PROPERTY giant SP Setia Bhd marked a major milestone in its northern expansion plans by breaking ground for the 206ha Setia Fontaines Industrial Park in Bertam, Penang.
Forming part of the 684ha freehold Setia Fontaines township, the industrial park is expected to strengthen Penang’s position as a future-ready investment destination while supporting the state’s ambitions to attract high-value industries and sustainable investments.
SP Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Zaini Yusoff said the project reflected the group’s confidence in Penang’s economic prospects and its commitment to developing next-generation industrial infrastructure.
“The groundbreaking of Setia Fontaines Industrial Park is a landmark moment for SP Setia and a strong signal of our confidence in Penang’s future.
“More than an industrial development, it reflects our vision to build a next-generation economic hub with world-class infrastructure for advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and high-technology industries in the northern region,” he said in his speech.
The ceremony was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, alongside Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and SP Setia senior independent non-executive director Datuk Khairil Anwar Ahmad.
During the event, Setia Fontaines and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) exchanged a memorandum of collaboration to explore the supply of green energy to the industrial park through a corporate renewable energy supply scheme (CRESS).
Under the proposed collaboration, tenants at the industrial park will be able to access renewable electricity supplied through the national grid by regional renewable energy developers.
Zaini said growing demand from industrial occupiers for sustainable energy solutions had made environmental considerations a key factor in industrial development.
“This collaboration reflects Setia’s commitment to integrating sustainability into our industrial strategy while enhancing long-term competitiveness and value creation,” he added.
NCIA chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the collaboration strengthened the Northern Corridor Economic Region’s (NCER) position as a destination for green industrial investments.
“Our collaboration with SP Setia positions Setia Fontaines Industrial Park as an anchor green consumer, strengthening demand certainty and project viability.
“This enhances NCER’s attractiveness as a hub for sustainable industrial growth and supports the attraction of investments requiring low-carbon energy solutions,” he said.
The industrial park will cater to a wide range of occupiers, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations, with plots designated for light industrial, medium industrial and commercial activities.
The development enjoys direct access to the North-South Highway and connectivity to Penang island, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Jaya and Kulim.
The event also saw Setia Fontaines and Penang State Housing Board exchange a memorandum of agreement for Pangsapuri Pinang Setia, an affordable housing project comprising 640 units targeted for completion in 2029.
The 650sq ft apartments priced at RM42,000 each will feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Residents will have access to facilities within the Setia Fontaines township, including a 15ha central park and 25.5ha manmade lake.
Setia Fontaines is expected to reach a population of 30,000 by 2041 and is envisioned as an integrated township supporting economic growth and job creation in northern Penang.
