THE state constituency of Seri Delima, spanning approximately 5 km² or about 700 football fields, continues to thrive with a strong focus on community well-being, green connectivity, and inclusive development.
Covering vibrant neighbourhoods such as Island Glades, Island Park, Gelugor, and The Light, the constituency is home to a highly diverse population. While it has a Chinese-majority demographic (65%), it also includes around 25% Malays and a significant number of Indians and other communities.
Seri Delima assemblywoman Connie Tan emphasised that the multiracial makeup of the area promotes racial harmony, especially among the elderly, who form a large segment of the community.
“It’s a place where people live peacefully, side by side,” she told Buletin Mutiara in a recent interview.
One of Seri Delima’s greatest strengths, according to Tan, is its abundance of green spaces.
“We have 16 parks under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and several more managed by the District Office. Most residences are just a 10- to 15-minute walk from a park. Unlike George Town, our speciality lies in being a residential zone filled with greenery,” said the first-term assemblywoman.
She revealed plans to connect these parks via a cycling network, beginning with Lorong Delima 9 and 11. The Japanese Garden, already upgraded, serves as a model for future park developments.
Among recent initiatives is the installation of the first public pickleball court in Seri Delima at Lorong Delima 10.
“It’s been a hit with both the young and old. We’ve already added two more courts in the area due to overwhelming response,” Tan shared proudly.
She thanked MBPP and its mayor, Datuk A. Rajendran for supporting improvements such as roofing and flooring upgrades at the Japanese Garden’s basketball court, noting that the neighbourhood MPKK played a key role in pushing for these community upgrades.
Recent park launches include Lorong Delima 9 Park, which was officially opened on Father’s Day in June, while Island Park Garden and its local neighbourhood committee (KRT) continue to serve as active community hubs.
Given the significant elderly population, the constituency places strong emphasis on senior-friendly programmes.
“You’ll see residents doing tai chi and qigong every morning. These activities are free and help promote a healthier lifestyle,” she noted.
Apart from that, Seri Delima also champions preventive healthcare, with collaborations with Adventist Hospital enabling residents to access regular health screenings for blood pressure, eye health, and more.
“Under the Jalinan Kasih initiative, essential supplies such as milk and adult diapers are provided to patients suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or stroke.
“Our MPKK teams also rotate responsibilities to manage Jualan Ramah, a community-friendly event designed to encourage healthy and active living,” Tan added.
Tan highlighted that two Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations — Gelugor and The Light — are located within Seri Delima.
“It’s going to transform connectivity for our residents,” she said.
She also highlighted the development of The Light, which will house Penang’s largest convention centre, known as Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).
“This development will welcome international delegates and bring positive spillover to our hotels, retail, and service sectors,” she said.
Additionally, the construction of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu–Air Itam bypass is now 80% complete and will reduce travel time from 15 minutes to about seven once finished.
Tan also shared her excitement over the ongoing RM3.3 million upgrade of Astaka Taman Tun Sardon, a well-known landmark among the locals and tourists since the 1970s. The MBPP-led project, with RM1 million support from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), will see 26 hawker stalls relocated to a vibrant new food court.
During construction, hawkers will be temporarily relocated near the wet market, with voucher schemes planned for the B40 community. The adjacent land will be transformed into a new pickleball court and a Makers Place, encouraging both sports and creative innovation.
Tan aims to create a liveable, innovative, and progressive Seri Delima. Backed by a young and energetic service team with an average age of 30, her office is “always ready to go the extra mile.”
“We also rolled out e-sports competitions via the NADI initiative and introduced AI training for youth. We want to empower our young people with digital skills and platforms for creativity,” she said.
She also shared plans to develop a “healing park” filled with flowers and plants to stimulate the senses, working with MBPP to create a therapeutic green space for all.
Reflecting on her journey as a first-term representative after serving as an MBPP councillor for eight terms, Tan shared moments that reinforced her commitment to public service.
“I’ve been gifted herbal teas, chocolates, and even flowers from residents. These gestures mean so much after assisting them.
“One memorable experience involved resolving an infrastructure issue for an elderly constituent, Madam Teh, who used to walk daily at the park but suddenly stopped appearing.
“We found her through Instagram and visited her with flowers. It’s these little things that make the work worthwhile,” she added.
Tan also recalled a recent water disruption where her team quickly mobilised water tankers to help her constituents.
Festive street decorations light up Seri Delima every Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, adding colour and cheer to the neighbourhood. For Tan, these celebrations are more than visual appeal — they are a testament to the constituency’s unity in diversity.
“It’s our way of showcasing and strengthening the multicultural spirit that defines Seri Delima,” she said with a smile.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting