GEORGE TOWN, September 20 — The Penang State Government has unveiled a major road upgrade initiative covering Lebuh Pantai, Pesara King Edward, Pengkalan Weld and Gat Lebuh Chulia under the Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme for the Urban Areas of Penang Island (PNBCAP).
The project, spearheaded by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) with support from the World Bank Adaptation Fund, aims to strengthen the city’s resilience to climate change while enhancing liveability in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. The initiative introduces climate-adaptive features such as tree-lined streets, pocket parks, green parking spaces and wider pedestrian walkways to create people-friendly corridors.
Among the key measures are converting Lebuh Pantai into a one-way traffic system to ease congestion, improving pedestrian safety, and revitalising public spaces around the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. The project will also remove the “buah pinang” sculpture, allowing for greener landscaping that balances heritage preservation, urban mobility and public access.
State leaders said the integrated approach reflects Penang’s long-term vision of sustainable urban growth under Penang2030. By blending climate adaptation with infrastructure upgrades and heritage conservation, the project is expected to deliver safer, greener and more inclusive urban spaces that protect George Town’s cultural identity while preparing for future environmental challenges.
