Latest news with #RM36mil
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Silicon island link by 2028
Building the future: The temporary steel bridge provides access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd GEORGE TOWN: A 380m-long coastal bridge connecting the southern coast of Penang island to the emerging Silicon Island is expected to be ready by the end of 2028. With four lanes in each direction, the bridge is designed to meet future transportation needs and support the development of the man-made island, which will house the proposed Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and Green Tech Park. The bridge is also a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A), a strategic initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who disclosed this yesterday, said the contract for the bridge project had been awarded and construction will begin this month. He said phase one is targeted for completion by mid-2027 to support the opening of Silicon Island's first operational factory, with full commissioning expected at the end of the following year. 'In the meantime, a temporary steel bridge has been built to provide access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island, which now spans 64.75ha of the intended 931ha. Phase One of the island with a total of 64.75ha reclaimed to date. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd 'It helps expedite the mobilisation of machinery and workers who used boats before this. This is a model development,' Chow said during a visit to the Silicon Island project site. The visit included a preview of the designated areas for the Mutiara Line LRT depot and Green Tech Park, which are gradually taking shape. Chow said work on the LRT project will begin once the Notice to Proceed is issued to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS) in several weeks' time. 'Preliminary work, including soil testing and placement of infrastructure, are being carried out,' he added. It was reported that construction of the Mutiara Line LRT would begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The 29.5km Mutiara Line, targeted for delivery in December 2031, will feature 21 strategically located stations to improve connectivity between the island and mainland. Chow also said a new community facility, Medan Selera Matang, was being built in Permatang Damar Laut overlooking Silicon Island. It will feature a village community management council hall, fishermen's one-stop service centre, food stalls, restaurants and storage sheds for fishermen. For the initial water supply needs of Silicon Island, a suction tank and pump house will be built. The total construction cost for the community facilities, pump house and suction tank is estimated at RM36mil.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Penang building 380m-long bridge to Silicon Island
Chow conducting a site visit to Silicon island. – Bernama GEORGE TOWN: A 380m-long bridge connecting southern Penang with Silicon Island will be built and is expected to open to the public by December 2028. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the four-lane bridge is a key component of the Pan-Island Link 2A (PIL2A) project, a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge or the Second Penang Bridge, as well as supporting the state's long-term urban growth. He said construction work on the bridge would begin this month, with the first phase expected to be completed by mid-2027 to support the opening of the first factory to operate on Silicon Island in the same year. "The total cost of PIL2A phase one is RM390mil, covering the construction of 1.5km of infrastructure connecting the land area at Permatang Damar Laut to Silicon Island, including the construction of a 380m permanent bridge. "The components in PIL2A phase one will also connect Silicon Island with the Second Bridge at Batu Maung Roundabout and the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) through the construction of an elevated highway to improve connectivity," he told reporters after visiting Silicon Island to see the progress of development there, which has now reached 64.75ha. According to Chow, the contractor has completed the construction of a 378m temporary bridge to provide access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island, which will have a community hub, including Medan Selera Matang, to be built at Permatang Damar Laut overlooking Silicon Island. He said the initiative is to ensure that those affected by the development project there, especially food stall traders, can be relocated, thus reflecting the state government's commitment and concern. "The development of the community hub on land covering approximately 0.8ha will also include a new Village Community Management Council hall, Fishermen's one-stop service centre, food stalls and restaurants, as well as a shed for fishermen," he said. Chow said to support the initial water supply needs of Silicon Island, a suction tank and pump house would be built on land adjacent to Medan Selera Matang, with construction work to commence in the third quarter of this year and expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive Officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said that the total construction cost for the community facilities, pump houses and suction tanks is estimated at RM36mil. "This facility (community hub) is expected to be a vibrant new destination that will not only benefit residents, but also have the potential to attract more tourists, thus supporting tourism and the local economy," he said. Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78ha, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government. It marks the first time the state government is directly undertaking a reclamation project to ensure long-term economic growth. – Bernama
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Works Ministry identifies 20 high-risk slopes
PUTRAJAYA: The Works Ministry has identified 20 very high-risk slopes that require urgent prevention and repair works at an estimated cost of RM36mil, said its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said most of the very high-risk slopes are along the East-West Highway, and the others are at several locations nationwide. "We will repair the slopes to ensure they will not pose a threat to lives and property," he told the media after opening the 2025 National Slope Symposium, here Thursday (May 8). At the event, Nanta also launched the National Slope Master Plan (PICN): Action Plan 2025-2030, designed to enhance the country's preparedness and strengthen disaster risk governance, particularly in managing landslide-related risks. He said the PICN was developed in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030 by the National Disaster Management Agency, with the aim of positioning Malaysia as a safe and resilient nation in disaster management. "With the formulation of PICN, all parties essentially share a collective responsibility in efforts to reduce disaster risk, especially landslides, strengthen the governance of sustainable national slope management, and ensure that the safety of the people and the country's infrastructure continues to be maintained,' he added. He said the document serves as clear evidence of the government's unwavering commitment to disaster risk mitigation and reduction efforts, while also reflecting national aspirations towards building a more resilient community. - Bernama
The Star
07-05-2025
- General
- The Star
S'gor in a fix over unowned ponds
Flood mitigation works along Sungai Kandis in Klang is one of the 32 projects under DID. — KK SHAM/The Star The status of over 300 flood retention ponds in Selangor are unknown as the developers who sold off all units in their projects decades ago, are either no longer in business or bankrupt. State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said over 300 retention ponds in Selangor were 'absent of an owner' hence putting the state government in a fix. 'Absent ownership of these retention ponds creates challenges in maintenance. 'Ensuring the ponds effectively store and release surface runoff is crucial,' he told reporters after chairing the infrastructure development meeting at Klang Royal City Council (MBDK). Izham said the over 300 ponds still served their flood prevention purpose despite ownership issues. 'We have carried out a census on flood retention ponds. Out of 600 ponds, more than 100 are under the purview of Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID). Izham: Selangor taking over 55 retention ponds in Klang. 'Not many are under local councils; most of the ponds are under third parties – developers who have not surrendered the ponds to the authorities for decades,' he said. Izham said Selangor government was working out a method to tackle the issue as it involved private land and the state did not want to be drawn into a legal dispute. 'Selangor is in the midst of taking over 55 retention ponds in Bandar Puteri and Bandar Botanic in Klang. 'For new developments, we have made it compulsory for developers to hand over the ponds before the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) is issued,' he added. (The CCC certifies building safety and regulatory standards.) Izham said regular maintenance of those ponds was critical to ensure effective function. 'Important aspects of maintenance work include removing accumulated sediment, controlling wild vegetation and ensuring effective operations. 'Ponds are desilted twice annually but at times once a year, depending on the area,' he said. On a similar matter, Izham said 17 projects aimed at addressing flood issues in Klang were scheduled for completion before October 2025 as part of short-term measures carried out by the state. 'The projects costing RM3.35mil are being implemented at 13 flood hotspots in Klang.' Among them are Kampung Johan Setia, Taman Teluk Pulai and Kampung Bukit Kapar. 'For the medium-term, 10 projects have been planned costing RM8.2mil while in long-term, there are five projects costing RM36mil in the pipeline.' He added that 32 flood mitigation projects in Klang, costing RM47.55mil, were being managed by DID. Izham said a working paper on the decision by the MBDK infrastructure development meeting would be tabled at the Selangor Economic Action Council meeting, in the next two weeks, for state government approval.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Works Ministry to raise T'ganu's Jln Aring 8 repairs at May 7 Cabinet meeting
KUALA BERANG: The Works Ministry will raise the issue of repair work on Jalan Aring 8-Kenyir-Kuala Jeneris in Hulu Terengganu, which collapsed during the recent monsoon season, at the post-Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 7). Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the move is aimed at enabling repair works on the route, which is frequently used to travel to Gua Musang in Kelantan and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, to restore connectivity for road users. "This issue was raised by the local community, including during my meeting with them today. I will also hold discussions with the Terengganu Public Works Department (JKR) this afternoon," he said. "I will raise the repair matter at the post-Cabinet meeting tomorrow," he told reporters after visiting the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) Eastern Region here Tuesday (May 6). Previously, the stretch from KM187 to KM189 of Jalan Aring 8-Kenyir-Kuala Jeneris had been closed to all vehicles in November last year following landslides and soil deposits caused by heavy rain during the Northeast Monsoon. When asked about the issues causing delays in the repair process of the federal road, Ahmad cited allocation issues as one of the main factors. He added that the ministry had acknowledged the state government's request for RM36mil from the federal government to address the matter. "Usually, such roads don't experience such significant collapses. The repair costs are quite high, so additional allocations from the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry are needed. However, this process will take time," he said. Meanwhile, on another development, he proposed that entrepreneurship courses be incorporated into the curriculum for ABM trainees, either developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) or in collaboration with higher learning institutions, to boost the success of their careers. "For instance, ABM Northern Region is located next to UUM (Universiti Utara Malaysia), so perhaps UUM can help develop an entrepreneurship course. In Terengganu, there are also universities that could collaborate to provide entrepreneurial input for the trainees," he said. Thus far, ABM Eastern Region has trained a total of 43,764 trainees in construction programmes, while CIDB's subsidiary, CIDB Technologies (CIDB Tech), has recorded a total of 10,295 trainees in high-impact fields, as of December 2024. For this year, ABM Eastern Region plans to enhance skills development programmes in critical trades such as gas pipe fitting and scaffolding, while CIDB Tech aims to expand high-quality training programmes in the oil and gas sector, backed by international certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 37001, and ISO 17024. — Bernama
