PETALING JAYA (May 8): Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) has officially completed The Meg, the first residential development within its flagship Andaman Island township in Penang, marking a significant milestone in the group’s long-term vision of creating a sustainable waterfront community.
What I learned from this development is that Andaman Island is more than just another reclamation project — it is being positioned as a next-generation integrated township designed around sustainability, connectivity, and modern urban living. The completion of The Meg represents the township’s first major step from planning into an active and growing community.
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said developments such as The Meg contribute towards creating a more inclusive and liveable Penang while supporting the state’s broader goals for sustainable urban growth and community well-being.
E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong described The Meg as the “first pulse of life” on Andaman Island, transforming the township from a blueprint into a functioning eco-conscious development.
According to Kok, E&O aims to develop Andaman Island into a sustainable township capable of housing approximately 30,000 residents by 2030. He added that the strong market response towards The Meg, together with the successful opening of the Gurney Bridge, reinforces confidence in the future growth potential of the waterfront township.
Launched in 2022 with a gross development value (GDV) of RM691 million, The Meg consists of 1,020 freehold serviced apartment units alongside 14 retail units. The development was designed primarily for millennials and young families, featuring contemporary and practical layouts suited for modern urban lifestyles.
One notable takeaway is the strong demand demonstrated by the project, as The Meg achieved full take-up within a relatively short period. This reflects continued buyer confidence in well-planned integrated developments, particularly those offering waterfront living concepts and sustainable township features in Penang.
I also learned that sustainability remains a core focus for Andaman Island. The township’s Phase 1 master plan received the GreenRE Provisional Platinum Certification in 2023, making it Malaysia’s first township master plan to achieve the recognition. This highlights E&O’s emphasis on balancing urban development with ecological preservation.
E&O currently has six ongoing developments within its 30-year master plan, including Andaman Island projects such as AVÉA, Maris, and The Lume. Among them, AVÉA is the latest serviced apartment launch located along the waterfront promenade near the marina, with a strong focus on walkability, sustainability, and community-centric living.
Another major milestone highlighted during the event was the recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records for the Gurney Bridge at Andaman Island, which received the title of the “Widest Box Girder Bridge in Malaysia”.
Looking ahead, E&O plans to introduce curated commercial components by the end of 2027 to further enhance the vibrancy of Andaman Island and strengthen its position as one of Penang’s progressive waterfront destinations.
Malaysia