Once completed, Penang International Airport’s expansion project will allow it to cater to 12 million passengers per year.
IT HAS been a momentous year for Penang, marked by the development of key infrastructure projects and new tourist attractions.
Penang also witnessed significant political events, including the Sungai Bakap by-election and the state DAP election, both of which took centre stage.
This year, Penang folk faced higher water tariffs and are expecting a hike in parking fees for spots managed by local councils next year.
Below are some of the major announcements and event highlights that shaped Penang in 2024.
Higher water bills
Since February, Penang’s water tariffs for domestic consumers increased significantly, marking the first hike in 31 years.
The new monthly water rates are 62sen per 1,000 litres for those who use 20,000 litres and below; RM1.17 per litre for 20,000 to 35,000 litres and RM2.07 per 1,000 litres for those who use more than 35,000 litres.
The minimum charge is RM6.20 per month. Previously, Penang residents used to pay just 22sen per 1,000 litres for the first 20,000 litres and 46sen over 1,000 litres for the next 20,000 litres to 35,000 litres.
After receiving widespread criticism for its new domestic water tariff rates, the Penang government offered consumers the first 10,000 litres of water for free from July till December.
Penang Hill cable car station.
Penang Hill cable car
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in June.
It is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2026.
The RM245mil cable car line will have three stations – Garden Station, Turn Station and Hill Station.
The 2.73km cable car ride, which ascends from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the peak of Penang Hill about 700m above sea level, will take under 10 minutes.
Hartasuma Group, a pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry, was awarded a 30-year concession for the Penang Hill Cable Car to design, finance, build and operate it.
PN wins by-election
Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap state seat, tripling its winning majority from the 1,563 votes obtained in the 2023 state elections to 4,267 votes.
Perikatan’s candidate Abidin Ismail polled 14,489 votes against Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin, who secured 10,222 votes.
State DAP election
Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is also the Human Resources Minister, succeeded Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow as the new state DAP chief.
Chow, who is the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP, had occupied the top post since 1999.
Tanjong MP and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying retained her position as the state DAP secretary. A total of 1,452 delegates attended the convention.
Airport expansion
The Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project costing RM1.55bil will double its capacity to 12 million passengers per year once completed in 2028.
Work officially began on Oct 16. The project comprises three packages – Package 1 covers ancillary buildings and associated works while Package 2 is for apron and airside facilities.
Work on the main terminal building will start under Package 3. The expansion will also increase aircraft parking capacity from 16 commercial planes to 28 at any one time.
As of December, progress of ancillary buildings works and associated works under the first package had reached 5% completion.
Parking rate increase
Both city councils in Penang will increase parking fees starting 2025.
The hourly charge for Seberang Perai City Council starting tomorrow will be up to 80sen from 40sen previously, while the daily charge is RM6, up from RM3.
The monthly charge will also increase to RM150 from RM75.
The rate for fixed subscription parking, such as the rental of special spaces, will remain unchanged at RM200 per month per space. A new half-hour charge of 40sen has been introduced.
On the island, Penang Island City Council will increase its parking rates from 40sen to 60sen for half-hour, from 80sen to RM1.20 for an hour and from RM6 to RM9 for a full day.
Those who paid annually enjoyed a reduction between March and December, paying only RM1,200 instead of RM1,800, while monthly charges would remain unchanged at RM150.
The proposed 17km elevated highway from Sungai Dua to Juru is expected to start next year and be completed by 2029.
Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project
The RM3bil project which involves constructing express lanes on top of the existing highway is expected to start next year and be completed by 2029.
Once it is ready, the 17km elevated highway from Sungai Dua to Juru will improve traffic flow and access by separating local traffic from direct north-bound and south-bound traffic.
Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the mega project was awaiting Cabinet’s approval.
An artist’s impression of the Penang LRT.
Penang Mutiara Line, Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The LRT project is expected to start next year as negotiations on the project, including its final design and detailed costs, are in the final phase.
It will have 21 stations, with 20 on Penang island and Silicon Island, and one at Penang Sentral on the mainland.
The project, to be developed by MRT Corporation, will start from Silicon Island and head north to the other stations – Permatang Damar Laut, Penang International Airport, Sungai Tiram, the South Free Industrial Zone, Free Industrial Zone, Jalan Tengah, Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE), Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Sungai Dua, Batu Uban, Jalan Universiti, Gelugor, Penang Waterfront, East Jelutong, Sungai Pinang, Bandar Sri Pinang, Macallum Street and Komtar.
Those from the mainland can also travel to the Macallum Street station from the Penang Sentral station.
