Batu Kawan to be major economic contributor, says Penang CM

BATU Kawan - a growing metropolis in Penang is on track towards becoming a major economic contributor to the growth of the Prai mainland.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the population base is now around 250,000 and primed for a bright future as what the state had earlier envisioned.

"The future of Penang is in Prai and the future of Prai is in Batu Kawan," said Chow.

He said that with the population reaching a strong level, the state has decided through its development arm - Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to boost social amenities.

Hence, Penang has decided to build a public wet market at a cost of RM7.6 million at Batu Kawan.

The project at 7.69 acres, is developed at Bandar Cassia and the delivery partner is Premier Horizon Ventures Sdn Bhd while the main contractor is Syarikat Success Construction Sdn Bhd.

The market will consist of 82 stall units, 32 lots for food hawkers, 20 retail outlets and 78 open air lots.

Chow said that Batu Kawan will also have tourism components such as the present Design Village mall and the Swedish giant retailer - IKEA.

Future plans include developing a sports city near the Batu Kawan Stadium and the medical - tourism sector with the plans to develop many private healthcare facilities here.

He said that Batu Kawan's industrial zone, has also expanded to include three phases - of which majority of the land parcels have been taken up.

So, there is much optimism about the future of the mainland with Batu Kawan becoming its engine of growth, said Chow. - July 3, 2025.