Penang Economy Grows 7.3 Per Cent, Records RM130.3 Bln GDP In 2025

GEORGE TOWN, July 3 --  Penang's economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous year, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the manufacturing and services sectors continued to dominate the state's economy, contributing a combined 94 per cent to GDP, followed by the construction sector, which accounted for 3.3 per cent. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the manufacturing sector contributed 47.3 per cent to Penang's GDP in 2025, with value-added amounting to RM61.7 billion, an increase of 10 per cent compared with 4.0 per cent growth in the previous year. "Electrical, electronic, and optical products were the main drivers of the manufacturing sector's 12.7 per cent growth, supported by increases in the electronic components and boards, communications equipment, and consumer electronics segments. "In addition, non-metallic mineral products, basic metals and fabricated metal products also supported the sector's expansion, growing by 8.7 per cent in 2025," he said in the statement. Mohd Uzir said the services sector recorded a value-added of RM60.8 billion, up from RM58.4 billion in 2024, registering growth of 4.1 per cent. The sector's performance was driven by a 5.6 per cent increase in the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage, and accommodation subsectors, as well as 2.7 per cent growth in the utilities, transportation and storage, and information and communications technology (ICT) subsectors. The construction sector recorded a value-added of RM4.3 billion, compared with RM3.8 billion in the previous year, contributing 3.3 per cent to the state's GDP and expanding by 13.4 per cent. This was driven by double-digit growth in the civil engineering and specialised construction activities subsectors. The agriculture sector grew by 1.8 per cent in 2025, compared with a contraction of 0.5 per cent in 2024. This was supported by a 3.4 per cent increase in the fisheries subsector, while the mining and quarrying sector expanded by 1.1 per cent in 2025. "In terms of GDP per capita, Penang recorded an increase of RM4,477, rising from RM76,107 to RM80,584, exceeding the national average of RM59,167," the chief statistician said. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, July 3 —  Penang’s economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous year, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the manufacturing […]

PM Anwar Returns Safely from Turkmenistan, Resumes Official Duties in Penang

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has safely returned to Malaysia from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, early this morning following his official visit to the Central Asian nation. In a brief statement shared on social media, Anwar expressed gratitude for his safe return and announced that he would immediately resume his official responsibilities in Penang. “Alhamdulillah, I have safely arrived in my homeland early this morning from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Today, I resume my duty in Penang for some official events, God willing,” he said. The Prime Minister’s visit to Turkmenistan was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors between the two countries. Anwar is scheduled to attend several official programmes in Penang as part of his ongoing duties under the Malaysia MADANI agenda.   -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has safely returned to Malaysia from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, early this morning following his official visit to the Central Asian nation. In a brief statement shared on social media, Anwar expressed gratitude for his safe return and announced that he would immediately resume his official […]

Water tariffs in Penang cannot be delayed – Exco

GEORGE TOWN: The implementation of the new water tariff in Penang, which begins on July 1, cannot be delayed because the measure is important to ensure that various development projects and infrastructure upgrades can be implemented to guarantee the continuity of water supply in the future. State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the profits currently recorded by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) were not sufficient to fund various large-scale projects planned to meet the increasing demand for water. "Among the projects that are currently being implemented and will be implemented are the construction of the Mengkuang Water Treatment Plant (LRA), two new LRAs in Sungai Krian with a capacity of 80 million litres per day (MLD) and 114 MLD, raw water intake projects in Sungai Prai and Sungai Muda, and the replacement of old pipes. "Each water treatment plant costs hundreds of millions of ringgit, all these projects require large funds and cannot be delayed because it is important to guarantee water supply in the future," he said at a press conference at Komtar, today. He was commenting on calls from several parties for the state government to delay the implementation of the new water tariff and provide an open explanation of the utility company's financial position, administrative expenses and future development plans. Commenting further, Zairil said that among the factors that contributed to delays in the development of water supply infrastructure in the past was tariff rates that were too low, which limited PBAPP's ability to invest in new facilities. "If the tariff is too low, the income generated will not be enough to make investments in infrastructure, which is why we need to increase PBAPP funds so that all planned projects can be implemented according to schedule," he said. At the same time, he stressed that PBAPP and the state government continue to take into account the interests of domestic consumers, especially those who use water at low rates, by ensuring that tariff increases for consumption of less than 35,000 litres of water per month remain at a controlled level. Yesterday, the state government announced that Penang will implement new water tariff rates for domestic and non-domestic consumers starting July 1 after its implementation was postponed for 12 months. The adjustment involves 82 percent of domestic consumers or households who use 35 cubic metres of water or less per month, with an increase of 8.5 sen or RM2.55 per month. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: The implementation of the new water tariff in Penang, which begins on July 1, cannot be delayed because the measure is important to ensure that various development projects and infrastructure upgrades can be implemented to guarantee the continuity of water supply in the future. State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir […]

Penang to implement new water tariff rates from July 1

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will implement new water tariff rates for domestic and non-domestic consumers starting July 1 after its implementation was postponed for 12 months. State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the adjustment involved 82 percent of domestic consumers or households who use 35 cubic metres of water or less per month, with an increase of 8.5 sen or RM2.55 per month. "For the first usage range, which is the first 20,000 litres (20 cubic metres), the increase is only three sen, from 62 sen to 65 sen, while for usage of 20,000 litres to 35,000 litres (20 cubic metres to 35 cubic metres), the rate increases by 13 sen from RM1.17 to RM1.30." "However, the average calculation is made based on the use of the first 35 cubic metres because that is the benchmark commonly used in the tariff structure," he said at a press conference at Komtar, here, today. Zairil informed that despite the adjustment which saw the average domestic water rate for the first 35 cubic metres being RM0.93 per cubic metre, Penang is still the state with the cheapest water tariff. For non-domestic consumers, the average new tariff rate for the first 500 cubic metres per month is RM2.28 per cubic metre. He said the tariff adjustment was necessary to ensure sustainable water supply services and support continued investment in the development and maintenance of water infrastructure in the state. Meanwhile, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) Chief Executive Officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the tariff adjustment did not involve houses of worship and welfare institutions, the shipping sector and other categories. He said for consumers with large households, they can apply for a rebate through the Family Friendly Rebate Scheme offered by PBAPP, which is a rebate of RM20 on every bi-monthly water bill for eligible households. On July 30 last year, the Federal Government gazetted new water rates for Penang as well as nine other states and the Federal Territory of Labuan, however, the State Executive Council has ordered PBAPP to delay the implementation of the new rates for a year until July 1, 2026. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, June 4 — Penang will implement new water tariff rates for domestic and non-domestic consumers starting July 1 after its implementation was postponed for 12 months. State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the adjustment involved 82 percent of domestic consumers or households who use 35 cubic metres of […]

PM Anwar Back In Permatang Pauh Ahead Of Aidiladha Celebration

GEORGE TOWN, May 26 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to his hometown in Penang today for a brief working visit ahead of the Aidiladha celebration. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will present sacrificial cows to communities in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary and Seberang Jaya state constituencies at the Seberang Perai Tengah District Mosque near here at 2 pm. The former Permatang Pauh MP will then return to his village to present sacrificial cows to the Permatang Pasir state constituency community at Masjid Al-Falah in Pengkalan Tambang. Anwar will conclude the visit by presenting sacrificial cows to the Penanti state constituency community at Padang Mengkuang Titi, Kubang Semang at 3.45 pm before leaving for the capital. Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to his hometown in Penang today for a brief working visit ahead of the Aidiladha celebration. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will present sacrificial cows to communities in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary and Seberang Jaya state constituencies at the Seberang Perai Tengah […]

Tanjung Point Residences Offers Resort-Style Comfort Along Penang’s Coastline

Combining modern convenience with the calming atmosphere of beachfront living, Tanjung Point Residences in Tanjung Tokong continues to attract visitors and residents seeking a relaxing coastal experience in Penang. Overlooking the scenic Andaman Sea, the serviced residence development is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay through a wide range of lifestyle-oriented facilities catering to families, business travellers and long-stay guests. Among its standout attractions is the outdoor infinity swimming pool located on Level 7, where guests can unwind while enjoying panoramic sea views. The pool area, complemented by sun loungers facing the coastline, has become one of the property’s most popular relaxation spots. For fitness enthusiasts, the development also features a well-equipped fitness centre on Level 8. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, the gym offers guests an inspiring environment to maintain their workout routines while enjoying uninterrupted sea views. Families staying at the residence are also catered for through a dedicated kids playground located on Level 7, providing children with a safe and enjoyable recreational space. In addition, guests have access to a 24-hour self-service launderette equipped with coin-operated machines, adding convenience particularly for long-term visitors and families travelling with children. Tanjung Point Residences also offers meeting and event facilities, including a seafront meeting room designed for small corporate gatherings, private functions and social events. The venue provides a scenic backdrop overlooking the sea, enhancing the overall experience for guests and organisers alike. Security and convenience remain among the development’s priorities. A multi-tier security system has been implemented throughout the property, with controlled access to the building, residential floors and apartment units reserved exclusively for registered guests. Adjacent to the residence is a shopplex featuring several convenience-oriented businesses including a convenience store, hair salon and pet hotel, allowing residents and guests easy access to daily necessities and services within walking distance. The property also provides a covered multi-level car park with complimentary parking facilities for staying guests, further enhancing convenience for travellers arriving by vehicle. Guests at Tanjung Point Residences are additionally able to enjoy special dining rates at the nearby Ombak Restaurant, a seafront dining establishment located next to the property offering a relaxing atmosphere with ocean views. As Penang continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Malaysia’s top tourism and lifestyle destinations, Tanjung Point Residences stands out as a development that successfully combines resort-style relaxation, urban convenience and scenic coastal living under one address.

Combining modern convenience with the calming atmosphere of beachfront living, Tanjung Point Residences in Tanjung Tokong continues to attract visitors and residents seeking a relaxing coastal experience in Penang. Overlooking the scenic Andaman Sea, the serviced residence development is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay through a wide range of lifestyle-oriented […]

Penang Gazettes 28 Traditional Foods As Intangible Cultural Heritage

GEORGE TOWN, May 11 -- A total of 28 traditional Penang dishes have been gazetted as intangible cultural heritage under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 this year in an effort to preserve the state’s identity and rich culinary legacy. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the gazetted foods include some of the state’s most iconic dishes such as nasi kandar, asam laksa, char kuetiau, pasembor and cendol. “Among the other foods gazetted are Hokkien mee, squid noodles, mee jawa, prawn noodles, roti Benggali, oh chien, kerabu bihun, mamak fried noodles, putu mayam, muruku, tosai and teh tarik,” he told the State Assembly at today’s sitting. He was responding to a question from Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota) regarding Penang’s achievements in obtaining recognition for intangible heritage at the state, national and international levels. Wong said all intangible cultural heritage items gazetted at the state level could subsequently be recommended for national recognition under the National Heritage Act 2005 before being considered for international recognition by UNESCO. Apart from traditional cuisine, seven additional cultural and heritage elements were also gazetted, including Nasi Kandar Culture, Kopitiam Culture, the Chingay Parade, Thaipusam Festival and the Tanjong dialect. He added that the Penang government would continue strengthening efforts to preserve intangible heritage through various programmes and festivals at both local and international levels.

GEORGE TOWN, May 11 — A total of 28 traditional Penang dishes have been gazetted as intangible cultural heritage under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 this year in an effort to preserve the state’s identity and rich culinary legacy. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the gazetted foods include […]