Penang: The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has decided to self-develop the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 (BKIP 2) project at Ladang Byram, near here, after three previous requests for proposal (RFP) and tender processes failed to yield the expected results.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the decision was made during the PDC Board of Directors meeting on July 20 to allow the state agency to retain full control over the development of the strategic industrial area. "Regarding Ladang Byram or BKIP 2, after three unsuccessful RFPs and tenders for several reasons, the PDC Board of Directors decided that PDC will execute the development itself. We will have full control over the development of the approximately 1,003-acre (405.9-hectare) site, now owned by PDC. It will be developed in phases according to market demand," he told reporters today.
He made these remarks after attending the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2026 here today. Also present was PDC chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Latiff Abd Aziz. Chow mentioned that PDC has not yet looked into marketing or securing investors for BKIP 2. The immediate priority is completing site preparation works.
He further explained that BKIP 2 is expected to be offered to investors around 2030, subject to the progress of infrastructure works and site preparation. "The land is not ready yet. If it is not ready, we cannot offer it to investors. Besides site preparation, building a bridge to connect the area is crucial to improve access, although existing access via Changkat can still be used," he said.
Meanwhile, Chow highlighted that a development project covering about 80 acres (32.37 hectares) on Pulau Jerejak, near here, by UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) is anticipated to start once the bridge connecting Queensbay to the island is completed in 2029. He noted that the bridge construction was part of the approvals granted several years ago to a private developer to facilitate development in that area.
"The area was previously co-owned by PDC and UDA, but it is no longer under PDC ownership. The bridge is expected to be completed in 2029, and once access to the island is available, they can begin development there. The development will only involve an area of approximately 80 acres, not the entire Pulau Jerejak, and it is a private sector initiative that has obtained various development approvals over the past few years," he said.
He added that the development period for the Pulau Jerejak area is estimated to take between three and four years after access to the island via the bridge is established.