Developer disputes Penang’s reasons for dismissing RFP
SINGAPORE-listed developer, Aspen Group Holdings Ltd, has disputed the reasons cited by the Penang Government in dismissing the Request for Proposal (RFP) which the group submitted for the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) II project.
Aspen Group co-founder and chief executive officer Datuk M Murly told a media briefing that the consortium submitted a due diligence proposal, which included the need to build a connecting bridge to ensure the viability of the BKIPP.
Aspen is the master developer of the Bandar Cassia township, the catalyst for the development of Batu Kawan's reclaimed strip as a new growth centre here.
The issue was raised at last week's state legislative sitting, where Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow clashed with his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, over the proposed project.
"We were transparent from the start. After our (RFP) submission, we requested a meeting with the main developer, the Penang Development Corporation, but they held zero meetings with our consultants,” said Murly.
At the sitting, Chow was quoted as saying that the consortium led by Aspen's RFP was rejected because the group could not fulfil building the connector bridge, which costs around RM200 million.
Murly clarified that the group was willing to build the bridge, as the component was essential towards realising the industrial park, adding that they had also proposed building another bridge to ensure better access into the park.
Aspen also fully respects the PDC's authority as the developer and landowner of BKIP II, and the development authority retains the right to determine the outcome of the industrial park, said Murly.
Murly said that the group now considers its involvement in the BKIP II to be over, following the rejection of its RFP, and there is no participation in any more RFP exercises.
He said that Aspen does not want to be dragged into any politics but rather to see it from the perspective of a project with viable returns.
In this regard, Murly said that with the utmost respect, an independent review should be conducted on the consortium's RFP.
"Such a review would serve the public interest, uphold standards of transparency and accountability that Penang rightly prides itself on. We must allow the facts to speak for themselves. We welcome such scrutiny," added Murly. - May 23, 2026.
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