THE development in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan is growing and the state is planning to turn the town into an eco-city within the Southern Corridor where people can work, live, learn and play.
Complementing the state’s vision, an international and volunteer-based humanitarian organisation from Taiwan, the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia, has proposed its plans to initiate a social project called the ‘Community Education’ in Bandar Cassia.
The organisation approached the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in 2017 to present their views.
After a series of meetings, PDC identified 30 acres of land in Bandar Cassia for the organisation to develop and transform the area for the benefit of the community in Bandar Cassia.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow believed that Tzu-Chi could bring a new perspective to Bandar Cassia with its investment of about RM52.3 million on the land.
Chow said the development of the area would take approximately 15 years.
“The land will be developed in four phases. We hope to see a community education institution and buildings related to welfare, medical, education, humanitarian, and environment protection once the project is completed.
“There will also be a dialysis centre, charity and recyling centre, farms and orchards, cafes, places of worships, multi-purpose halls, hostels, relief centres, shops, and a library among others.
“The proposed project is estimated to cost between RM150 million and RM200 million,” he told a press conference at his office after witnessing the signing ceremony of the Purchase and Development Agreement between PDC and Tzu-Chi today.
Chow said that an additional 30 acres of land had been reserved for expansion in the future.
Also present were Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia chief executive officer Koay Chiew Poh and PDC general manager Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting & Nur Amirah Husna Roslan
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud