IN a landmark development for Penang, Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd (FBG) and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) have officially inked the Master Purchase and Development Agreement (Master PDA) to transform Batu Kawan into a thriving medical and commercial hub.
Dubbed ‘Penang Medi-City’, this visionary project is set to reshape the region’s economic landscape, create tens of thousands of jobs, and bolster the state’s position as a premier destination for healthcare and innovation.
Spread across 235.81 acres in Bandar Cassia, Penang Medi-City will be developed in phases, with Phase One covering 51.17 acres.
This initial phase will prioritise a cutting-edge urban enclave integrating healthcare, residential, retail, and commercial components.
FBG group executive chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy shared ambitious projections for Phase One, anticipating an RM2 billion contribution to Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP) upon completion.
“The development is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs, spanning sectors such as construction, healthcare, retail, and more.
“This mixed-development ecosystem goes beyond economic growth.
“Medi-City will position Penang as a competitive, forward-thinking hub that attracts businesses and residents from across Malaysia and beyond,” said Chan during the signing ceremony at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel in George Town.
Chan emphasised that the Medi-City initiative aligns with Penang’s long-term vision of becoming an international medical hub, equipped with comprehensive medical facilities and modern, holistic healthcare solutions.
Phase One of the project will feature a 200-bed specialist hospital, accounting for 30% of the development area.
The remaining land will host a mix of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, creating a balanced ecosystem that caters to both local and international visitors.
“Penang Medi-City is not just about healthcare; it’s about fostering unity, building a community, and driving innovation,” Chan added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the immense potential of Penang Medi-City to boost local employment and complement Batu Kawan’s growing industrial zone.
“The ripple effects of this development will be immense, from job creation during construction to long-term employment opportunities in healthcare and related industries.
“It is a step forward for Penang’s economic resilience and global competitiveness,” Chow stated.
He also expressed hope that multinational companies in Batu Kawan’s industrial zone could seamlessly integrate with the Medi-City ecosystem, unlocking synergies for growth and collaboration.
The Master PDA, signed between FBG group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Eric Kuan Khian Leng and PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, was witnessed by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Chow.
FBG and PDC have already attracted key strategic partners, including Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB), Cellaax Therapy, KJTS Group Berhad, and Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd, to participate in the Medi-City project.
These partnerships underscore the broad-based support and confidence in the project’s success.
With three development phases planned, Penang Medi-City will eventually encompass four private hospitals and a wide array of residential and commercial facilities.
While details of the remaining 184.64 acres are yet to be disclosed, the excitement around this transformative project continues to build.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis