THE deadly Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted both lives and livelihoods around the world.
It has resulted in over 120 million confirmed cases and more than 2.6 million deaths globally.
The society, economy and business are being impacted by the Covid-19.
A year on, every state and country are on the road to recovery from the pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang government has never stopped working towards the recovery process.
“We have been there for our people and sharing their burden. We initiated the Penang People’s Aid Packages to help reduce the financial difficulty of the vulnerable groups.
“The assistance was necessary for the rakyat to bounce back from the crisis,” Chow told Buletin Mutiara.
He said that Penang is grateful to its investors for their confidence in Penang.
“The state has recorded RM14.1 billion in total approved manufacturing investments for the year 2020 despite the major disruption caused by the pandemic.
“The 2019’s all-time-high of RM16.9 billion and the investment performance for the year 2020 are extremely remarkable. The approved projects are expected to generate new employment opportunities in Penang.
“Almost 85% of the approved manufacturing projects are in the process of being implemented,” he said.
The pandemic has also not hampered the state’s efforts in providing better infrastructure to improve liveability and sustainability.
Chow said that Penang continues to work towards realising the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“The physical work on the project components of Gurney Wharf is scheduled to start in September this year.
“The public will get to enjoy a new public park, a promenade and other family-friendly facilities when the Gurney Wharf project is ready.
“Meanwhile, the Bandar Baru Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package Two) road project has also started.
“As for the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), the corporation is looking for alternative supply of raw water and ensuring that the supply of raw water is assured.
“Besides that, the Penang government has also paid close attention to the social wellbeing of Penangites through various welfare programmes and policies,” Chow said.
He said that the people’s welfare as well as matters pertaining to gender inclusiveness were extremely important.
“Sports development is also crucial for us to build a healthy community,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis