COME 2026, Penang will have the first integrated senior living resort in peninsular Malaysia at Botanica CT township in Balik Pulau.

The construction of Eden at Botanica CT (EABC) is set to start after a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the 13ha plot of land next to Botanica Mansion.

MTT Group of Companies executive chairman Datuk Seri Kenny Ong said the groundbreaking ceremony signified the commencement of transforming a meticulously planned concept into reality, a process that had been unfolding over the past four years.

“Our commitment to caring for our beloved elders aligns deeply with Asian culture, and the unique project we are initiating aims to redefine senior living.

“Residents, aged 60 and above, will step into an environment designed according to the 5S principles that have guided our journey – safety, service, support, security and (financial) sustainability,” he said in his opening speech.

Ong said safety took precedence in every aspect of the facility’s design and care delivery, such as step-free access throughout the building and lower countertops in kitchens and shower benches in each en suite bathroom as the design prioritised minimising safety risks.

“While we provide purpose- built hardware, the core lies in the service provided as our licensed care residence will offer nursing care services for those requiring constant attention, while residents in ‘active living apartments’ will receive support for day-to-day chores and care services when needed.

“Support extends beyond individual care to building a nurturing community.

A model of Eden at Botanica CT in Balik Pulau, Penang.

“Our operations teams will facilitate daily events and activities, fostering a sense of community where residents can support each other, share experiences and form meaningful friendships.

“Security, a critical element, will be fortified through an advanced access and security system, integrating the latest AI technology alongside physical security personnel to ensure comprehensive yet non-intrusive security coverage.

“The final component is financial sustainability.

“Recognising the need for seniors to make prudent financial arrangements, EABC encourages living trusts and provides a ‘commitment to purchase’ or buy-back policy in the sales and purchase agreement,” he said.

Ong said following discussions with local authorities, measures had been implemented to ensure affordability spanned a wide spectrum in society.

“Simultaneously, there is a dedicated commitment to enhancing the standards of the caregiving sector in Penang by introducing caregiver training aligned with the sole syllabus officially acknowledged by Human Resources Ministry.

“This training aims to equip our caregivers with the essential understanding and skill sets required to provide comprehensive physical and emotional support to seniors at EABC,” he said.

Also present at the event were Yang di-Pertua Negri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Eden-On-The-Park Sdn Bhd founder and managing director Victor Fong and Balik Pulau district officer Mohd Hafiz Azwad Nadzri.

When completed, EABC will have a nursing care residence and low-density active living resort consisting of villas and 350 condominium units situated in two tower blocks.

The active living units ranging from 771sq ft to 1,449sq ft will showcase a variety of layouts with one or three bedrooms, while the care residence will introduce an innovative concept focused on providing personalised care services for seniors.

This unique care model incorporates the highest Australian standard operating procedures, thoughtfully adapted to align with local nuances.

The project is a joint venture between Botanica Hills Sdn Bhd (an associate company of MTT Group of Companies) and Eden-On-The-Park Sdn Bhd.