Penang to pay out i-Sejahtera aid starting Saturday

Great benefits: Chow (second from left), deputy state finance officer Khairusany Mohamed Yusof (third from left) and Lim (fourth from right) at the press conference in Komtar. — K.T. GOH/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will spend RM50.93mil on 281,135 recipients under Phase One of this year’s i-Sejahtera aid programme.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the aid will be disbursed via electronic fund transfer starting Feb 7.

He said the allocation would benefit 211,471 senior citizens, 16,694 persons with disabilities, 10,296 single mothers and 42,674 recipients under the golden housewife scheme.

“This programme is the state government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and housewives,” he said during a press conference in Komtar yesterday.

Chow said the allocation, which amounted to about 5% of the state’s revenue, is slightly lower than in 2025 due to a more targe­ted and focused approach.

Last year, the state government spent RM56.76mil on 290,629 recipients under various ­i-­Sejahtera programmes.

Chow said the adjustment reflected updated recipient data and stricter eligibility screening to ensure aid reaches those who are genuinely in need.

He said the initiative went beyond financial assistance, serving as recognition of the contributions made by these groups to the state’s social and economic deve­lopment.

Applications submitted after Jan 10 will be processed for payment under Phase Two of the 2026 programme, he added.

Also present was Penang social development, welfare and non-­Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.

Registration can be carried out via the official i-Sejahtera website at https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my.

Applicants are encouraged to update their bank account details to ensure smooth payment processing.

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Penang to disburse RM50.93mil under i-Sejahtera Phase 1 ...

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https://www.nst.com.my › news › regional › 2026/02

4 days ago — GEORGE TOWN: Penang will begin disbursing payments for the i-Sejahtera Programme Phase 1 for 2026 from Feb 7 via Electronic Fund Transfer ..

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End of era for iconic Penang festival

The Sungai Nibong venue has become synonymous with the festival, drawing families during the year-end school holidays. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

PESTA Pulau Pinang is taking place one last time at its Sungai Nibong home before the site is taken up for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

The month-long festival, which runs from today until Jan 10, will not be held in following years as the land is scheduled to be handed over to MRT Corp in June for the building of the LRT depot and station.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said there was no alternative venue ready and setting one up would require major infrastructure.

“Pesta will not be continuing in the interim as no alternative site has been identified,” he said.

“We understand that the Prime Minister has said the iconic festival should continue, but we have no site for now.

(Below) The scene at last year’s Pesta Pulau Pinang. — Filepic

“As such, this year will be the last Pesta until the Mutiara Line is completed.”

Wong said the state might bring the event back to Sungai Nibong after 2031, though in a reduced format due to space constraints.

“Replicating what we have here from scratch would take time and substantial investment.

“So, instead of shifting to a temporary site that may not be suitable, the state has decided to pause Pesta and possibly return once the LRT is ready,” he said.

He said the state was open to ideas of relocating the festival to Seberang Perai, but there were no concrete plans yet.

“Any move must ensure Pesta remains accessible and attractive to families from both the island and mainland,” he added.

Wong’s remarks followed earlier announcements that the Sungai Nibong grounds would be partially absorbed into the Mutiara Line LRT project as a station and supporting facility zone.

The LRT line is expected to be completed in 2031.

This marks the longest pause in the festival’s history.

Pesta Pulau Pinang began in the late 1960s as a year-end state fair to promote tourism and community activities.

It moved across various venues before settling in Sungai Nibong in the early 1970s.

Since then, the venue has become synonymous with the festival, drawing families from across Penang and the northern region during the year-end school holidays.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the fair held sentimental value and the takeover should be handled with care.

Wong said the state’s long-term plans aligned with that view.

“We are not scrapping Pesta. Construction must take place and once the LRT is completed, we could bring it back within the new site’s layout,” he said.

This year’s edition of the festival features concerts, rides and cultural showcases.

According to Pesta Pulau Pinang deputy manager Nuar Rizal Kamarudin, one of the highlights is the new Air Force ride, imported from Italy, and is suspended about 30m in the air.

“It joins the Kids Roller Coaster, Euro Wheel, Vortex, Sky Rider and Daytona rides.

“There are 17 game booths this year, with prizes like toys and teddy bears,” he said.

Daily concerts will feature popular Malaysian acts including Datuk Awie and Ella.

“We have multiple sought- after musical acts every night.

“This is a big deal, as it is rare that one has the opportunity to witness such acts for a mere RM5 entry fee,” said Nuar Rizal.

Other activities include silat and muay thai demonstrations, e-sports tournaments, a Bollywood night, colouring contests, a boria showcase and boxing matches.

Food-wise, there are 20 food trucks, 40 stalls and five kiosks serving Thai cuisine.

“We even have some surprises in store for our visitors, as we want to celebrate this final Pesta here,” said Nuar Rizal.

Pesta Pulau Pinang is open daily from 5.30pm to midnight.

Entry is RM5 for Malaysian adults and RM10 for foreigners. Children aged 12 and below enter free.

Penang, Kedah brace for floods

Gear up: Motorcyclists stopping along the Penang Bridge to take shelter and to put on their raincoats as a heavy shower hits the area. — KT GOH/The Star

Gear up: Motorcyclists stopping along the Penang Bridge to take shelter and to put on their raincoats as a heavy shower hits the area. — KT GOH/The Star

Public urged to stay vigilant , prepared

GEORGE TOWN: Penang and Kedah are on full alert as Malaysia braces for the La Nina season which is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding until December.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said all technical agencies and rescue teams had been mobilised.

“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has carried out maintenance of retention ponds, rivers and drains at identified flood-prone areas,” he said yesterday.

He said DID had serviced hydrological stations, telemetric systems and flood-warning equipment to ensure they function properly. Under the state Disaster Manage­ment Committee, boats, mobile pumps, lorries and four-wheel-drive vehicles are on standby for quick deployment.

Flood operation control centres at state and district levels have also been activated.

Chow said 389 temporary evacuation centres across the state could be opened at short notice, while coordination with the Welfare Department and other agencies had been strengthened.

“From the agencies to local communities, everyone has a role in alerting authorities should any incident occur,” he said.

In Kedah, Civil Defence Force deputy director Major Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain urged the public to stay vigilant and prepare for possible floods.

“Keep important documents in safe places and get ready an emergency bag with medicines, torchlight, dry food, water, clothing and power banks,” he said.

He reminded motorists to drive slowly in heavy rain and to switch on headlights.

“Preparedness and caution are key to minimising risks during La Nina,” he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia atmospheric physicist Assoc Prof Dr Yusri Yusup said La Nina would typically bring increased rainfall and extended wet seasons, though its effects differed across regions.

“Coastal areas, hilly regions and low- lying towns are especially vulnerable to flash floods, landslides and crop damage,” he said.

He noted that MetMalaysia’s National Climate Centre had forecast a brief La Nina episode in early 2026, which could disrupt rainfall patterns before conditions return to normal.

“If it materialises, heavier monsoon rains can be expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and parts of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said. - MRAN HILMY, 

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Penang launches Silicon Island at World Expo

 

Ambitious plan: Chow described Silicon Island as one of Penang’s most ambitious projects, a 920ha reclaimed land development in southern Penang that mirrors Japan’s own Yumeshima Island.

“Silicon Island is not just a piece of land, it is a promise that Penang will continue to lead where innovation meets sustainability,” 

OSAKA: Penang has launched Silicon Island at the World Expo 2025, marking a historic milestone in a journey to reaffirm its position as the Silicon Valley of the East.

The launch, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, showcased the state’s bold vision to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the global electrical and electronics (E&E) industry while driving sustainable economic growth for decades to come.

In his keynote address, Chow drew parallels between Silicon Island and Yumeshima Island – the site of the World Expo – highlighting how this masterfully planned reclaimed island is set to become a world-class hub for innovation, technology and logistics, echoing the success of leading global tech clusters.

Chow described Silicon Island as one of Penang’s most ambitious projects, a 920ha reclaimed land development in southern Penang that mirrors Japan’s own Yumeshima Island.

“Silicon Island is not just a piece of land, it is a promise that Penang will continue to lead where innovation meets sustainability,” he said.

Strategically located just mi­­nutes from Penang International Airport, Silicon Island is designed to provide seamless global connectivity, enabling efficient movement of goods and talent – an essential advantage for the fast-growing E&E industry and its time-sensitive supply chains.

Meanwhile, the development of SilicoEight Samurain Island also pays tribute to Penang’s pioneering past.

Inspired by the legacy of the “Eight Samurai” – the trailblazing multinational corporations that established Penang’s first E&E ecosystem in Bayan Lepas – this project applies decades of hard-earned experience to captivate the world once again.

For the past 50 years, Bayan Lepas has been the lynchpin of Penang’s economy, anchoring Malaysia’s rise as a global E&E powerhouse. The next 50 years will be defined by Silicon Island – Penang’s new frontier for innovation, investment and sustainable growth.

Beyond industry, Silicon Island introduces a unique tourism proposition, blending innovation with lifestyle to create a destination where technology, sustainability and culture converge.

Malaysia's Disposable income rises nationwide to RM7,584

 

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s average disposable household income rose by 3.2% to RM7,584 in 2024, according to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024 Report.

“In terms of disposable income, the average monthly disposable household income increased by 3.2% to RM7,584 in 2024, while the median rose 5.1% to RM5,999. This represents 82.8% of total gross household income, indicating households’ ability to meet essential expenditure needs,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted that this rise in disposable income was accompanied by a gradual improvement in income distribution.

“Households in the Bottom 40 (B40) group, comprising 3.28 million households, had income of up to RM5,858,” according to the report, which was released yesterday.  

The report comprises 33 official statistical publications, presenting comprehensive findings and analyses of the country’s socioeconomic landscape from the perspective of household income and expenditure.

It also noted that the median household income in Malaysia reached RM7,017 in 2024, growing by 5.1% annually, while the mean household income rose by 3.8% to RM9,155.

Income growth varied by state, reflecting diverse economic conditions, the report added.

Six states recorded median household incomes above the national level, with Kuala Lumpur at RM10,802, followed by Putrajaya (RM10,769), Selangor (RM10,726), Johor (RM7,712), Penang (RM7,386) and Labuan (RM7,383).

“Penang recorded the highest annual growth rate at 6.4% between 2022 and 2024,” the report stated.

The report also noted that the B40 group’s share of total national income rose slightly to 16.7%, up from 16.3% in 2022.

In contrast, the Top 20% (T20), who earned RM12,680 and above per month, saw their share decline to 45.1%, down from 46.3%. The Middle 40% (M40), earning between RM5,860 and RM12,679, made up a significant portion of the remaining income share.

At the event, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan described HIES in his keynote address as a vital statistical instrument for measuring progress and improving the socio-economic status of Malaysian households.

“It is one of the main sources for shaping the country’s socio-economic and social policies, including poverty eradication programmes, increasing income, reducing income inequality, and addressing the cost of living,” he explained.

Amir Hamzah added that Malaysia has achieved a major milestone, with hardcore poverty nearly eradicated and reduced to just 0.09%.

“This reflects the effectiveness of various initiatives to increase people’s income, empower urban communities economically, and enhance public well-being, all of which will be continued by the government,” he said.

The Gini coefficient improved to 0.390 in 2024, compared to 0.404 in 2022, signalling a narrowing of income inequality.

The national absolute poverty incidence decreased from 6.2% in 2022 to 5.1% in 2024, representing about 416,000 households.

“Poverty in urban areas declined to 3.7%, while poverty in rural areas improved to 12%,” the report noted.

“The hardcore poverty incidence dropped to 0.09%, equivalent to fewer than 8,000 households earning below the Food Poverty Line Income (PLI),” it added

Experts: Rising cost of living dampens income gains

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › nation › 2025/10/09 › ex...

 — According to the Statistics Department (DOSM), the average monthly disposable household income increased by 3.2% to RM7,584 in 2024, while the .

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more

 

Overdue revision: Penang will increase quit rent in the state at the beginning of next year. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

This means they will be paying an additional 16sen per square metre following the state's decision to revise the quit rent rate which has not been reviewed for 31 years. To minimise the financial burden on the people, a 32.5% tax rebate will be provided next year, followed by a 20% rebate in 2027 and 2028.

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more | The Star

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more | The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/20/370000-landowners-in-penang-to-pay-more#:~:text=This%20means%20they%20will%20be,rebate%20in%202027%20and%202028.

GEORGE TOWN: Come Jan 1, about 370,000 land title owners in Penang will face an increase in their quit rent rate of between 29% and 200%, a move that has raised eyebrows.

This means they will be paying an additional 16sen per square metre following the state’s decision to revise the quit rent rate which has not been reviewed for 31 years.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/20/370000-landowners-in-penang-to-pay-more#:~:text=This%20means%20they%20will%20be,rebate%20in%202027%20and%202028.

PENANG SENIOR GOLFERS GOLF TOURNAMENT

 

PENANG SENIOR GOLFERS GOLF TOURNAMENT

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUbGCWleP4/

Date & Time: September 14, 2025, with a tee-off at 1:30 PM.

• Location: Penang Golf Club.
• Organizers: Penang Senior Golfers Club (Penang SGC), supported by the Penang State Government and Penang Golf Club.
• Registration & Fees: RM130.00 for PGC members and RM230.00 for non-PGC members. Contact details for registration are provided on the poster.

Penang Golf Club

Penang Golf Club

https://penanggolfclub.com.my

Discover Penang Golf Club, the island's sole championship 18-hole golf course, boasting rolling fairways and manicured greens. The course featuring Bermuda ...

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