Penang exco: Silicon Island reclamation to take 10 to 15 years

GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — The reclamation work to develop Silicon Island off the southern coast of Penang Island is expected to take between 10 and 15 years to complete, the state legislative assembly was informed today.

State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari explained that the reclamation for the 930-hectare island will be carried out in two phases.

“The first phase will reclaim 510 hectares, while the second phase will cover the remaining 421 hectares,” he said in response to a question from Muhamad Kasim (Bersatu-Telok Bahang) regarding the project’s progress and the number of affected residents

“As of April 30 this year, 60 hectares (150 acres) have been reclaimed, representing 6.5 percent completion since work began in September 2023,” he added.

Zairil clarified that the reclamation itself involves no land acquisition as it takes place entirely at sea.

However, the construction of Phase One of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway, which will connect Batu Maung to Silicon Island, required land acquisition in Permatang Damar.

He stated that 13 land lots, 17 residential houses, two business premises, one welfare home, and one place of worship were acquired for the PIL2A project.

“The land acquisition process was approved by the authorities on May 8 last year and was officially gazetted on July 11 under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960,” he said.

Owners of the affected properties received compensation based on valuations by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH).

“Most stakeholders were compensated with amounts exceeding RM1.5 million per land lot, while three individuals received ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each,” Zairil added.

He confirmed that the total compensation paid for the PIL2A land acquisition amounted to RM24,154,948.73, with ex-gratia payments totaling RM130,500.