PENANG Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas has urged the Penang government to study the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state’s investments and its global supply chain.
“The Penang government must continue to promote domestic and foreign investments to spur the state’s economy.
“The state’s Tourism Recovery Action Plan must also look into ways to grow the state’s tourism industry post-pandemic,” he said.
He also urged the state to help the farmers and fishermen to achieve a 100% self-sufficiency level.
“The usage of modern technology such as IoT among the farmers and fishermen must be enhanced to increase productivity,” he said.
Abdul Rahman also stressed the importance of having a systematic and realistic transportation plan.
“It is crucial because a systematic and realistic transportation plan can give a huge impact on the economic growth rate, liveability and the sustainability of the city.
“The plan must not only be easy and fast but also be reliable, sustainable and feasible.
“Hence, the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) has a very important value to the Penangites.
“The development of integrated roads and public transportation network will enhance the sustainability and accessibility of the Penang island and Seberang Perai.
“They will also promote a strong and sustainable economic growth in the state,” he said.
The Governor added that the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project is the state’s economic transformation project.
“The land reclamation project, to be owned by the state government, will help to address land shortage issues.
“The PSR project is set to excite the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, besides providing more modern affordable homes for the people of Penang. Part of the plan is also to promote a smart city with modern technology.
“Among them are an education and innovation hub, a convention centre and medical tourism facilities.
“The projects are scheduled for tender by the end of this year. The land reclamation works are scheduled to start early next year (2021),” he said.
Abdul Rahman was concerned about the pollution issues which affected the state in 2019.
“The cooperation between the Federal Government, state government, departments and agencies is important to address pollution matters in Penang,” he said.
He lauded the state’s initiative in building a transit centre for the homeless in Jalan C.Y. Choy.
Abdul Rahman was also proud to note that the state government had managed to ensure sufficient affordable homes were made available in Penang.
“A total of 30,191 affordable homes have been built since 2008; while 24,096 units are currently being built and 51,000 units are in the planning process.
“I want to congratulate the state for appreciating the roles of women in nation’s development and family institution,” he said. He praised the state for setting up the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) in all 40 state constituencies in Penang.
Abdul Rahman also thanked the state for caring for the development of Islam.
“Penang and the Federal Government have built and upgraded many mosques in the state. We also have 372 Islamic education institutes in Penang.
“It is my hope that the state continues to care for the growth of Islamic education in Penang,” he said in a statement today.
Abdul Rahman summarised his opening address at the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting, in view of the MCO.
“A copy of my speech has been placed on your table. I want to thanked the heroes who have put in much effort to fight the Covid-19 and I urge the people to obey the orders given by the authorities,” he told the state assemblymen and the public.
In his statement, Abdul Rahman congratulated Chow for his excellent leadership in governing the state during the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Chief Minister and the state’s machinery, led by the State Secretary, have given their best commitment and have executed their duties to ensure that Penang can function without any difficulty during the MCO period.
“The financial position of Penang is good. Although the state does not have a huge source of income, it managed to provide assistance to the needy communities that were impacted by the pandemic,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alvie Cheng