[3][5] To finance the PTMP, it was originally proposed that the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) be granted reclamation rights for 1,500 acres (610 ha) of land around Gazumbo Island in the Penang Strait.

[4][7] In November that year, Chow Kon Yeow, who was the Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Executive Councillor, confirmed that the southern coast of Penang Island had been identified for land reclamation to fund the PTMP.

[4] SRS Consortium, consisting of Gamuda Berhad as the majority shareholder, Penang-based Loh Phoy Yen Holdings and Ideal Property Development, was appointed as the PDP for the PTMP.

[12] The PSR became a political issue during the elections that year, with the incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government – led by Najib – opposing the reclamation project on the grounds of safeguarding the livelihoods of affected fishermen.

[15][16] A revised EIA was submitted in 2019 and subsequently granted conditional approval by federal regulators, which included an 18-point advisory aimed at mitigating potential impacts on the local community.

[17] Concurrently, a design competition was held, which was won by a multidisciplinary team that included Bjarke Ingels Group, Hijjas Kasturi Associates and Ramboll.

[29] Reclamation of Silicon Island commenced in September 2023, employing hydraulic sand fill along with prefabricated vertical drains and surcharge for ground treatment.

[33][34] State government officials have set a reclamation target of 300 to 400 acres (120 to 160 hectares) annually starting in 2025, with the islet expected to be fully reclaimed by 2032.