A special committee or dedicated bureau should be established to oversee sister city and friendship city relationships in the state,” says Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar).
Teh highlighted the importance of these partnerships as strategic tools to create new opportunities and drive mutual growth across various sectors.
He further mentioned that Penang currently maintains sister city relationships with several international cities, including Adelaide (Australia), Medan (Indonesia), and Xiamen (China).
Teh emphasised that these partnerships signify Penang’s commitment to international friendship and diplomacy. He believes they hold immense potential for boosting the state’s economic, social, and cultural development.
“The proposed committee would serve as a platform to coordinate efforts, implement strategic programmes, and ensure long-term benefits from the collaborations.
“Sister city relationships are not merely symbolic gestures, but a powerful instrument to foster meaningful cooperation and progress in areas such as economy, culture, and tourism,” he said when debating the Budget during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Teh also urged the Penang government to adopt proactive measures to keep these relationships relevant and effective.
“Fostering closer ties through these relationships could open avenues for new initiatives, enhance collaboration, and ultimately contribute to the well-being of the people of Penang.
“As Penang continues to grow as a global destination, strengthening and optimising sister city relationships will play a crucial role in its development.
“The establishment of a dedicated committee could ensure that these partnerships remain impactful and aligned with the state’s broader objectives, enhancing its reputation and fostering progress on multiple fronts,” said Teh.
On a separate matter, Teh also called for better public transport services for the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal.
He proposed expanding Rapid Penang routes to include the campus and introducing a bike-sharing service to ease students’ mobility within and around the campus.
Story by Riadz Akmal