The Penang undersea tunnel project is not abandoned, and remains an active initiative with ongoing study work, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow clarified at the state assembly on Friday.

Responding to a supplementary question from Azmi Alang (PN–Telok Ayer Tawar), Chow said the state government recently received a detailed presentation from the companies involved during a State Executive Council meeting, where key issues and the steps needed to move forward were reviewed.

He explained that several technical considerations are still being refined, including the proposed alignment’s impact on Penang Port’s planned expansion. Chow added that if the project were to shift from an undersea tunnel to a bridge, the design would require careful evaluation, particularly in relation to the nearby Royal Malaysian Air Force Butterworth Air Base.

“These are technical matters still being addressed. Under the master agreement, the study work has not been completed, and we cannot proceed until all parties are satisfied with the alignment design and financial arrangements,” he said.

On May 21, the state government announced that it was reviewing a proposal to replace the tunnel with a bridge across the Penang Straits. According to State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the feasibility study—finalised in 2023—examined the viability of the bridge design as well as other alternatives.

The 6.5km undersea tunnel, meant to connect Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, forms a key component of the Penang Transport Master Plan.

Malaysia’s property sector is entering a new era of transparency and digital integration as the government accelerates the rollout of trusted digital infrastructure to strengthen compliance, governance and investor confidence.

Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the Ministry of Finance is leading digital reforms to connect the entire property ecosystem — from valuation to financing — through verified data and secure transaction systems.

“By introducing digital infrastructure that records, reconciles and reports transactions in real time, we are embedding trust within the system where records are consistent, data is verified and audit trails are secured,” she said during the launch of PaymentXchange.

Developed and operated by Infomina Geolytik Sdn Bhd, PaymentXchange is an industry-endorsed transparent property payment platform designed to promote deposit protection, accountability and compliance across Malaysia’s real estate market. The system works alongside ValuationXchange, linking buyers, banks and valuers to enable a connected and streamlined loan and valuation process.

Lim noted that traditional, fragmented property transactions have long led to inefficiencies, delays and potential risks of fraud. The digital initiative, she said, supports the government’s fiscal priorities ahead of Budget 2026, which emphasise tightening governance, reducing leakages and promoting private-sector innovation aligned with national development goals.

She also highlighted that the initiative complements Malaysia’s regulatory frameworks, including the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) and Risk Management in Technology (RMiT) guidelines, to ensure financial integrity and traceability.

“A digitally verifiable property market will enhance Malaysia’s global reputation as a transparent and credible investment destination, especially as investors increasingly value regulatory confidence and market integrity,” she added.

In a statement, Infomina Geolytik said PaymentXchange connects property buyers with registered real estate agencies, ensuring deposits are channelled into verified accounts powered by Chip Asia, a Bank Negara Malaysia-approved payment gateway. The platform provides audit-ready visibility for stakeholders while supporting anti-money laundering best practices and consumer protection.

Eden at Botanica CT is hosting “A Session for Caregivers and Families” on 29 November 2025 (Saturday), 9.00am–12.00 noon at Gurney Bay Hotel, Penang.

The session will share practical insights on caregiving challenges, senior living options, integrated living models, and MOH-licensed care residences — all aimed at supporting seniors to age with comfort and dignity.

Hear from Mr Raymond Fong and Mr Simon Yong of Eden-on-the-Park (EOTP), leaders in building compassionate and sustainable senior living communities.

Seats are limited to 40 participants only!
Register Here or call 017-311 2699.
Website: edenatbotanicact.com.my

The Penang State Housing Board (Lembaga Perumahan Negeri Pulau Pinang, LPNPP) has invited qualified companies to submit proposals for the development of one replacement housing block (RMKu B2 type) on part of Lot 20087, Section 4, Butterworth, in the North Seberang Perai District.

The Request for Proposal seeks submissions from companies registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or organisations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), fully owned by Malaysian citizens. Attendance at the physical RFP briefing and site visit is mandatory for all interested participants.

Registration for the RFP opens on 12 November 2025 (Wednesday) and closes on 24 November 2025 (Monday) before 12 noon via the official link: https://forms.gle/PdfPWZjQuGGtvxLt8

The briefing session will take place on 1 December 2025 (Monday) at 9.30 a.m., followed by a site visit at 2.30 p.m., both held at the LPNPP Meeting Room, Level 20, KOMTAR. RFP documents will be available for purchase from 1 December 2025 at 3.30 p.m. until 4 December 2025 (Thursday) before 12 noon for RM5,000 per copy, payable via credit or debit card at the LPNPP counter on Level 3, KOMTAR.

Completed proposals must be submitted in both hardcopy and softcopy (pendrive) format in sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the RFP number and title, and deposited in the tender box at Level 20, KOMTAR before 12 noon on 2 February 2026 (Monday). Late submissions will not be considered.

Setia SV2, a new residential development proposed by Kay Pride Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of S P Setia, in Jelutong. The development is situated off Lorong Slim, adjacent to Setia Sky Ville, which was completed in 2021. Located only a short drive away from high schools such as Heng Ee Secondary School, Penang Free School, and Han Chiang College.

This project will feature a 34-storey condominium, housing 268 residential units and 5 levels of car parking podium. The development will also include recreational facilities located on Level 1 and 7. Indicative prices start from RM969,000 onwards, with built-up sizes ranging from 1,087 sq.ft. to 1,647 sq.ft.

Project Name : Setia SV2
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 2.3 acres
Built-up Size: 1,087 sqft – 1,647 sqft
Total Units : 268
Indicative Price : RM969,000 onwards
Developer : Key Pride Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. 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.