SOME 202.343ha of land have now been reclaimed for Penang’s Silicon Island as of October this year, marking a significant step forward for the artificial island project.
According to Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), the reclamation at the southern tip of Penang island, which began in September 2023, has now reached more than one-fifth of the island’s planned size.
The latest figure is up from 133.5ha reported in March when the state said reclamation of Phase One was on track to meet its 513.95ha target.
Another 416.82ha will be reclaimed under Phase Two, bringing the total reclamation to 930.77ha.
The project is being developed by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd.
Under the Penang Silicon Island Local Plan 2050, about 224.1ha will be allocated for industrial use while 214.6ha will be used for infrastructure and utilities.
Another 146ha will be for housing, 81.4ha for mixed development and 51.3ha for commercial use.
The island will also be served by the Mutiara Line light rail transit system, with the rail depot planned on reclaimed land.
Penang government has said Silicon Island was intended to address Penang’s shortage of industrial land, while creating space for future housing, commercial activity, and public infrastructure.
The 2050 local plan estimates that the development could contribute up to RM1.1 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create about 220,000 jobs, although these are long-term projections.
