Eyeing the future: The crowd looking at the layout of SkyWorld Pearlmont during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Seberang Perai, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: Breaking ground on the nation’s largest affordable housing project under the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative, SkyWorld Pearlmont promises accessible, high-quality high-rise living, along with the nation’s first vertical school.
SkyWorld Development Berhad chief executive officer Lee Chee Seng said the landmark development boasts 1,846 units.
“This is SkyWorld’s first venture in Penang, set on 12.54ha (31 acres) of freehold land in the heart of Seberang Jaya.
“Phase 1A of SkyWorld Pearlmont offers 1,846 units in three towers, with each unit being 900 sq ft, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
“Prices range from RM323,000 to RM390,000, including options for one or two carparks,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony held at Seberang Perai on July 19.
Lee said the development features a 4ha elevated park, considered the largest of its kind in Penang.
“SkyWorld Pearlmont is the first project in Penang to fully adopt prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC), a modular ‘Lego-style’ system that enhances build quality, safety and efficiency.”
Buyers will benefit from premium-quality affordable homes with a 10-year warranty on water leaks and the piping system, low maintenance costs of RM0.18 per sq ft and a benchmark of the Quality Assessment System in Construction score of 85% in construction innovation, he said.
Lee said the gross development value of the project is at RM2bil and it is expected to be completed in 2029.
The project will pioneer the integration of a vertical school into a high-rise affordable housing community, enhancing accessibility and safety for children in working families.
“Vertical schools represent an architectural evolution in educational design, where learning environments are structured within multi-level, purpose-built towers rather than sprawling, land-intensive campuses.
“This vertical format is especially suited for urban and high- density settings, allowing architects to maximise limited land while maintaining functional, child-centric spaces.
“Each floor is typically designed to serve a specific age group or learning theme, with clear spatial zoning that supports developmental needs and intuitive wayfinding,” he said.
“Other features include SkyWorld Healthy Home characteristics like a passive design, natural light and ventilation.
“The project also includes a pay-per-use clubhouse that features an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a kids’ playland and gyms,” he said.
Lee said with freehold units, an elevated park, smart home features and wellness-focused design, SkyWorld Pearlmont is a future-ready township designed for generational living and community growth.
Lee said the groundbreaking ceremony comes just eight months after the signing of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Properties.
“This development will serve as a public-private initiative aimed at delivering more than 35,000 units under the Rumah Bakat Madani scheme.
“Unlike traditional public housing, Rumah Bakat Madani units are freehold and open to all Malaysians, including non-Penangites working in the state, particularly in the electric and electronic and industrial sectors that drive Penang’s economy.
“This project aims to not only invite young talent from across Malaysia to call Penang home but also to build a stronger economy and community,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and SkyWorld founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Ng Thien Phing, among others.
In his speech, Nga said SkyWorld, an international award-winning developer, has been tasked with building a total of 37,368 residential units, comprising 6,368 units in Seberang Jaya and 31,000 units in Batu Kawan, Penang.
“Each unit will be sold between RM225,000 and RM420,000, and will be freehold.
“The sale of this project is open to Malaysians, regardless of whether you are a native of Penang or from another state,” he said.
source: https://www.thestar.com.my/
