The Light Penang Waterfront

Driving along the Jalan Udini coastal highway towards Bayan Lepas in Penang, one cannot miss the massive sea reclamation near the Penang Bridge. Over a period of time, sand has been dumped on the seafront at a feverish pace and creating a new land bank, now covering several hectares. For those wondering what development is about to take shape, the site has been targeted for an RM6.5bil waterfront city to be completed in 10 to 15 years. In 2017, visitors to the island will be greeted by the sight of a new coastal township. Attractions include a seafront park, floating restaurant, waterfront amphitheatre, water theme park, international convention centre, hotels and shopping mall. There will also be waterfront homes with private jetties and high end condominiums for those who can afford them. The ambitious mixed residential and commercial development project called The Light will be developed by Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd (JDSB), a subsidiary of IJM Properties Sdn Bhd. With construction started in late 2008, the 61.5ha reclaimed land project is set to transform Penang eastern coastline into a breathtaking tourist attraction. It is an integrated waterfront living concept, The Light is a dynamic township which incorporates residential, entertainment, business, education and commercial components, Under Phase One, six parcels of high-end residences will be developed over 17ha comprising 1,186 units. We can expect the completion in three to five years from now on. Phase Two will see a commercial and retail centre being developed over 41.68ha of land and it will comprise twin gateway office towers, family resort, boutique and spa and business hotels, banquet and conference, dining and entertainment facilities, cultural hall, visitor centre and waterfront amphitheatre. There will also be family, IT, fashion and activity malls with attractions like galleries, entrepreneurial incubators, recreational park, gourmet dining, floating restaurant, water taxi, water theme park, miniature golf, skating ring and rock climbing course. While the last phase three would be developed into a 2.8ha seafront park. Currently Phase 1 and 2 are already in action, Phase 3 in planning while Phase 4 is still under research. The Light's biggest attraction is eco friendly, environmentally sustainable and energy efficient systems and designs, which will appeal to foreign investors who value sustainable long term investments, some who are also environmentally conscious. Since it plans to be an all rounder commercial and leisure center, cost effective and sustainable systems are a plus point in increasing productivity, living standards, and at the same time keep health hazards, wastage and pollution in check. The Light also projected be one of the projects to benefit from most of Malaysia's nationwide development plans. It will be an important advanced international commercial hub in the Northern Corridor Economic Region and the 9th Malaysia Plan. Together with the development of the Penang Second Bridge and Penang Outer Ring will increase The Light accessibility and value. Not to forget its image and facilities as a world class waterfront enclave and trade centre comparable to Singapore's and Hong Kong's. This appeals to most upper class professionals and investors, which seem to be their main target and a few medium high class developments nearby will make sure that the middle class are not left out as well. As huge as its developments and aspirations, The Light has also attracted much controversy. Environmental impact over the development, meeting the people's needs and its effect on Penang's original heritage and nature are some of the questions and opinions debated by various people and parties. It’s a 10 to15 years of completion duration and for the following Phase 3 and 4 may also be a risk, as unprecedented factors may halt the development halfway. Competition from Queensbay and other developing areas nearby may slow its reception too. From various opinions and sources, The Light received mixed response. It will increase the state's revenue and facilities but does the project have its significance and benefits to the average middle class Penang citizen. Though it has a few risks, it is overall a secured investment with the 9th Malaysia Plan and Northern Corridor Economic Region development plans supports The Light.