The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has officially issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the linear waterfront development, which includes reclamation and land development along the island’s southern coastline, marking one of the most significant coastal development initiatives in recent years.

The proposed development corridor stretches from Queensbay Roundabout (Bulatan Harapan) to Jambatan Sultan Abdul Halim Muazzam Shah (Penang Second Bridge), covering a strategically located waterfront zone adjacent to Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru. According to the tender announcement dated January 15, 2026, the project is open to local companies, international companies or consortiums.

The RFP includes both land reclamation works and subsequent land development, with a sectoral indicative price tag of RM2.56 billion. PDC emphasized that this figure is an estimate and is not binding, and does not guarantee the award or completion of projects based on the amounts stated.

Although the RFP does not detail specific development elements, the scale and location of the project suggests it will have a long-term impact on the urban form, connectivity and economic status of Penang’s coastal region. The initiative is expected to attract strong interest from developers with experience in large-scale infill, mixed-use waterfront projects, and infrastructure-driven developments.

According to information shared during Expo 2025 Osaka’s Penang Week, the gross development value (GDV) of this development is estimated at RM9.8 billion. The GBS Business District is envisioned as a mixed-use waterfront district featuring waterfront commercial space, serviced apartments, business hotels, lifestyle malls, marine-related activities, and a transportation hub. A continuous waterfront promenade incorporating pedestrian walkways and cycle paths is planned as the main public-facing element of the proposal.

Interested parties can purchase tender documents for a non-refundable fee of RM5,000 from January 15, 2026 to April 22, 2026. The deadline for submission is April 23, 2026 at noon to the PDC Procurement Department in Bayan Lepas.

Further details and technical specifications are available directly from PDC through the official tender documents.

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