GEORGE TOWN: Penang has reached a significant milestone in the Silicon Island project, with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow making his first vehicular visit to the island and launching the Silicon Island Experience Centre today.
He said the mega development would serve as a major catalyst for the state's economic growth over the next 50 years.
"Silicon Island is not just another reclamation project, but a strategic catalyst for the state's economic growth for the next 50 years," he said during the visit.
Chow said the project built on Penang's 50-year legacy in the semiconductor industry by introducing high-value manufacturing, research and development, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to low-carbon development through the 280ha Green Tech Park and the 5-Diamond Low Carbon City Framework, while continuing to support local fishermen through financial assistance and community programmes.
Speaking at the launch, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Experience Centre served as a crucial link between the master plan and its physical implementation.
He highlighted key infrastructure components, including the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) bridge connecting Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island, which is designed to ensure smooth logistics and transport integration.
"The state government's commitment goes beyond building roads and bridges. Silicon Island is designed for the future, with sustainable transport, smart traffic systems, integrated pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and resilient digital infrastructure," he said.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the 2,500sqft facility was completed in four months at a cost of RM2.5 million.
It features an advanced LED scale model controlled via an iPad, offering interactive views of the 920ha master plan, including infrastructure networks, 160.8ha of dedicated green spaces and marine conservation zones.
Farizan said physical land reclamation at the site had reached 200ha.
Work on the RM420 million PIL2A contract was progressing smoothly, with the first phase featuring a 1.5km marine bridge scheduled to open its first section by December 2028, ahead of full completion in June 2029.
He added that more than RM30 million had been disbursed to local fishermen under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), alongside ongoing ecological mitigation projects.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd