KUALA LUMPUR – A milestone in Malaysia’s affordable housing sector was achieved today with the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between Penang Development Corporation (PDC), PDC Properties (a subsidiary of PDC), and SkyWorld Development Berhad. The tripartite agreement will bring to life the Rumah Bakat Baru MADANI scheme, heralded as the nation’s largest affordable housing development project.
When combined with the existing Rumah Mampu Milik units, both schemes firmly establish the project as a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s commitment under the Rancangan Malaysia Ke-12 to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025.
Witnessing the signing ceremony at the event in Kuala Lumpur today was Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government Minister YB Nga Kor Ming and Penang Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.
Affordable Housing in Prime Economic Hubs
Located on two prime plots in Penang—34 acres in Seberang Jaya and 161.5 acres in Batu Kawan—the project aims to deliver over 35,000 Rumah Mampu Milik and Rumah Bakat Baru MADANI units, priced between RM225,000 and RM420,000. The first phase of the development is scheduled to launch in 2026 and is projected to span a ten-year development period for the entire project.
Both Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan play crucial roles in Penang’s economic landscape, particularly within the thriving electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Seberang Jaya has evolved into a bustling township with strategic connectivity and robust infrastructure, making it a key component of the rapidly growing Seberang Perai region, which has seen a 27% population increase since 2008, fueling demand for housing and community amenities.
Batu Kawan, often dubbed Penang’s emerging “Silicon Valley of the East,” has been identified as the state’s next major growth hub. Home to the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), which houses over 170 companies, including global industry leaders, the area is projected to accommodate approximately 250,000 residents by 2036, along with 45,000 to 50,000 housing units. This positions Batu Kawan as a vibrant and strategically significant residential and commercial hub, offering immense potential for economic and community development.
The adoption of cutting-edge Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) technology positions Penang as a pioneer in sustainable building practices in Malaysia. This innovation ensures high-quality workmanship, reduced construction timelines, and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Strengthening Penang’s Economy and Inclusivity
Penang Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow underscored the significance of this development within the state’s Penang2030 vision, which prioritizes livability and socioeconomic growth. The new housing scheme addresses the rising demand for affordable homes driven by the state’s thriving industrial economy, which continues to attract domestic and international talent.
“The Rumah Bakat Baru MADANI concept is a game-changer. It offers opportunities for both Penangites and non-Penangites working here to own homes, ensuring inclusivity and equity in housing,” said YAB Chow.
Public-Private Collaboration for National Progress
Housing and Local Government Minister YB Nga Kor Ming highlighted the project’s alignment with Malaysia MADANI’s principles of harmony (kesejahteraan). He recognized SkyWorld Development Berhad’s significant role in this ambitious initiative, noting their track record of excellence, including two consecutive Gold awards from FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards in the Affordable Housing category and a three-time winner of The Edge Malaysia Affordable Urban Housing Excellence Award. These recognitions underscore SkyWorld’s reputation as a world’s best developer of quality starter homes, setting a strong foundation for this landmark project.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in realizing the government’s vision. It is a model for other states to emulate, ensuring quality affordable housing remains a priority,” YB Nga added.