GEORGE TOWN: The state government will be calling for an international open tender at the end of this year for the Bayan Mutiara integrated project, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the project, which had attracted tremendous interest, would involve 24ha between the Penang Bridge and Queensbay Mall in Bayan Bay, with another 16ha to be reclaimed.
“The successful bidder will be required to build a private hospital and an MSC status modern office complex,” he said at the opening of the Star Property Fair 2010 yesterday.
Lim had earlier announced that the development would comprise prestigious offices, medical facilities, commercial blocks, residential enclaves, retail and public spaces.
He said only companies with a paid-up capital of RM50mil would be invited to submit tenders.
He also said in his speech that Penang needed more branding for its products, services and properties.
“Developers must work hard to create a branding that is synonymous not only with quality, reliability, safety, sustainability and integrity, but also with affordability,” he said, adding that this was because there were still many property investors in countries such as northern China who were unaware about Penang and what it had to offer.
Lim said the state would work with the Real Estate Housing Developers Association (Rehda) and other relevant players in the housing industry to effectively brand Penang to attract overseas investments in properties, which was in line with the country’s objective to turn Malaysia into a knowledge-based and high-income country.
He added that the fair was timely as Penang could now offer between 20,000 and 40,000 jobs at all levels.
More than 20 major developers are taking part in the fair, organised by Star Publications (M) Bhd in collaboration with Henry Butcher Malaysia Penang, at G Hotel and the new wing of Gurney Plaza. The fair is open from 10am to 10pm and ends tomorrow.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Penang Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, and Star Publications (M) Bhd executive directors Tan Sri Kamal Hashim and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who is also group chief editor.
