Silicon Island project reflects robust industrial growth

Published by TheStar • 4/5/2023

The Penang South Islands project involves the reclamation and development of three islands covering 1,820ha. The project’s EIA report has been approved.

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang South Islands (PSI) sea reclamation project will commence in the third quarter of this year with the construction of “Island A” which will be named “Silicon Island” to reflect the robust industrial development of the state.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the main development of the project is the Green Tech Park (GTP), the high-technology industrial park which will include research and development (R&D) facilities as well as digital technology infrastructure, eCommerce and business process outsourcing (BPO).

“GTP and BPO locations are very strategic, near the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, Penang International Airport and Penang Second Bridge or the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge,” he said.

A “Heart of the Island” commercial centre will be constructed in a beautiful waterfront connected by a network of water channels and this icon will become another tourist attraction in the state, he said.

Chow added that both plans were stated in the “Silicon Island” master plan which have successfully obtained the “5 Diamond” recognition in the design category from the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corp in the 2030 Low Carbon City Challenge programme, successfully achieving the target of carbon production reduction by 45%.

The target for the reduction in carbon emissions, according to Chow, will be achieved through various green initiatives.

It includes the planting of mangrove forests which also have the potential to become popular recreation areas for local residents as well as tourists, the construction of water canals and blue-green network that enable the implementation of water taxis as well as the adoption of renewable energy in GTP.

“The PSI development will bring many benefits to Penang and the Malaysian economy overall where in the 30-year period, PSI is expected to contribute a positive impact to the gross domestic product of RM2.2 trillion and foreign direct investment of RM70bil as well as creating more than 460,000 job opportunities in various sectors,” he said.

Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said PSI development will strengthen Penang’s position as one of the global and comprehensive electrical and electronics industry hubs.

He said Silicon Island has been carefully planned to fulfil Penang’s future needs based on environmental, social and governance policies and include various sustainability features.

“The main land use of this 2,300-acre island is 30.44% for industry and global business services, 45.3% for public facilities, infrastructure and blue-green network and 24.26% for housing and commercial,” he said. — Bernama