THE Kedah government, according to recent news reports, is said to be leading a research team studying the historical status of Penang and Kedah, with the research expected to conclude in December this year.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the findings would be based on historical archives and agreements dating back to 1821, gathered from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Thailand and Indonesia.
Responding to this, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there was no need for the Kedah government to embark on this effort, saying the historical facts are very well known.
“We are not denying that Penang used to be a part of Kedah in the past.
“Please accept that Penang is an independent state and that its position is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
“There is no need for you to go around the world to gather 20,000 documents about these well-known historical facts,” Chow said in his speech after attending the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Penang Fellowship dinner at the Chinese Recreational Club (CRC) restaurant in George Town today.
Chow commended Rehda for being pivotal and working closely with the Penang government in delivering quality housing development in the state over the years.
“Tonight, as we come together, it is fitting to reflect on the milestones of the past year.
“Despite global economic challenges and the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, Penang’s real estate market has exhibited resilience and growth.
“In the first nine months of 2023 alone, Penang’s property market not only weathered these challenges but thrived.
“We saw a 3.82% increase in transaction volume and an impressive 38.9% rise in transaction value, amounting to 17,953 units valued at RM13.2 billion.
“These figures underscore our sector’s vitality and the confidence investors place in Penang’s future,” Chow added.
While prioritising urbanisation and industrialisation, Chow said Penang also embraces green initiatives and regards them as a cornerstone of the developments in the state.
“I commend Rehda Penang for its proactive efforts in promoting green building certifications and encouraging developers to integrate sustainable solutions into their projects,” he said.
It was learned that so far 84 developments in Penang were certified under the Green Building Index (GBI).
Among others present during the event earlier were state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Rehda Penang chairman Datuk Khoo Teck Chong and event organising chairman Fong Choon Fuoi.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian