MAINLAND residents can soon save time and avoid the hassle of travelling to the island for services at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Komtar as the Federal Government has agreed in principle to set up a new UTC in Butterworth, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said.
Guan Eng, who is also Penang’s former chief minister and Air Putih assemblyman, announced the news during a Deepavali event organised by the Bukit Bendera parliamentary constituency and Air Putih state constituency in Air Itam on Oct 12.
The UTC primarily houses various federal agencies that provide services, including the National Registration Department (JPN), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), and others.
During his speech, Guan Eng thanked the Federal Government for responding to the plea of the mainland residents, particularly those in Butterworth, who have been calling for a second UTC in Penang.
It was learned that the UTC has been proposed to be established at Penang Sentral.
“With the opening of the second UTC, we hope to ease the crowding at the existing UTC in Komtar.
“This initiative will not only reduce the number of customers in Komtar but also will make it more convenient for those coming from as far as Kedah, Perak, and Perlis, to access services in Butterworth,” Guan Eng said in his speech.
The Deepavali celebration in Air Putih and Bukit Bendera featured a sumptuous meal and exciting performances, delighting the attendees.
Also present during the celebration were Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan.
Earlier in the day, the Jelutong parliamentary constituency hosted a similar Deepavali event at the Batu Lancang community hall, where Rayer and other state representatives, distributed goodie bags to residents who were present.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo and state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim also graced the event.