GEORGE TOWN: UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA), an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur  Development and  Cooperatives (Kuskop), is committed to expanding its investment and property management business through the operation of the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (TSN).

Through the UDA Investment and Property Management Division (UDA PIMD), the company has established a strategic partnership with Easybook (M) Sdn Bhd (Easybook) to manage the terminal.

UDA president and chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany said through expertise and experience in managing bus terminals, UDA is optimistic about exploring the opportunity to operate TSN together with Easybook.

"This effort is one of UDA's strategies in redeveloping and modernising infrastructure in urban areas to create a harmonious life and contribute to the well-being of the local community.

"It is also in line with UDA's branding concept; LIFE which is Legacy, Integrated, Finesse and Enrich," he said in a statement issued by UDA at the opening of the TSN upgrading project here on Tuesday.

The terminal was officially opened by the Penang Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye and also present at the ceremony were Easybook founder and chief executive officer William Lee and UDA Holdings Bhd Group chief operating officer (Asset management) Azrudyn Rashid.

Mohd Salem said the initiative to operate the bus terminal also coincided with UDA's focus as an agency under Kuskop in intensifying entrepreneurial activities by providing conducive business space.

The bus terminal now has nine business spaces and one food court, he said, adding that UDA also planned to have additional sales kiosks to provide more opportunities especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) to expand and conduct business.

"Hopefully this UDA's proactive step is in line with the desire to continue the UDA Legacy and move towards the sustainability of UDA and further contribute to unity and economic development in Penang and empower the Madani Economy," he said.

The project to upgrade the operation and management of Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, which measures 42,112 sq ft, covers the renovation and repair of the terminal building, building additional buildings, refurbishing the parking area and improving the parking system.

Meanwhile, Lee said Easybook has obtained the tender for the project to upgrade and manage the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal which was built in 2004.

He said work on the project started in August 2021 and was completed last April, he added.

"This is a strategic partnership with UDA because Easybook has extensive expertise and experience in managing and operating the terminal management system for more than 200 terminals in Southeast Asia, while UDA has expertise in terminal management and is an expert in the management of facilities and commercial building space in shopping centres," he said.

Lee said the new system at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal can also help solve the problem of "ulat tiket" (touts) as only buses with permits are allowed to enter the area to pick up passengers.