Penang renames highway as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, flags to be flown at half-mast this Friday.

GEORGE TOWN, April 16 — The Penang government will rename Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to honour the legacy of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the State Executive Council (MMK) unanimously approved the renaming during its meeting today. He also announced that the Penang state flag will be flown at half-mast this Friday as a mark of respect for the late Tun Abdullah.

“This meaningful gesture recognises Tun Abdullah’s significant contributions to Penang during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009,” Chow said in a statement.

A native of Bayan Lepas, Penang, Tun Abdullah is remembered for initiating the Second Penang Bridge project—now officially known as the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge—in his 2003 Ninth Malaysia Plan speech. Chow described the bridge as a “gift” to Penang, noting its role in boosting development between Batu Maung on the island and the industrial hub of Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan.

He also shared that Tun Abdullah personally named Bandar Cassia on August 24, 2004.

Chow highlighted that several key infrastructure projects were launched in Penang under Tun Abdullah’s leadership, including the first RM1 billion expansion of the Penang International Airport, the RM2.7 billion Penang Sentral project, the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR), and the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

“Tun Abdullah’s passing is a profound loss for the nation, especially for the people of Penang,” he said.

All state government offices and local councils will fly the Penang flag at half-mast on Friday, with the state government encouraging private premises to do the same in tribute.