Penang: The draft master plan for the Sungai Nibong Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at the Pesta Pulau Pinang site will be finalised in October before moving into the implementation phase, which is expected to span 10 to 15 years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the state government is currently engaging stakeholders, and once the plan is finalised, efforts will focus on determining the implementation mechanism. Chow emphasized that after the draft is finalised, the task will be to execute the projects under the Sungai Nibong TOD, involving project management, financing, and potentially a public-private partnership approach. This approach is considered because some components are more suitable for the private sector, while others are best managed by the government.
Chow mentioned that the execution of the entire project is expected to take between 10 and 15 years, depending on the phased development plan. The concept presented is a proposal that requires further refinement to comply with planning guidelines, public amenities, and housing requirements, including social housing categories.
He was speaking after officiating the Draft Master Plan Stakeholder Engagement Symposium for the Sungai Nibong TOD (Pesta Site), with State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari also in attendance. The draft master plan was developed through collaboration involving the Penang state government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), appointed consultants, MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), and various federal and state agencies.
Chow outlined that the Sungai Nibong TOD spans 58 acres (23.47 hectares) and incorporates the depot and station components of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. MRT Corp is tasked with developing the LRT depot and station at the site, while the remaining development components fall under the state government as the landowner.
Further developments, including the new Penang Island City Council (MBPP) building, will proceed in phases as determined. On the Gross Development Value (GDV), Chow noted that the figure has not been announced, as the master plan remains in its final stages with the final report expected by October. He emphasized that the Sungai Nibong TOD serves as a long-term urban development guide for Penang, providing continuity, certainty, and a clear direction for urban growth.
Meanwhile, Zairil highlighted that Sungai Nibong was selected as a strategic location due to its status as a multi-modal transport hub connecting the Mutiara Line LRT with local and intercity bus services. Its strategic links to Penang International Airport, the Bayan Lepas industrial hub, and nearby residential areas were also factors in the decision.
Zairil stated that the project aims to establish Sungai Nibong as Penang's first inclusive TOD, focusing on accessibility, universal design, affordable mobility, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. He noted that TOD is about creating a connected and liveable community where housing, workplaces, schools, commerce, healthcare, recreation, and public spaces are integrated with quality public transit. The LRT is envisioned as a catalyst for investment, urban renewal, and long-term economic growth for Penang.
Regarding Pesta Pulau Pinang, Zairil mentioned that the annual festival concept will evolve as much of the land in Sungai Nibong will be reallocated for the TOD project. The event space will be smaller, accommodating the LRT depot, station, bus terminal, and public parks, while the proposed new Pesta Pulau Pinang ground will span about five acres (two hectares). The scale of the festival will change, though its cultural, entertainment, and commercial elements will be preserved through a proposed cultural center equipped with an auditorium, performance hall, and activity spaces. With the LRT and new facilities, the vision is to create a vibrant destination that operates throughout the year with retail units, cultural events, and entertainment.