EXCO for Islamic Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim was all praise for the Penang state government for increasing the funding for Islamic Affairs in the recent Budget 2018 announced by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“There is an allocation of RM53 million, compared to RM50 million given in 2017,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Assembly recently.
“Since 2008, till 2017 the budget for Islamic Affairs has risen as much as 112%. It has improved in terms of value and percentage,” he said.
He added after discussion with Lim and his strategic officer, Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, the Chief Minister released an initial allocation of RM100,000 for renovation works of mosques, surau and religious schools affected by the recent flood in the state.
Meanwhile, he said the launching of Penang Trade Events on Nov 26, last year was officiated by Lim at Gurney Paragon.
“In 2009, 15 trade events were held. But this number increased over the years to 40 in 2010, 49 (in 2011), 198 (in 2016) and 212 (in 2017),” he added.
“To realise Penang as a Global Halal Centre in 2008, the Industrial Halal hub (TPHPP) Phase 1 in Bukit Minyak has recorded an investment of RM185.2 million through investment of 10 companies, and four factories are fully operational currently,” he added.
Touching on consumer affairs, he said his office will continue to work towards greater co-operation between the government and non-governmental organisations to create a consumer society which is well protected, proactive and able to contribute to the community.