STATE Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said that as of April 2025, approximately 150 acres, or 6.5% of the total project area, have been reclaimed at the much-anticipated Silicon Island project.
This update was since the project officially commenced in September 2023.
“This marks a steady and encouraging start to a long-term strategic initiative that is poised to drive Penang’s economic and digital transformation.
“The Silicon Island project spans a total area of 2,300 acres and is being implemented in two phases.
“Phase One covers 1,260 acres of reclamation, while Phase Two will involve the remaining 1,040 acres.
“The full reclamation process is expected to take between 10 to 15 years,” Zairil (PH – Tanjong Bunga) said in his answer responding to an oral question by Muhamad Kasim (PN – Teluk Bahang) during the State Legislative Assembly Sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Relatively, Zairil also noted that the reclamation work itself does not involve any land acquisition, as it is being carried out entirely in coastal waters.
“However, the construction of Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) Phase One, which will connect Batu Maung to Silicon Island, does require land acquisition in the Permatang Damar Laut area.
“This acquisition affects 13 land lots and involves 17 residential homes, two business premises, one welfare institution, and one house of worship.
“The process was conducted in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and was approved by the State Authority on 8 May 2024, and subsequently gazetted on 11 July 2024 under Section 8 of the Act.
All affected parties have been fairly compensated, following a thorough valuation conducted by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), as well as a formal inquiry by the District Land Administrator in December 2024.
“I am pleased to report that the majority of landowners received compensation in excess of RM1.5 million per lot.
“Furthermore, three individuals received ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each as part of our continued commitment to social responsibility,” Zairil added.
In total, the compensation paid for the PIL2A land acquisition amounts to RM24,154,948.73, with an additional RM130,500.00 allocated for ex-gratia payments.
“This project represents a crucial part of Penang’s long-term development strategy, and we remain committed to ensuring that it is carried out transparently, responsibly, and in full consideration of the rights and welfare of all affected communities,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat