Penang has taken one other main step towards sustainable city resilience with the launch of a RM24.7 million highway upgrading venture round Lebuh Pantai, Pesara King Edward, Pengkalan Weld, and Gat Lebuh Chulia — one of many key initiatives below the Nature-Primarily based Local weather Adaptation Programme for the City Areas of Penang Island (PNBCAP).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who additionally serves because the State Govt Councillor for Finance, Financial Improvement, Land and Communication, stated the venture goals to reinforce the resilience of the UNESCO World Heritage Website of George City whereas preserving its historic and architectural values. “Past bettering infrastructure effectivity, this initiative demonstrates how nature-based options can assist mitigate city warmth impacts and strengthen the town’s local weather adaptability,” he stated throughout the launch ceremony at Pesara King Edward on 1 November 2025.
The RM24.7 million venture, applied in collaboration with companies such because the Penang Island Metropolis Council (MBPP), Division of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), UN-Habitat, and Assume Metropolis, is one in all 16 bodily elements being carried out below PNBCAP. Works started in 2022 and are anticipated to be accomplished by 2027. In keeping with Chow, PNBCAP is intently aligned with Penang’s long-term Penang2030 Imaginative and prescient — to create a family-focused, inexperienced, and good state that conjures up the nation.
Exco for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, added that PNBCAP represents Malaysia’s first built-in local weather adaptation initiative. It focuses on key areas equivalent to city greening, environment friendly stormwater administration, and the strengthening of neighborhood resilience. Different PNBCAP tasks embody the Taman Lintang Nibong Flood Retention Pond and the Blue-Inexperienced Hall at Sungai Keluang, each scheduled for completion by mid-2026. Throughout the George City heritage zone, Union Sq. at Lebuh Union will probably be reworked into a brand new pocket park, whereas an City Agricultural Programme alongside Lebuhraya Rose promotes meals safety by way of fashionable metropolis farming.
Talking on the occasion, Chow emphasised that PNBCAP stands as a robust instance of collaborative governance — bringing collectively experience from worldwide companions, state companies, and native organizations. “This venture displays Penang’s steady dedication to sustainable city growth, guaranteeing progress and preservation go hand in hand,” he stated.
The ceremony was additionally attended by Penang Island Metropolis Council Mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran and UN-Habitat Malaysia Venture Supervisor Dr. Kwan Soo Chen, alongside members of the State Govt Council. The initiative reinforces Penang’s place as a pacesetter in city sustainability, the place local weather adaptation, heritage conservation, and other people’s well-being are superior in unison.
