DESPITE concerns about land scarcity in Penang, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has assured that the state has sufficient land in the pipeline to support industrial development for the next decade and beyond.
Responding to a reporter’s suggestion that Penang should consider vertical development due to limited land, Chow said the state’s strategy depends largely on the needs of each industry.
“It depends on the industry.
“As I have mentioned before, we already have sufficient land planned to accommodate industrial production capacity for the next 10 to 15 years,” Chow said in his speech after officiating the Penang State Industrial Master Plan 2030 at Eastin Hotel in Bayan Lepas today.
The event, which started at about 8am this morning, was aimed at supporting Penang’s ongoing efforts towards a smart, sustainable, and competitive industrial state.
It is also in line with the vision of the state’s statutory planning document, the Penang State Structure Plan 2030 (RSNPP2030), aimed at prospering Penang as a smart, harmonious, and internationally renowned state.
Separately, Chow also revealed that at least 2,000 acres of industrial land are in various stages of planning and development.
“This includes land acquisition, requests for proposals (RFPs), reclamation projects, and more.
“The annual demand for industrial land is not in the hundreds of acres. It is usually around 100 acres per year,” he added.
Chow also cited the example of Batu Kawan Industrial Park, which spanned over 1,000 acres and lasted for nearly 15 years since development began in 2008.
“This shows that 1,000 acres can go a long way,” he said.
“Moreover, not all new investors require fresh land.
“Some prefer to reinvest by expanding existing facilities on land they already own,” Chow further explained.
He noted that many investors, especially from China, are eager to begin operations quickly and often opt to purchase or rent existing factory lots rather than waiting for new land to be developed.
“There is also a growing trend in the private sector where ready-built factories are developed and made available for rent or sale to new investors,” he added.
When asked about the state’s expected returns from industrial land, Chow explained that land revenue is relatively minimal, and the broader impact lies in attracting investments, a responsibility that falls under the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
On the topic of foreign workers, the Chief Minister stressed that Penang is committed to a comprehensive and responsible approach to industrial development, which includes proper accommodation for foreign labour.
“We want a holistic approach because Industrial development is not just about preparing land.
“It involves access to utilities, skilled talent, strong supply chains, and efficient transportation,” Chow emphasised.
He said the state is working towards establishing well-managed Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQs) to house foreign workers.
“We won’t allow foreign workers to be housed in residential housing estates, as there are legal provisions against that.
“The CLQs will be located within or near industrial zones,” he stated.
Also present earlier were the state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, PLANMalaysia@Penang (Penang Town and Country Planning Department) director Datuk Rozita Hamit, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi