Latest news with #SundarajooSomu
The Star
12-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Penang to reconnect with its roots by planting 100,000 Pinang trees by October
KEPALA BATAS: In celebration of National Landscape Day 2025, Penang is targeting the planting of 100,000 Pinang trees by October. State housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said that the state's very name, Pulau Pinang, was derived from the once-abundant Pinang (areca) trees that grew across the island. "This initiative is not just about beautification — it's about reconnecting with our roots and preserving a living symbol of our state identity," he said. To ensure the success of the effort, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has taken full responsibility to realise this aspiration by officially organising the launch event, in close collaboration with the office of the state housing and environment. Sundarajoo said, for a start, 50 Pinang trees were planted during the launch at Vision Park here on Sunday (July 12). He said MBSP will be responsible for planting two-thirds of the 100,000 Pinang trees, as it has more available land compared to Penang Island. The remaining trees will be planted on the island by the Penang Island City Council.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Making room for Penang tourism
(From left) Penang housing and environment state exco Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Zairil and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow having a discussion during the state assembly sitting. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Aerial view of the Silicon Island Reclamation project site. — Filepic THIRTEEN new hotels have opened in Penang since August 2023 to meet growing demands of the state's tourism industry, with seven more expected to begin operations soon. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the 13 hotels had contributed 2,311 rooms to the state's capacity for visitors' accommodation. The new rooms comprise 1,670 at 11 hotels in the northeast district, 298 at a southwest district hotel and 343 at a hotel in north Seberang Perai. An aerial view of the Silicon Island Reclamation project site. Wong was responding to a question from Heng Lee Lee (PH-Berapit) on the increase in hotel developments, at the state assembly sitting in George Town. Meanwhile, state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said land reclamation of the 930ha Silicon Island, off Penang's southern coast, would take 10 to 15 years. He said reclamation works, which had begun in September 2023, were being carried out in two phases. Phase one involves the reclamation of 510ha while phase two covers 420ha. 'As of April 30 this year, 60ha of land, equivalent to 6.5% of the project, had been reclaimed,' he told the assembly. In response to questions from Muhamad Kasim (PN-Telok Bahang), Zairil (PH-Tanjong Bungah) said no land acquisition was involved. However, he said land acquisitions in Permatang Damar Laut would be needed for construction of phase one of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway connecting Batu Maung to Silicon Island. 'It involves 13 land lots, 17 residential houses, two business premises, one welfare home and one place of worship. 'The land acquisition process was approved by authorities on May 8 last year and gazetted on July 11 last year under Section 8 of Land Acquisition Act 1960,' he said. Zairil disclosed that owners of the premises had received compensation based on valuations by the Valuation and Property Services Department. 'A majority of the stakeholders received compensation of over RM1.5mil for each lot of land. 'Three individuals received ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each. 'The total compensation for land acquisition under PIL2A amounted to RM24,154,948.73, with ex-gratia payments totalling RM130,500,' he added. Mohamad Kasim had asked about the land reclamation progress of Silicon Island, the number of residents involved in land or property acquisition and the compensation they received. Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is being developed by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd. The developer also oversees the design and management of Phase 1 reclamation works via turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd.
