THE much-awaited Phase Two of the Penang International Commercial City (PICC) in Bayan Lepas will play a significant role in the growth of Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Phase Two project would serve as the heart of PICC, particularly in the southwest district, which is also home to Silicon Valley of the East.
“PICC will be an embodiment of what Penang aspires to be for the future. They are vibrant, integrated, metropolitan, forward-looking, and technology-driven.
“The myriad of commercial components in Phase Two will exemplify Penang’s potential as a major economic gateway as well as to generate employment in the state.
“This proposed integrated development on a 43-acre piece of freehold land will see the emergence of one of the tallest commercial buildings in the southwestern part of Penang island,” he said in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of Phase Two PICC project in Bayan Lepas today.
PICC is poised to generate 12,000 jobs upon its completion in 12 years.
Phase Two consists of the most exciting components at the heart of the entire landmark development. These include a shopping mall, a five-star hotel, a Global Business Services (GBS) hub, and high-grade office spaces.
Hunza Properties Berhad successfully unveiled PICC in 2018 in conjunction with the Group’s 40th anniversary. The first phase, MUZE at PICC, was launched in 2019 to a great reception from the local and international markets.
Chow heaped his praise on Hunza’s effort and looked forward to attracting both domestic and international tourists.
He expressed his hopes that other developers could emulate Hunza’s success, especially in ensuring those residing in the area were not marginalised when development took place.
“I also hope Hunza can address the traffic flow in the area,” he said.
On the state’s manufacturing, Chow added that the state was rapidly evolving in growth.
“Penang’s growth stems from the robust manufacturing industry and vibrant services sector.
“In terms of manufacturing, the state has attracted RM196.67 billion in total approved manufacturing investments. We have witnessed the arrival of industry giants such as Micron, Western Digital, Boston Scientific, and Lam Research, alongside Intel and B. Braun,” he said.
On the tourism front, Chow said the sector remains the anchor of the services industry of the state.
“Penang’s tourism industry has experienced a strong rebound, and we anticipate a full recovery by the end of this year.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo also lauded Phase Two of PICC.
“When it is completed, it will be able to rival those landmark developments in other cities,” he said.
Hunza Properties Berhad Group managing director Datuk Khor Siang Gin said it was a milestone for PICC.
“In time for our 45th anniversary this year, we will be launching SENZE at PICC, which is part of Phase Two,” he said, adding that Hunza would be spending a total of RM130 million for the enhancement initiatives.
These include road widening, construction of flyovers, and an underpass around PICC.
On a separate note, Chow delivered ‘three good news’ to those present.
He said he was informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the latter’s working visit to the state that the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) was tasked with airport expansion.
Secondly, Chow said the MRT Corp would be having a meeting with the state government in Putrajaya tomorrow to finalise the light rail transit (LRT) depot.
Thirdly, Chow was optimistic about the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS) without revealing further.
Chow also said he had conveyed to Anwar the state’s perennial traffic congestion issue.
Among those present were state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee and Hunza Properties Berhad’s founder Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis