PENANG needs a marina capable of accommodating large vessels and superyachts to avoid being bypassed for destinations with better facilities.
To address this, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the state government has approved a section of the sea off Andaman Island, facing Gurney Bay, for potential marina development.
Speaking at an event hosted by local yacht manufacturer Pen Marine, Chow acknowledged that the issue raised by the company reflects a long-standing concern within the state administration.
“We have been talking for years about the need for a marina in Penang. Currently, we have approved a section of the sea for marina development, specifically off Andaman, facing Gurney Bay, under Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd,” he said.
Chow noted that Penang has been largely overlooked by the international yachting community due to the lack of proper marina facilities.
“Although the site has been approved, there is no clear timeline for construction.
“Perhaps there is potential for collaboration between Pen Marine, the Italian superyacht manufacturing group, and Tanjung Pinang to expedite the project,” he added.
Chow also pointed out that Gurney Bay offers an ideal and strategic location for such a development, especially if supported by proper amenities.
“We hope this marina project can be realised,” he said.
Pen Marine managing director Oh Kean Shen noted that Penang currently has only two small marina facilities, located in Straits Quay and Batu Uban, with limited capacity and inadequate infrastructure for large yachts.
“The marina at Straits Quay can only hold 38 yachts, while Batu Uban can accommodate about 30, most of which are small vessels. We urgently need a marina designed specifically for superyachts and mega yachts,” he said.
He highlighted that superyachts have global travel capabilities, and their owners are eager to visit destinations like Penang.
“With the right investment and collaboration, this project could be completed relatively quickly, within two years,” he added.
Meanwhile, on another note, Chow reiterated that the long-awaited Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line Project is expected to commence sooner than initially anticipated. The only obstacle now is the issuance of the notice to proceed from MRT Corp to the project’s contractor.
“On the state’s part, we had a meeting with the Transport Ministry, MRT Corp, and its team. In the meeting, we addressed several matters, and we have already given approval to the contractor to begin work,” he said.
Chow had previously expressed optimism that the LRT project is on track to begin construction in the third quarter of this year.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat