Silicon Island bridge to open to public by December 2028

Published by Riadz Akmal • 06/06/2025

PENANGITES will be able to access Silicon Island via a new permanent bridge, with construction scheduled to begin this month.

The four-lane marine viaduct, connecting the southern coast of Penang Island to the man-made Silicon Island, is expected to open to the public by December 2028.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the bridge, part of the broader Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) infrastructure initiative, will be constructed alongside several supporting road components as part of PIL2A Phase One.

Chow (centre) announced that the bridge, part of the broader Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) infrastructure initiative, will be constructed alongside several supporting road components as part of PIL2A Phase One.

“The first phase of construction is targeted for completion by mid-2027 to facilitate the opening of Silicon Island’s first operational factory.

“Full completion and commissioning of the 380-metre permanent bridge are expected by the end of 2028.

“The full stretch, including the bridge and connecting roads, will span approximately 1.5km, beginning at Persimpangan Permatang Damar Laut and ending on Silicon Island. The entire construction package is estimated to cost RM390 million.

“This bridge will serve as a vital component of the PIL2A highway network, improving connectivity between Silicon Island and the Penang Second Bridge, while supporting the state’s long-term development plans,” Chow told a press conference during a site visit to Silicon Island today.

Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.

Chow also announced that a new community facility known as ‘Medan Selera Matang’ will be developed in Permatang Damar Laut, overlooking Silicon Island.

An artist’s impression of Medan Selera Matang.

“Spanning approximately 0.8ha, the development will feature a new Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall, a Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (Fishermen’s One-Stop Service Centre), food stalls and restaurants, as well as storage sheds for fishermen.

Chow (centre) and his entourage looking at the development plan of Medan Selera Matang while being briefed by Farizan (right).

“To support the initial water supply needs of Silicon Island, a suction tank and pump house will be constructed on land adjacent to the Medan Selera Matang.

“Construction is slated to begin in the third quarter of this year and scheduled for completion by the end of 2027,” he said.

Chow added that the total construction cost for the community facilities, pump house and suction tank is estimated at RM36 million.

“The design of Medan Selera Matang will be aligned with the broader vision of the ongoing Silicon Island development.

Farizan said this facility is envisioned to become a vibrant new destination that not only benefits local residents but also has the potential to attract more tourists, thereby supporting the area’s tourism and local economy.

Chow also said as of today, approximately 160 acres of the total project area have been reclaimed at the much-anticipated Silicon Island project.

Chow also said as of today, approximately 160 acres of the total project area have been reclaimed at the much-anticipated Silicon Island project.

“The Silicon Island project spans a total area of 2,300 acres and is being implemented in two phases.

“Phase One covers 1,260 acres of reclamation, while Phase Two will involve the remaining 1,040 acres.

“It is hoped with the completion of the temporary bridge that is built next to the proposed permanent bridge in Permatang Damar Laut, the reclamation works can be sped up.

Chow (centre) and his entourage taking a group photo at the recently completed temporary bridge during his visit to the Silicon Island.

“After all, the temporary bridge is meant to provide temporary access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island,” he said.

Chow also gave an update on the LRT depot on Silicon Island.

“The physical works can start once the ‘notice to proceed’ is issued by MRT Corp, most probably in the next few weeks,” he said.

The Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project is a Penang government-owned development. The reclamation of PSI’s Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is undertaken by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB). SIDSB is the project developer (PD) set up by PIC PD Sdn Bhd and SRS PD Sdn Bhd.

Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siew Chia En