PENANG will continue its collaboration with the Free Industrial Zone Penang Companies’ Association (FREPENCA) to solidify its status as a hub of progress and opportunity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted this commitment during the FREPENCA Annual Dialogue and CEO Networking Dinner held at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
Chow emphasised that the partnership between FREPENCA and the state government has been crucial to their mutual success.
“Each company has played a vital role in Penang’s growth, and we must continue our collaboration to shape the future of Penang.
“Over the past five decades, Penang has cultivated a world-class industrial ecosystem characterised by technological excellence, adaptability, and a commitment to innovation,” Chow said.
Chow noted that in the last five years from 2019 to 2023, Penang has attracted RM184 billion in approved manufacturing investments, nearly three times the RM66 billion secured from 2009 to 2018.
Chow also said that the state government has received strong support from the Federal government for the semiconductor industry, particularly through the launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the New Industrial Master Plan.
These initiatives aim to transform Malaysia into a global semiconductor powerhouse within the next decade.
“In line with the NSS, Penang has identified IC design, advanced packaging, and equipment manufacturing as key focus areas to support this growth.
“‘The recent launch of Penang Silicon Design @5km+’ initiative by the Prime Minister represents a significant milestone.
“With RM50 million in Federal funding over five years and RM60 million from the state government, this initiative reinforces Penang’s position as a global semiconductor hub,” Chow added.
Chow highlighted the Penang STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) initiative as a collaborative effort between the state government and industry partners, aligned with the NSS and the National Investment Aspirations (NIMP 2030).
“Over the last 12 months, we have been receiving good news one after another on our various infrastructure projects.
“We are hoping for some of these projects to start work on the ground soon,” Chow added.
The infrastructure details shared by Chow include two significant projects, the Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway and the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project.
FREPENCA president Dr David Lacey expressed hope that the existing traffic congestion in Penang, as well as congestion caused by new infrastructure projects, can be alleviated.
Other matters discussed during the dialogue included ensuring water supply security in Penang, installing smart traffic lights, flood mitigation efforts, extending lease processes for industrial, commercial, and residential land, enhancing telco coverage, addressing power quality interruptions and improving safety and traffic management at Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP).
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Baderul Amin, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Penang Development Corporation deputy chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Azhar, TNB Penang general manager Norhizami Abu Hasan, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) representatives Dr Mohd Nizam Omar and Dr Tean Sze Nee, and FREPENCA members.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian