FOLLOWING Penang’s achievement of outperforming the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2022 with an impressive RM112.1 billion or 13.1 per cent, Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak commended Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for leading a government that has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth.
“Penang achieved impressive growth, ignited by its key economic driver, the manufacturing sector, which was accelerated by 15.9 per cent last year, (2021: 12.4 per cent).
“This was backed by electrical, electronic and optical products following increased global demand for semiconductors.
“As for January to June this year (2023), according to statistics by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Penang has recorded a total of RM4.258 billion in approved manufacturing investments.
“The investment inflows involved 67 projects and are expected to generate 4,738 new job opportunities in the state.
“These statistics have proven that Penang continues to lead the way, where the nation’s economic growth is concerned, and of course, existing policies in the state that have played a key role in ensuring the success continues,” Chow said in his speech during the opening of the state investiture ceremony of awards, medals, and honours to mark the Penang Governor’s 74th birthday celebration at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
During his speech, Chow wished Ahmad Fuzi and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor a healthy, prosperous and long life together.
“I believe and am confident that the Penang government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, will continue to deliver its services with integrity and excellence towards realising the state’s Penang2039 vision.
“The state’s growth has been evident through impressive statistics recorded in the GDP and foreign direct investment (FDI) figures last year,” Ahmad Fuzi said in his speech.
Earlier this morning, eight former state executive councillors (exco) were conferred the DGPN (known as Dato’ Seri) and DSPN (known as Dato’) titles respectively.
Among the DGPN recipients include former Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, former State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, former state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and former Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Committee chairman Chong Eng.
Meanwhile, the DSPN holders include former Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Norlela Ariffin, former state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee and former state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
This year, a total of 1,117 individuals will be honoured with state awards, medals and honours by Penang Governor.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and Mohamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhammad