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THE iconic Dewan Sri Pinang - the pioneering convention centre in Penang- will be upgraded this year.
The space that has served as a site for social, cultural, and performing art activities since 1972 will be upgraded for RM52 million.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the upgrading work will be fully funded by the Madani national unity federal government.
“Previously, the state applied for a federal loan to upgrade Dewan Sri Pinang and the loan was already approved, but recently, it was converted from a loan into a grant,” he told a press conference.
He said that the upgrading work will be fully funded by the federal government, with no repayment required from the state.
“The project will be implemented by Penang Development Corporation (PDC) as it is funded by a federal grant."
PDC is in the process of finalising the design.
“We hope to call for tenders in July, and the project is expected to start in the last quarter or so,” he said, adding that events may still be held at the multipurpose area until the renovations begin.
Chow said this is the first time in over 50 years that the hall complex will be upgraded.
He said the upgrading work is expected to take about two years to complete. - January 24, 2026.
