TO sustain the nation’s growth and development, it is crucial to prioritise health.
Significant resources are being allocated to advance health initiatives nationwide, underscoring the importance of a healthy population in driving the nation forward.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed that without good health, the people may inadvertently become a significant burden on the government.
“The strain would lead to increased demand for healthcare facilities, stretching resources that could otherwise support other vital areas of national and state development.
“Furthermore, poor health within the population risks depleting the country’s essential workforce, thereby reducing the capacity for economic progress.
“A healthy population is key to realising Malaysia’s and Penang’s vision for a prosperous future, as it ensures a strong, productive workforce equipped to meet the challenges of both national and state development,” he said in his closing speech at the ‘Program Transformasi Malaysia Madani 2.0’ at the Youth Centre in Lebuh Acheh this evening.
Chow thanked the programme organiser, Gabungan Persatuan India Muslim Pulau Pinang (Gapeim), for making it a success.
“This programme has effectively served as a one-stop centre for the local community, providing visitors the opportunity to consult with knowledgeable officers on various applications, inquiries, and issues they may face.
“I thank the agencies involved in making this programme a success, including the Penang Housing Board, Penang Zakat (ZPP), the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), and others.
“Today’s event aligns with the state government’s aspirations through the Penang2030 vision, which focuses on the state’s holistic development, including empowering the people to enhance public participation as outlined under Theme C of this vision,” Chow added.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
Penang Gapeim president Hamid Sultan Jabbar said the programme received a positive response, running successfully from 8am to 6pm.
“We hope to keep organising this event in the future.
“A special thank you to the Chief Minister and assemblymen for taking the time to join us, as well as to our generous contributors.
“We are confident that this programme will greatly benefit the people,” he said.
Penang Zakat chief executive officer Datuk Amran Hazali thanked Gapeim for the invitation to today’s event.
“Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting a visit from Gapeim to discuss ways we can collaborate, especially in how zakat contributions can ultimately benefit the Muslim community,” he said.
Amran also spoke about the recently completed new student dormitory in Egypt.
Later during a media conference, Chow said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid has recently visited Cairo, Egypt, to inspect the Penang student dormitory project, where the renovation of a new building has been completed and could now accommodate some 300 Penang university students studying in Egypt.
“The old building will undergo refurbishment to provide space for even more students.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring the welfare of Penang students pursuing higher education in Egypt.
“According to the Penang Zakat CEO’s report, the new dormitory is fully operational, with the next phase focused on the refurbishment of the older building,” Chow said.
On December 2023, Dr Mohamad posted on his Facebook page that the old Penang student dormitory in Egypt was a five-storey building, which has been in use since 1982 and was dilapidated.
“The building was originally purchased by the Penang government in the early 1980s for just RM40,000.
“In 2021, the Penang government, through Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (MAINPP), purchased an additional 11-storey building adjacent to the old dormitory to enhance the comfort and security of our students at Al-Azhar University, at a cost of RM16 million,” Dr Mohamad said.
He added that the new facility was especially vital given the rising costs of living and rental expenses.
Separately, in response to a journalist’s question, Chow stated that plans to gazette Middle Bank as a marine sanctuary have been put on hold.
“This decision is due to issues related to the Jelutong landfill. The plan will remain on hold until the landfill rehabilitation is finalised,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat