THINGS are looking great for Penang.
The state’s tourism sector is seeing a V-shaped recovery, industrial land availability and readiness are in better shape than they were six months ago, and efforts have been made to meet the increasing demands of the logistics and warehousing sectors.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told the Penang Socio Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC) meeting today that despite the global economic uncertainty, Penang posted a growth rate of 6.8% and achieved a record high of RM76.2 billion in total approved manufacturing investments, both in 2021.
“We hope to maintain this momentum by implementing ’people-based’ projects.
Chow highlighted the LovePENANG initiative which aimed at engaging the community.
“The LovePENANG programmes promote direct interaction with the rakyat. We want to engage the people and understand their issues,” he said during the two-hour meeting in Komtar.
It was the third PSERCC meeting this year. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid manner.
Chow also commended the efforts of the respective organisers in promoting arts, culture, and heritage in the state.
“Community programmes such as the George Town Festival, George Town Heritage Celebrations, and Penang International Paddy Festival (Pesta Padi Pulau Pinang) were successfully held this year.
“Visitors to the festivals were able to experience our rich culture, tradition, heritage, and arts,” he said.
He said that the state government through Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang, and private developers are constantly preparing industrial land for the industry.
“Solving traffic congestions and connectivity in the industrial areas remain challenging.
“In terms of industrial land availability and readiness, they are now in better shape than they were six months ago,” Chow said.
Penang Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said brought up the July water disruption in Penang.
Abdul Halim highlighted the concerns of the industry and provided some recommendations such as creating more effective communication systems, sourcing alternative water sources, and upgrading water infrastructure.
State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has stepped up its effort in terms of communication with consumers.
“There are regular updates on its Facebook page. More information is available including early warnings. The corporation is vigilant and is always monitoring the situation.
“PBAPP is also working on several water supply projects. However, the low water tariff in Penang limits the funds available for PBAPP to invest in more water supply projects,” he said.
Zairil added that PBAPP is also actively looking at ways to diversify the state’s water sources.
On a separate matter, PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar summarised that PDC has identified four strategic locations in Penang which could be developed to meet the increasing demands of the logistics and warehousing sectors.
Several other issues, including ideas to increase the industry workforce, the Penang International Airport expansion project, progress of the Penang South Islands project, the Penang ferry terminals upgrading project, food security, affordable housing, and tourism development were also discussed during the meeting.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zakuan Zakaria (development), Penang Housing Board chief business officer Fakhurrazi Ibnu Omar, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, Penang Port Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza, and former Penang Rehda chairman Datuk Toh Chin Leong.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian