In 1997, Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd (JDSB), a subsidiary of IJM Corporation, was awarded the Jelutong Expressway project – which has since been renamed the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.[1][2] The highway was intended to serve as the main thoroughfare connecting the city centre and the Penang Bridge, thus alleviating traffic congestion at Jelutong.[2]
The expressway project was estimated to cost RM300 million in total. Due to a lack of funds, the Penang state government ultimately opted to compensate the appointed developer with real estate developments surrounding the thoroughfare, in order to avoid the imposition of toll charges on local motorists. In exchange for the expressway, JDSB was granted exclusive development rights for 368 acres (149 ha) of adjacent land, much of which would be reclaimed from the Penang Strait.[1] The real estate developments were expected to span 15 years, but residential developments took on greater urgency after the repeal of the Rent Control Act that caused a shortage of affordable housing within the city centre.[1][2]
The 86-acre (35 ha) Bandar Sri Pinang township encompassed the northernmost land parcels B2, C1, C2 and C3.[2] Land reclamation began in 2000 and took seven years to complete.[3] Residential, commercial and industrial developments subsequently commenced, and the new township was ready by 2014.[4] In the same year, the township's coastal promenade was renamed Karpal Singh Drive, following the sudden demise of local-born Democratic Action Party politician Karpal Singh.[5]
Below are the major city suburbs, neighbourhoods, ethnic enclaves and islets within Northeast Penang Island, where George Town, the capital city of the State of Penang, is located.
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