THE Penang Bumiputera Development Council has unveiled a strategic masterplan focused on advancing the community in four key areas: education, entrepreneurship, business, and affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on moral values and economic resilience.
The initiative, presented before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Penang, also addresses wider technological and geopolitical shifts, according to council chairperson Tan Sri Khalid Ramli.
“This masterplan takes into account economic growth and the evolving ecosystem, including current geopolitics,” said Khalid, a former state secretary and former CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority.
He added that the council, with support from institutions such as Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department, is confident in its ability to meet its goals.
Khalid commended the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for swiftly approving three affordable housing projects within just 22 days.
Anwar also launched the “Tunas MADANI” programme during the event, which will see 106 graduates placed in rigorous internships with various corporate firms.
The Bumiputera masterplan encompasses 62 development initiatives, including the launch of the nation’s largest affordable housing scheme in Seberang Jaya, located approximately 50 kilometres from Anwar’s hometown of Cherok Tok Kun.
The development, led by SkyWorld Development Berhad, was officially launched by Anwar and is part of the “Rumah Bakat Baru (RBB) MADANI” initiative. The scheme is a collaboration between the council and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, designed to encourage skilled graduates to remain and build their futures in Penang.
SkyWorld will construct 37,368 residential units across two sites: 6,368 in Seberang Jaya and 31,000 in Batu Kawan. The project primarily targets young bumiputera families and graduates.
“This is a project to uplift the younger generation and ensure the cost of homes is kept reasonable without compromising on quality or delivery,” said Anwar.
Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming hailed the development as a “historic achievement”, noting that each home will come with a 10-year construction warranty, covering issues such as leakages and plumbing. Maintenance fees are capped at RM0.18 per square foot, or approximately RM162 per month for the first decade.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project will be developed across two strategic sites: 34.04 acres in Seberang Jaya and 161.50 acres in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan.
The development will be Malaysia’s first to fully implement Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) technology, in which modular units are built, tiled, and finished off-site before being assembled on-site. This method is expected to significantly reduce construction time and enhance quality and safety standards.
“Because of PPVC technology, we are able to bring high quality and a new standard of living at a faster pace,” said SkyWorld CEO Lee Chee Seng. “This is a product built with premium quality but priced affordably, a breakthrough made possible by our PPVC innovation.”
Units are priced between RM323,000 and RM390,000, with options for one or two parking bays. Facilities will include a 10-acre elevated landscaped park, a clubhouse with an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a playland, and a gymnasium.
The site will also host Malaysia’s first multi-level vertical school, offering direct onsite access for residents. - July 20, 2025
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