PETALING JAYA: Knight Frank Malaysia has facilitated a landmark RM800 million sale and leaseback industrial transaction involving about 135 acres of freehold industrial land and manufacturing facilities in Seberang Perai, Penang, from Ann Joo Steel Bhd to Axis Real Estate Investment Trust (Axis-REIT).
Knight Frank Penang senior executive director Mark Saw said: “We are honoured to have been entrusted to market and sell this prime 135-acre freehold industrial land in Seberang Perai, which holds historical significance to Ann Joo. This exceptionally rare opportunity represents the biggest industrial transaction of the year, reinforcing strong investor confidence in Penang’s industrial property market growth trajectory, particularly on the mainland. What makes this a one-of-its-kind transaction is the highly scarce freehold industrial asset available for sale in Penang which sits outside of the jurisdiction of Penang Development Corporation.
“This landmark deal underscores the growing strength and investor confidence in Penang’s industrial property market, particularly on the mainland.”
Knight Frank Malaysia land and industrial solutions senior executive director Allan Sim remarked that driven by robust demand from semiconductor, electronics and high-value manufacturing sectors, Penang continues to attract both local and international investors seeking strategic landbank opportunities.
He added the transaction also reflects the rising land values and increasing scarcity of sizeable industrial plots, reinforcing Seberang Perai’s position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic industrial growth corridors.
“This milestone underscores sustained appetite for scalable and well-positioned industrial assets, particularly in high-growth nodes like Penang. With sustained foreign investor confidence, and the continued attractiveness of the northern region anchored by strong industry fundamentals, this presents a timely opportunity for landowners to unlock and realize the value of their assets,” said Sim.
A formal signing ceremony was held at Knight Frank Malaysia’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, marking the successful conclusion of an important milestone as part of the transaction in the presence of senior representatives from all parties.
