Benefits of new link
WITH the additional link connecting Penang island to the mainland via the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, how does it affect the various industries?
Buletin Mutiara’s Chan Lilian talked to several people to gather their feedback.
PROPERTY SECTOR
Michael Geh of Raine & Horne, involved in property consultancy and valuation surveying, thinks the second bridge linking Batu Maung to Batu Kawan provides a very strong impetus to buy homes in Butterworth.
“With the creation of jobs in Batu Kawan, it will stimulate the idea of purchasing homes in close proximity to the second bridge especially at Bukit Tambun, Juru, Bukit Minyak, Sungai Bakap corridor on the mainland and Balik Pulau on the island. Seberang Perai Selatan district is a hinterland and ripe for development,” Geh said
“Commercial properties will be good buys as the rental yields are generally higher than residential property. With Ikea anchoring commercial development in Batu Kawan, confidence is high. Suitability of Batu Kawan is endorsed by Ikea as they do extensive market research before committing to a location.”
Meanwhile, property developer Datuk Jerry Chan who is chairman of Penang Real Estate and Housing Developer Association (Rehda) said: “Improved accessibility means more areas will become a cheaper alternative for housing for those who work at Batu Kawan. House buyers can now consider purchasing in Seberang Perai Selatan as a cheaper alternative to the Island.”
Chan has some considerations, though.
“However, to be a truly attractive alternative to the Island, effort must be made to make the mainland as a whole cheaner, greener and livelier. There has to be enforcement on poultry and cattle activities. These activities must be in tandem with the other world class standards that Penang has achieved in some categories and pursuing in others. Our water quality is one of the highest, our food has won top acclaim, our heritage efforts have received world recognition. So much more needs to be done to make the mainland achieve as much as the island.”
LOGISTICS
On the logistics side, Penang Freight Forwarders Association (PFFA) ….. Wong Kim Chuan, who was a speaker at the Import & Export seminar organised by Penang Development Corporation on March 6, said the new link certainly helps as shipments by air to and from the Bayan Lepas international airport will be expedited.
Penang as a logistics hub will benefit, he said..
TOURISM
Exco member for Tourism Development Law Heng Kiang revealed that exciting new tourism products are in the pipeline for South Seberang Perai, which includes homestay and agroculture tours.
“International tourists love the charms of a laidback kampong lifestyle, green padi fields and tours to fish farms and other rustic places and we are set to offer wonderful development for the area,” he said.
