leaves when they flush.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/24/penang-mutiara-line-triple-replanting-to-boost-penangs-urban-canopy?utm_medium=thestar&utm_source=wpeditorspick&utm_campaign=Gamuda+24May26

A Rakyat 8
31 May 2026 10.04pm
Reply to  Twinkle

Let’s wait and see whether they are able to carry out the tree replanting as they said they would.

Over the years, we have seen poor follow-up and maintenance after such work is completed.

One example is road signboards being covered by overgrown tree branches, with no pruning carried out to keep them visible.

Rakyat 8
28 Jun 2026 11.46am

” Chow: Penang International Airport expansion project progressing steadily ” https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2025/10/1299731/chow-penang-international-airport-expansion-project-progressing ======== Just look at Penang International Airport. It now looks worse than a small-town bus station. It has also become a perpetual construction site. This is 2026, and the DAP state government has been governing the state for the past 20 years. Apart from the new multi-storey car park, which itself looks chaotic at ground level, not much seems to have improved at PIA. The parking fees are already expensive for just an hour of parking. Just imagine how costly it would be for a longer period. What is… Read more »

Rakyat 8
28 Jun 2026 11.45am

The mainland’s Penang Sentral bus station looks a hundred times better than PIA.

By the way, Penang Sentral requires constant maintenance and cleaning, as well as minor upgrades where necessary. Proactive personnel should be appointed to manage the place properly.

The parking fees at Penang Sentral are also expensive and should be reduced.

A Rakyat 8
25 Jun 2026 10.47am

” Penang To Spend RM2.9 Billion On Water Infrastructure To Meet Surging Demand ” https://penangtoday.my/news/8494/penang-to-spend-rm2-9-billion-on-water-infrastructure-to-meet-surging-demand/ ======== It is rather strange that while billions are being spent on constructing new water treatment plants and expanding supply capacity, there appears to be little discussion about addressing leakages from ageing pipes. PBA continues to lose significant amounts of treated water through Non-Revenue Water (NRW), amounting to billions of ringgit in losses, much of it due to leakages in the distribution system. Surely reducing these losses should be a major priority as well. After all, what is the point of producing more treated water… Read more »

A Rakyat 8
18 Jun 2026 7.47pm

” PBAPP to invest nearly RM2.9bil for 12 water supply projects in Penang ” https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2026/06/16/pbapp-to-invest-nearly-rm29bil-for-12-water-supply-projects-in-penang ======== Yes, we the rakyat hears these announcements, but what is the point? PBA continues to lose large amounts of treated water through Non-Revenue Water (NRW), much of it due to leakages from ageing pipes and infrastructure. What have the state government and PBA been doing to seriously address this problem? Shouldn’t reducing water losses be the priority before embarking on other water supply projects? Penangites have a right to ask whether enough is being done to repair and replace old pipelines, improve efficiency, and… Read more »

A Rakyat 8
16 Jun 2026 3.04pm

” Penang govt to decide on Jelutong landfill project after developer’s reply ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/16/penang-govt-to-decide-on-jelutong-landfill-project-after-developers-reply ======== Look at what this DAP state government is saying. Instead of making a clear decision on the Jelutong landfill issue, they now want to wait for the developer’s response before deciding what to do next. This raises a simple question: who elected the state government to govern Penang? The developer or the people of Penang? The state government’s responsibility is to act in the public interest, not to appear hesitant whenever a developer’s interests are involved. After more than 20 years in power, the government… Read more »

A Rakyat 8
16 Jun 2026 3.03pm

This is exactly the kind of arrogance and complacency that can develop when a government begins to assume that public support is guaranteed and voters can be taken for granted.

No government should ever forget that its mandate comes from the Rakyat, not from developers.

The Rakyat elected the government to lead, not to wait for instructions from developers.

Twinkle
Twinkle
15 Jun 2026 6.47pm

Penang’s TOP 10 Michelin Bib Gourmand
https://youtube.com/watch?v=paKZAdFtxnU&pp=iggCQAE%3D

The Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to establishments that serve exceptional food at great value, making them some of the most sought-after dining experiences in the city.

A Rakyat 8
12 Jun 2026 3.08pm

“ Water filters not the solution”: Has Kuching City joined the rank of “air teh tarik” Kelantan? ”

https://focusmalaysia.my/water-filers-not-the-solution-has-kuching-city-joined-the-rank-of-air-teh-tarik-kelantan/

========

When dirty water complaints are no longer confined to one state but are appearing across different parts of the country, it is time to ask whether the current system is working as intended.

The federal government should take a serious look at the management of water resources nationwide.

Water security is no longer just a state issue. From Kelantan to Kuching and elsewhere, Malaysians are increasingly facing concerns over water quality, supply reliability, long-term sustainability and rising water-related charges.

A Rakyat 8
12 Jun 2026 3.07pm

Water is a strategic national resource that affects public health, economic development and quality of life. The federal government should review the current framework, including possible constitutional reforms, to ensure more coordinated, accountable and effective management of the nation’s water resources. If we can have national policies for energy, telecommunications and transportation, then surely it is time to ask whether water security should also be treated as a national priority instead of being managed through a fragmented state-by-state approach. Water security should no longer be viewed solely as a state responsibility. It is increasingly becoming a national issue that requires… Read more »

Ernest Liaw
Ernest Liaw
11 Jun 2026 1.28pm

Anil should kick off discussion on the coming Johor and NS by election. There are repercussions on the next general election?

A Rakyat 8
9 Jun 2026 1.27am

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2026/06/04/penang-adopts-ai-across-governance-industry ======== Everyone is talking about AI these days. Without a doubt, AI is part of the future, and the state government wants to integrate it into governance and urban management. That is good news, but for ordinary Penangites, our question is simple: Will it make a difference? Will traffic improve? Will public services become faster? Will complaints be resolved more efficiently? Will the cost of delivering government services be reduced? AI is a tool, not an achievement. The real achievement is producing better outcomes for the Rakyat. Governments should be judged by results, not by how many fashionable technologies… Read more »

A Rakyat 8
9 Jun 2026 1.26am

In the meantime, many of us would also like to know what is happening with the proposed RM103 million large-scale solar (LSS5) farm in Byram, Nibong Tebal. 

We were told it would be a strategic initiative to strengthen Penang’s position as a global high-tech investment hub and generate enough electricity to power more than 16,000 homes annually.

Has the project progressed according to schedule, or has it become another case of talk, talk, and more talk?

We, the Rakyat deserve regular updates on major projects, especially those involving significant public interest and investment.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/04/03/penang-kicks-off-rm103m-solar-farm-project-that-could-power-thousands-of-homes-by-2027/214902

A Rakyat 8
8 Jun 2026 1.50am

” Onn Hafiz accused of ‘racist personality’ in making DAP snub ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/07/onn-hafiz-accused-of-racist-personality-in-making-dap-snub ======== DAP is a political party, not a race. Refusing to work with DAP is a political decision. Political parties disagree with each other all the time. They form alliances, break alliances, cooperate or refuse to cooperate based on policies, ideology and political strategy. That is part of the democratic process. However, insisting that only one race should hold the Chief Minister’s post is a completely different matter. That is no longer about politics or policy. It is about race. Political disagreement is not racism. Race-based political… Read more »

A Rakyat 8
8 Jun 2026 1.49am

Back in 2023, just before the state election, local Chinese groups openly demanded that the Penang Chief Minister should be Chinese and did so without any reservation. If race becomes the primary qualification for public office, is that not blatant racial politics?

A political disagreement with a party is one thing. Demanding that a public office be reserved for a particular race is something entirely different.

The links below –

” Group in bid to ensure ‘Chinese-only’ CM for Penang ”

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/07/13/group-in-bid-to-ensure-chinese-only-cm-for-penang

” After DAP nominates Chow again, group calls off ‘Chinese-only CM’ event”

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/07/14/after-dap-nominates-chow-again-group-calls-off-chinese-only-cm-event

A Rakyat 8
7 Jun 2026 8.09pm

” Anwar rejects higher fuel prices, says govt will bear subsidies ”

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/07/anwar-rejects-higher-fuel-prices-says-govt-will-bear-subsidies

========

We are grateful to the Federal Government for demonstrating concern for the welfare of the Rakyat by continuing to bear the burden of fuel subsidies despite mounting fiscal pressures. 

In contrast, the Penang DAP state government appears more inclined to impose additional charges and rate increases while showing little empathy for the financial hardships faced by ordinary Penangites.