GEORGE TOWN, February 16 — Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has initiated a request for proposal (RFP) process for the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 (BKIP2) land, following last year’s controversy surrounding the project’s development. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the RFP covers phase one of BKIP2, spanning approximately 226.47ha (559.64 acres). The RFP aims to invite industry players to become strategic partners in developing phase one of BKIP2 alongside PDC, ensuring alignment with state policies and adherence to a predetermined schedule.
The tender, advertised from February 8, will run for six weeks until March 21, with PDC overseeing the development to guarantee compliance with established guidelines. Last year, controversy erupted over BKIP2 when the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce questioned the lack of an open tender for the project in South Seberang Perai. The project had initially been awarded to UMECH Construction Sdn Bhd following business matching at the EXPO Dubai 2020 but was later canceled due to public outcry. The current RFP pertains to the same parcel of land previously allocated to UMECH, covering approximately 500 acres for phase one.
Additionally, Chow highlighted PDC’s ongoing efforts in developing three new industrial parks, including Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP), Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP3), and South Penang Science Park (SPSP), collectively representing an investment of RM3.2 billion. With development expected to be completed by 2031, these projects underscore PDC’s commitment to fostering industrial growth in the region, building on its track record of successfully establishing nine industrial parks over the past 54 years.
