PDC Properties CEO Ismail Ishak (from left), PDC CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar, Nga, Anwar, Chow, SkyWorld Development executive chairman Datuk Seri Ng Thien Ping and SkyWorld Development CEO Lee Chee Seng after signing the joint development agreement of the Bakat Baru Madani affordable housing development project. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer SkyWorld Development Bhd is set to build the largest affordable housing development project in Penang, with over 35,000 houses for buyers from the B40 and M40 groups.
Dubbed Rumah Bakat Baru Madani, the project is jointly developed by SkyWorld Development, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), and PDC Properties, a subsidiary of PDC.
The joint development agreement was signed on Tuesday (Dec 10), marking this as the largest affordable housing project in Malaysia's history.
Combined with existing affordable housing (Rumah Mampu Milik) units, both schemes establish the project as a cornerstone of the federal government’s commitment under the 12th Malaysia Plan to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the signing ceremony along with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow among others.
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PDC CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar, PDC Properties CEO Ismail Ishak, SkyWorld Development executive chairman Datuk Seri Ng Thien Ping, and its CEO Lee Chee Seng were also attendees at the launch
Taking a personal interest in the project - Anwar, who was born and raised in Penang - said he is eager to launch the project’s groundbreaking ceremony soon, preferably within 45 days after the signing.
“If Kuala Lumpur can have an affordable housing project launched 45 days after signing previously, I'm sure Penang can, too. There is urgency when it comes to building affordable housing for the people,” he said.
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Located on two prime plots of land in Penang—13ha in Seberang Jaya and 65.3ha in Batu Kawan—the project will deliver over 30,000 affordable housing and Rumah Bakat Baru Madani units, priced between RM225,000 and RM420,000.
Both Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan play crucial roles in Penang's economic landscape, particularly within the thriving electrical and electronics (E&E) sector.
Seberang Jaya has evolved into a bustling township with strategic connectivity and robust infrastructure, becoming a key component of the rapidly growing Seberang Perai region, which has seen a 27% population increase since 2008, fuelling demand for housing and community amenities.
Batu Kawan, often dubbed Penang’s emerging "Silicon Valley of the East," has been identified as the state’s next major growth hub.
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In his speech, Chow said the development is in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision, which prioritises livability and socioeconomic growth.
He said the new housing scheme addresses the rising demand for affordable homes driven by the state’s thriving industrial economy, which continues to attract domestic and international talent.
“The Rumah Bakat Baru Madani concept is a game-changer. It offers opportunities for both Penangites and non-Penangites working here to own homes, ensuring inclusivity and equity in housing,” he said.
Nga said the project aligns with Malaysia Madani’s principles of harmony (kesejahteraan).
He lauded SkyWorld Development’s pivotal role in this initiative, adding that such a significant feat deserves a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
“It is a model for other states to emulate, ensuring quality affordable housing remains a priority,” Nga added.
