A TOTAL of RM87.2 million had been allocated to 11 government-linked companies (GLCs) by the Penang state government for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this in reply to Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon in the state assembly today when the latter asked for the list of GLCs and proactive efforts taken by the state government to manage them more efficiently.
They are the Penang Hindu Endowment Board with its total allocation for three years amounting to RM3.8 million, Penang Global Tourism which received about RM23 million, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) which received RM3.4 million, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) which received RM26.74 million, RM1.5 million for Penang International Halal Hub (PIHH), RM12.8 million for Penang Institute, RM2.4 million for Penang Islamic Foundation (YIPP), RM54,320 for Penang Integrity Institute (IINPPi), RM3 million for Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC), RM6.6 million for Penang Green Council (PGC) and RM3.6 million for Penang International Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PICEB).
The allocations for the GLCs, according to Chow, had been increased every year as a recognition for their success in promoting Penang to the world stage directly or indirectly.
Chow added that the state government would also empower all these GLCs to be competitive, self-reliant and productive to generate income so that these agencies can function towards achieving their respective goals and be efficient.
“The efforts of the state government in managing these GLCs more efficiently include among others by offering their CEO positions to those professionals in business and management.
“Penang under the Competence, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) administration will not only be able to mould these GLCs to be more competitive but also able to help to increase national and state’s revenue as a whole,” Chow noted.
Story by K. Thaarsheni