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KEPALA BATAS - seen as one of the least developed districts in Penang, made history when Marriott International Inc, as the world's largest hospitality operator, sealed a deal to operate the Bertam Resort, the sole major hotel in the district.
The hotel will now be rebranded as "The Bertam, Penang," a Tribute Portfolio hotel, in partnership with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd, its owner.
The event was witnessed by Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is the chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
Reezal, who is considered the political godson of former premier, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was a long - serving Kepala Batas Member of Parliament, beamed with pride to say that the district finally has recognition to be as developed as other districts in the state, including on the island.
Slated to be reopened in the fourth quarter of this year, the hotel will feature 282 keys, marking the brand’s debut in Bertam on Penang’s Prai mainland and complementing Marriott’s established presence of other properties on the island.
Bertam is approximately 25km from Butterworth and 40km from the commercial enclave of George Town.
The township is part of a rapidly developing corridor driven by industrial expansion and integrated lifestyle developments.
Bertam also benefits from strong connectivity via the North-South Expressway and its proximity to key economic hubs such as Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Batu Kawan Industrial Park, positioning it within a growing economic network.
The hotel will be a conversion of the existing five-star Bertam Resort, which opened in March 2023 and comprises 282 rooms.
Set within the 20-acre integrated Bertam Resort & Water Park Penang development, the property is strategically located next to the Sungai Petani district in Kedah.
The signing ceremony was attended by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Reezal Merican, Maritime's managing director Datuk Mohamed Iqbal S. Habeeb Noohu and Marriott International vice-president of Hotel Development, Asia Pacific, Andree Susilo.
Susilo said Marriott International is pleased to collaborate with Maritime Waterfront Suites on the project.
Susilo said that Marriott International is pleased to collaborate with Maritime Waterfront Suites on the project.
“This reflects our shared vision to bring distinctive hospitality experiences to emerging destinations. The Bertam, Penang, a tribute portfolio hotel, represents a meaningful addition to our portfolio in Malaysia, allowing us to cater to the evolving needs of both leisure and corporate travellers, while supporting our continued growth across high-potential markets in the region,” he said. - May 9, 2026.
