THE Penang government today announced its contribution of RM200,000 to the Indian Association (IA) of Penang to revive its hopes of continuing the construction of two development projects, which were halted several years ago.
Due to a lack of adequate funds, the two projects, namely a multipurpose hall as well as an administrative building, have been in complete standstill since 2016 after building works had officially started in 2014.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the long-halted construction site today, said that he was told by the association members that the main challenge has been the lack of funds.
“Just recently, the members from Indian Association had visited me in Komtar, and after hearing their concerns, I decided to pay them a visit today.
“As a start, the Penang government would like to announce its contribution of RM200,000 for the use of materialising these two projects for the people of Penang.
“I would like to also urge the private sector and Penangites to come forward and do their bit to support the Indian Association as they are committed to complete these two projects for the benefit of all, including non-Indians,” Chow said during his visit to the Indian Association of Penang in Pulau Tikus today.
He also encouraged the association members to submit a detailed statement on these two projects, which he will then try to propose to the Federal Government to seek financial aid to support this initiative.
“Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai can potentially be the other channel to put forth the request for funds to aid these two projects.
“It is important that apart from the assemblymen and MPs contributing for such a cause, the involvement of local community leaders was vital as well.
“The Penang government sincerely hopes that these two projects will be materialised,” Chow added.
Also present during the visit were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai and building project manager Datuk Sr. Kuvenaraju Pachappen.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alissala Thian