Penang South Islands (PSI), also known as the three islands project, is a proposed land reclamation project to the south of Penang Island (Pulau Pinang). The three islands will total 1,821ha (4,500 acres), and will be a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial usage.
The project will be funded by the sale of land, and the remaining proceeds will go toward other transport and infrastructure projects on the island. One of the transport projects will be the Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) which will connect Georgetown to the airport, and then continue to the islands.
A design competition was held for the masterplan of the three islands, and in February 2020 the Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group was named the lead masterplan designer for the Penang South Reclamation project.
Location
Map of Penang South Islands.
Official Links and Resources
Penang Infrastructure Corporation – PIC.
Lead Masterplan Designer: Bjarke Ingels Group.
The Proposed Reclamation & Dredging Works for the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Environmental Impact Assessment (2nd Schedule) Study Volume 2: Main Report – April 2017. DR. NIK & ASSOCIATES SDN. BHD.
News updates and photos at skyscrapercity.com.
Design Images
Official design images from lead masterplan designer Bjarke Ingels Group.
Project Photos
2020
[Future Island A site, viewed from Batu Maung – 27/01/20.]
[Batu Maung fishing beach – 27/01/20.]
[Under the flight path of Penang International Airport – 27/01/20.]
News Archive
2023
Silicon Island: Is the man-made Penang island becoming the next “Forest City”? – [12/12/23]
Penang aims to reclaim 400 acres of land for Silicon Island project each year – [10/12/23]
Positive spillover from island project – [06/12/23]
Satellite imaging debunks claims on reclamation project, says Penang exco – [22/11/23]
“Agrotechnology, food security and cooperative executive councillor Fahmi Zainol says contrary to the claims by the opposition, the site for fishing is further away.”
Fishermen claim PSI project will threaten economic, social survival – [20/11/23]
What’s happening at the Silicon Island in Penang? – [30/10/23]
“The long-awaited Penang’s Silicon Island reclamation began in September this year, following the Environment Management Plan (EMP) approval in July and early works to prepare the site.”
With final approval granted, Penang govt withdraws appeal over PSI – [19/10/23]
“However, lawyer says fisherman Zakaria Ismail has filed a fresh appeal to challenge the approval given by the federal government in April.”
Penang government oblivious to our cries, lament fishermen – [27/09/23]
“Thousands of fishermen are disappointed with the Penang government for pushing ahead with the reclamation works for the RM8.5 billion Silicon Island project despite an appeal being filed against the approval of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.”
I want to set foot on reclaimed island by November, says Chow – [26/09/23]
“Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow also says the undersea tunnel project has been hampered by an alignment issue off Butterworth’s waters.”
No injunction, so we went ahead with reclamation, says Chow – [24/09/23]
“The Penang chief minister said work on the Silicon Island project had begun after all approvals had been obtained by the state government.”
Penang CM: Preliminary works on man-made Silicon Island starts today – [11/09/23]
Register to get ex-gratia payment, South Penang Island fishermen told – [09/09/23]
Aliran: Why rush Silicon Island project in Penang? – [02/09/23]
“Why is the Penang government in such a hurry to start preliminary works for the Silicon Island project?
Aliran, a reform movement in Malaysia championing justice, freedom, and solidarity, said the appeal filed by the fishermen against the project has yet to be heard.”
Groups disappointed with start of Penang reclamation project – [01/09/23]
“The Consumers Association of Penang and Sahabat Alam Malaysia appeal to the federal and state governments, citing the effect that the project might have on the fishing community.”
Preparatory works for Penang Silicon Island project to begin today following approval of EMP, says Penang CM – [01/09/23]
Penang govt will still honour promised PSI reclamation benefits – [28/07/23]
Gerakan unhappy with Penang govt’s insistence on continuing PSI project – [28/07/23]
Penang remains committed to ensure PSI contributes positively to long-term welfare of fishing community – [11/07/23]
Penang South Islands reclamation work starts July 1 – [23/06/23]
Gamuda unit wins RM3.7bil job for PSI reclamation works – [22/06/23]
“SRS TC will be responsible for the design, management, construction, and completion of the 1,260-acre Island A.”
Trouble in paradise: Artificial islands plan causing a stir in Penang ahead of state elections – [17/06/23]
Fix Penang Island instead of making new islands – [23/05/23]
“The supposed green utopia of the Penang South Islands project will do nothing to fix the current urban problems of the island of Penang.”
Southern Penang island needs large reservoir, not artificial island – [18/05/23]
NGOs to Gamuda: Penang does not need a fantasy island! – [18/05/23]
NGOs reply to arrogant quip at critics of the Penang South Islands project – [18/05/23]
“Press Statement by Mohideen Abdul Kader, Consumers’ Association of Penang , Meenakshi Raman, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and Khoo Salma, Penang Forum.”
Gamuda: Scaling down reclamation in Penang is scant regard to rule of law – [16/05/23]
Gamuda affirms comprehensive and transparent process for Penang South Island reclamation project – [16/05/23]
‘Penang South Islands’ project: Fantasy island of epic proportions? – [15/05/23]
PSI mitigation, green initiatives and social welfare plan will control reclamation impact, assures PIC – [15/05/23]
Cancel Penang South Islands project, fishermen tell govt – [14/05/23]
Fishermen’s group warns of more protests if PSI proceeds – [14/05/23]
DoE: No need new EIA from Penang govt for PSI project – [13/05/23]
CAP joins chorus calling for scrapping of Penang reclamation project – [12/05/23]
One island or 3? Better none at all, Penang govt told on PSI – [12/05/23]
“The Consumers Association of Penang urges the state government against insisting on the reclamation, even in a scaled-down form.”
Scaled down PSI project: SAM says new EIA approval required – [12/05/23]
Scaled-down PSI will still boost Penang’s economy, say businessmen – [12/05/23]
“The Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce says it will encourage more companies, especially high-tech firms, to set up factories.”
Fishermen, too, want PSI project scrapped – [11/05/23]
Penang govt won’t be financing PSI project, says CM – [11/05/23]
Controversial Penang reclamation project downsized from 3 islands to 1 – [11/05/23]
Penang scales down controversial PSI project — to scrap island B and C – [11/05/23]
PSI may be scaled down, says CM – [08/05/23]
Penang to study scaling down, postponing part of PSI project after Putrajaya agrees to fund LRT – [07/05/23]
Penang must discard outdated PSR development model – [07/05/23]
“The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) supports the prime minister’s pledge yesterday to review the disastrous Penang South Reclamation mega project, which has come under bitter criticism from civil society organisations, including the CAP.”
No need PSI if Putrajaya fully funding Penang LRT, says expert – [07/05/23]
“It was previously reported that the Penang LRT project would cost an estimated RM10 billion.”
Penang to study scaling down, postponing part of PSI project after Putrajaya agrees to fund LRT – [07/05/23]
Green wave to submerge Penang’s artificial islands? – [06/05/23]
PSI won’t be another Forest City, says Chow – [05/05/23]
“The chief minister says the Penang South Islands project will not end up like the luxury ‘ghost town’ built on reclaimed islands in Johor.”
Penang South Islands (PSI) project shows ineptitude of national planning – [04/05/23]
“Project in interests of corporations over the interests of the local community.”
Silicon Island: An exciting future for high-tech and sustainable development – [03/05/23]
Penang CM says time now to focus on plans for state’s man-made islands, not public debate about land reclamation – [30/04/23]
Penang South Islands (PSI) project to proceed once Environmental Management Plan approved – [29/04/23]
Chow sees reclamation work beginning in third quarter – [29/04/23]
“The Penang chief minister said approval of an environmental management plan is needed, which will take about two months after submission.”
Penang South Islands project: Govt ready to listen to fishermen’s concerns, objections, says PM Anwar – [28/04/23]
Why the three-island mega-project in Penang must be scrapped! – [27/04/23]
“Aliran urges the state government to scrap the plan to reclaim land to create three artificial islands off the southern coast of Penang Island.”
Fishermen vow new fight against Penang South Islands project – [27/04/23]
Anyone can appeal the approval granted to PSI project: Penang CM – [27/04/23]
Penang’s massive reclamation project gets EIA green light [NSTTV] – [26/04/23]
“Penang has finally obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for the Penang South Islands (PSI) reclamation project.”
Penang South Islands project gets Putrajaya’s final approval – [26/04/23]
“The go-ahead was given with 71 conditions under an elaborate environmental management plan.”
EIA report for PSI project to be known in a few months – [12/03/23]
Penang reclamation project’s EIA evaluation needs more time, says minister – [12/03/23]
“The Penang South Island project involves developing three man-made islands off the coast of Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.”
Silicon Island to be project developer for Penang South Islands – [06/03/23]
“Penang government and Gamuda’s jointly-owned company will oversee development of the ‘three islands’ project.”
Nik Nazmi: EIA report for Penang South Island project yet to be approved – [06/03/23]
Green or greenwash? – [21/02/23]
“Instead of propping up the ‘low-carbon city’ claims for the proposed artificial islands, the authorities should be brave enough to interrogate the true risks and trade-offs.”
Penang ‘islands project’ wins award for low-carbon city plan – [21/02/23]
Penang govt willing to brief G25 about PSI project, says CM – [17/02/23]
Stop Penang South Island project, G25 tells Putrajaya – [16/02/23]
PSI project will not destroy livelihoods of fishermen, says PIC – [28/01/23]
We will never accept the controversial PSI project, fishermen tell Penang government – [27/01/23]
Chow: Penang South Islands project to get approval soon – [13/01/23]
Penang South Islands project expected to start Q3 2023, says Kon Yeow – [12/01/23]
2022
Penang govt appeals to reinstate Penang South Reclamation project – [20/12/22]
Fishermen’s association hopes Anwar will scrap Penang reclamation project – [29/11/22]
GE15: 6,000 Penang fishermen vow not to vote for leaders who back PSI project – [14/11/22]
Malaysia GE15: Penang’s controversial land reclamation project weighing on voters’ minds – [11/11/22]
Draft local plan for Penang island up for public opinions – [20/10/22]
Spotlight on PSI in Penang – [19/10/22]
DOE denies claim that Penang South Reclamation project faced difficulty in getting EIA approval – [05/10/22]
Phase 1 of the Penang South Islands project to start in November? – [19/09/22]
Penang’s artificial island plan pivots to greener industry, but critics unconvinced – [19/09/22]
Penang optimistic new island reclamation EIA will get okay – [14/09/22]
Work on Penang’s Island A set to begin in November, says Zairil – [13/09/22]
“The state executive councillor in charge of infrastructure and transport said work on the remaining two islands would be put on hold until every inch of the RM10 billion “Island A” was taken up.”
State govt submits new EIA for Penang South Reclamation project even as judicial review application hits snag – [31/08/22]
Penang committed to continuing PSI project – [30/08/22]
Penang govt loses legal bid to reinstate Penang South Reclamation project – [29/08/22]
“The High Court here has rejected a bid by the Penang state government to reinstate its Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.”
Penang govt to discuss failure to reinstate PSR project, says Zairil – [29/08/22]
“The state government will make a decision in due time following its failure to reinstate the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.”
Are data on Penang south reclamation project manipulated to deceive? – [09/08/22]
200 satellite images confirm little fishing activity at PSI site – [03/08/22]
“Images taken by satellite over three and a half years have shown that fishing activities in the waters off south Penang island mostly take place outside the proposed Penang South Islands project site.”
PSI fishermen to get modern and better boats – [22/06/22]
Is Penang three-island reclamation land for ‘outsiders’? Backbencher asks state – [02/06/22]
Giving pulse to Silicon Island – [09/04/22]
“The first island from PSI will have a purpose-built city to achieve Penang’s growth goals.”
Penang to resubmit EIA for PSR project soon – [10/03/22]
Penang South Island project expected to kickstart in 2H22 – [04/03/22]
Penang govt files court challenge to revive ‘3 islands’ project – [04/01/22]
2021
Reclamation project: Other states can, why not Penang? – [01/12/21]
‘Cancelling or postponing reclamation project will have huge impact on Penang’s economy’ – [26/11/21]
Billions will be lost if Penang South Reclamation project scrapped, says govt – [26/11/21]
We are all against land reclamation projects, say Penang fishermen – [25/11/21]
6,000 fishermen statewide against reclamation projects in Penang [NSTTV] – [25/11/21]
Fishermen families looking to better days with Penang reclamation project – [22/10/21]
South islands project could cost PH dearly, says analyst – [21/10/21]
“Pakatan Harapan (PH) lawmakers in constituencies that will be affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project face a big dilemma – if they support their own state leadership’s plans, they are likely to end up losing their seats.”
Now, fishermen in Penang’s south want three islands project – [07/10/21]
“The three-islands reclamation project in the south of Penang has received a show of support, with a group of residents and fishermen handing a petition to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, asking for the project to go ahead.”
Penang govt told to review PSR plans for benefit of fishermen – [03/10/21]
Standing up to defend Penang’s fishing community – [03/10/21]
Veteran fishermen plead for Penang three-island reclamation project to be approved for the sake of future generations – [17/09/21]
Penang to resubmit EIA for three-island reclamation, seek judicial review of Appeal Board ruling – [16/09/21]
Penang folk will continue to protest against PSR project, group says – [11/09/21]
Did Yeo help put through Penang reclamation project, asks PAS – [10/09/21]
Massive reclamation project on hold after fisher folk win appeal – [08/09/21]
Setback for Penang’s 3 islands project as fishermen win appeal – [08/09/21]
Malaysia fishermen in last-ditch bid to stop Penang reclamation – [06/09/21]
“Fishermen to appeal to federal government over Penang state’s plan to create three artificial islets off island’s southern shore.”
Penang South Reclamation project will not start without DoE approval, says state exco – [02/09/21]
One island is enough for Penang – [07/07/21]
“Malaysian state’s offshore reclamation plans risk environmental disaster.”
Denial of the undeniable by blind supporters of Penang South Reclamation – [03/07/21]
“The bay of Teluk Kumbar, a rich seafood-producing area, should not, at any cost, be destroyed.”
Not all fishermen object to Penang South Islands project – [02/07/21]
‘With less than 80ha of industrial land, Penang needs PSI’ – [28/06/21]
“State exco says project will also expand industrial sector, provide more jobs.”
Forget about eating locally caught seafood in Penang once three-island reclamation starts, says fishermen’s rep – [24/06/21]
Penang wants it but do Penangites? Explaining the contentious PSR project – [15/06/21]
You want more land? Scrap Penang South Reclamation; Batu Kawan is your friend – [15/06/21]
“Will this mega-reclamation project truly benefit people in Penang and Malaysia – or will only a select few with vested interests profit handsomely?”
Land reclamation: Where’s Penang’s competency, accountability, transparency? – [11/06/21]
“The original justification for the PSR was to finance the transport plan. But now the justification and the link between the two have disappeared.”
As Nurul Izzah Anwar joins the critics, could Penang South Reclamation project be stopped? – [09/06/21]
“Critics say the multibillion-dollar island-building scheme, also known as BiodiverCity, will devastate marine life and may be rendered obsolete by coronavirus-fuelled work-from-home practices.”
PSI to go on despite objections – Penang CM – [09/06/21]
“Despite numerous objections from various parties, the Penang government will proceed with the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, formerly known as Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.”
Penang’s three-islands project – a sinking feeling – [09/06/21]
“The long-standing debate over the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) has seen a new push as political personalities from both sides have come together in asking for it to be axed, leaving the project’s owners, the state government, beleaguered.”
Clamour to scrap Penang South Reclamation grows louder – [06/06/21]
“Scrap this mega-reclamation project for good and explore more sustainable alternatives to uphold food security and sustainable mobility.”
Penang South Islands creates jobs, tangible state assets and increases social capital – [01/06/21]
Editorial from the Penang Infrastructure Corporation.
Nurul Izzah turns her back on Penang’s PSR project – [31/05/21]
“The Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project has run into objections from an unlikely source – Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar of PKR.
She is now urging Putrajaya and Penang to cancel the project for three man-made islands and instead focus efforts on containing the pandemic, protecting the environment and ecosystem as well as the source of income of Penang fishermen.”
Penang South Reclamation – Who does it serve? – [12/05/21]
“We explained why the state’s project to reclaim 3 islands totalling 4,500 acres is unnecessary, unjustifiable and likely to fail. All appeals to conscience, logic and good governance have been stonewalled by those in power.”
Boon or bane? Malaysian island reclamation plan divides residents – [23/02/21]
Don’t start RM40bil reclamation project before appeal hearing, CAP tells Penang – [14/02/21]
“The Penang government’s decision to proceed with its three-island reclamation project even before an appeals board hears the fishermen’s protest has irked the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP).”
Stop the prostitution of Penang South sea – [31/01/21]
Penang sea project set to take off – [26/01/21]
“The proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) is set to get going with the state expecting formal approval for the environment management plan (EMP) once the movement control order is over.”
PSR project will benefit the people — Zakiyuddin – [22/01/21]
2020
Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group named lead masterplan designer of Penang South Reclamation project – [20/08/20]
NGOs urge Penang state gov’t to suspend reclamation project – [16/07/20]
Why start 3 islands project amid recession, says CAP – [06/07/20]
“The Consumers Association of Penang today criticised the state government for signing a deal on its proposed three-island reclamation project, saying it is “highly irresponsible” in the midst of the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Is the PTMP a Trojan horse for the Penang South reclamation agenda? – [14/02/20]
Group tells Penang not to start reclamation project pending appeal – [12/02/20]
Chow lauds benefits of proposed island reclamation – [10/02/20]
Penang’s coastal reclamation – costly fantasy and reality check – [07/02/20]
Penang reclamation project will stretch resources – [03/02/20]
Appeals pending, don’t sign ‘3 islands’ deal yet, Penang govt told – [21/01/20]
Fishermen raise alarm over Penang’s 3 islands project – [20/01/20]
On 16 January 2020 the Penang announces finalists for Penang South Islands’ Masterplan Design Competition – [16/01/20]
“Five world-renowned teams together with their Malaysian partners have successfully made it to the design stage of the Masterplan Design Competition of the proposed Penang South Islands (PSI) project.”
The finalists were:
– Bjarke Ingels Group & Hijjas Architects + Planners
– Foster + Partners & GDP Architects
– MVRDV & aLM Architects
– Tekuma Frenchman & Eowon Architects
– UNStudio & Architects 61
2019
Penang government seeks architects and master planners to design man-made islands – [18/11/19]
PSR development will ensure Penang’s progress: Social activist – [28/07/19]
Journey to complete 3 islands reclamation project will be ‘tedious’, says Penang CM – [16/07/19]
“Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today said the journey to complete the three islands reclamation project is going to be a “tedious” one, owing to the list of 72 conditions imposed by the Department of Environment (DoE) and other safeguards.”
Penang’s new islands will kill marine life – [23/06/19]
PSR – Luddites will see Penang regress – [11/06/19]
Penang to sell 3 islands to finance the RM46 billion Penang transport master plan – [19/04/19]
“The three reclaimed islands, formally known as Penang South Reclamation, measure nearly 17 sq km. The islands measuring 9.3, 4.45, and 3.23 sq km will be reclaimed off the coast of Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.”
Malaysia govt okays controversial project to reclaim three new islands in south of Penang – [18/04/19]
Shocking go-ahead for Penang South Reclamation project – [18/04/19]
Islands to drive state economy – [16/04/19]
“Over RM70bil is expected to be raised from the three man-made islands under the Penang South Reclamation Scheme (PSR), enough to spearhead the state’s economic development for the next 30 years.”
Penang wants to be like Hong Kong and Singapore. Problem: its fishermen don’t – [31/03/19]
2018
Examining Penang’s south reclamation scheme – [19/12/18]
Reclaimed islands will boost Penang’s economy and land bank says CM Chow – [06/08/18]
What could happen if Malaysia builds three more islands – [25/05/18]
YouTube: Fishermen Under Siege: Land Reclamation Is Destroying Penang’s Fishing Tradition, a short documentary by Wade Shepard – [08/04/18]
2017
Premature to make conclusion on planned land reclamation project in Penang: Wan Junaidi – [30/12/17]
Five things we learned about Penang’s ‘three islands’ mega project – [02/12/17]
‘Penang government does not have the people’s interest at heart’ – [27/08/17]
“The proposed Penang South Reclamation project, which is set to affect some 1,500 fishermen, shows that the DAP-led Penang government’s policy fails to take into consideration the people’s interest.”
EIA report on Penang reclamation project finally on display – [24/05/17]
2016
Fishermen still say no to South Penang Reclamation – [17/12/16]
Penang split over transport infrastructure plan – [13/10/16]
“…the state government commissioned a transport master plan, which was conceptualized by U.K.-based consultants Halcrow and approved in 2013. SRS Consortium, a Malaysian group including the construction giant Gamuda and two local property developers, fleshed out the concept with a more detailed proposal. The first phase, due to be completed in 2030, involves the construction of a toll-free highway and a 21km elevated light rail transit line, both linking the center of George Town with the international airport. Three small islands will be created by reclamation and sold to pay for the works.”
2015
Malaysia plans new smart city in Penang – [30/11/15]
Reclaimed land to fund project in Penang – [28/11/15]
When did this project happen
It hasn’t started yet, and a start date is not known.
The Penang government had been postponing the Penang South Island reclamation project. I found that they launched a new website http://www.penanginfra.com . Perhaps we can get some updates there.
Horrible, horrible project.