THE Penang government will first have to discuss whether it is necessary to move the state administration out of Komtar, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“It’s a new matter for the state Pakatan Harapan government. We don’t have the answer right now,” Chow said in response to a question by a reporter after officiating the Komtar Carnival 2019 at The TOP banquet hall in Komtar today.
“We have first to bring it up for discussion and hear some views on whether we truly need to move the state administration from Komtar to a new place.”
Chow was referring to the proposal by Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas when the latter suggested a new administrative complex to house both the State Assembly building and the state administrative centre at the recent opening of the state legislature assembly sitting in Dewan Sri Pinang.
He said under the previous Barisan Nasional government, Bayan Mutiara was already earmarked for the new state administrative centre but the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) at that time, under Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, committed Komtar as the state administrative centre and did not want to move out.
“Komtar has being going through challenging times. People do not come to Komtar anymore except for business dealings with the state government or federal agencies. So, if we move out, Komtar will suffer even more.
“But today, we can look at other alternatives for the use of Komtar in the event if the state administrative centre is moved out.
“Like what Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng had said, Komtar can be considered to be turned into a hotel, college, commercial or other uses.
“Right now, it is just a proposal (to build a new administrative complex). I dare not say much without discussing it.”
On how to bring back the glory, he said that a study and a market research were very necessary. And he believes Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the Komtar management have taken some initiatives to revive Komtar, like the setting up of The TOP and Tech Dome Penang.
“But I think more still need to done. We’re not seeing the impact yet. Of course, it has improved quite a lot but there is still a lot of room for improvement.”
Chow said the Komtar Carnival 2019 was an initiative by Teh, with the support of sponsors and businessmen, to further rejuvenate Komtar.
“Through these three-day programmes, the organisers aim to promote Komtar as a destination for shopping. We know that Komtar was once a thriving business centre in Penang but with the passage of time and the setting up of more shopping malls, it has lost its attraction.
“So, a carnival such as this, is to make Komtar an icon for shopping. May be the management has to look for a niche market or niche product that can be offered in Komtar.
“The rejuvenation process in Komtar has already started with The TOP and also other attractions like Tech Dome, and others. We hope with these efforts, we can re-ignite the interest and attract attention to Komtar as a shopping centre and a service centre.”
Chow, in fact, praised Only World Group Berhad founder Tan Sri Richard Koh and his wife Puan Sri Jean Koh during his speech for being ‘bold’ to pour in a lot of money to rejuvenate Komtar.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Japanese Consul-General Shinichiro Kanoya, Phison chairman Datuk Pua Khien Seng, Phidisk founder Kendrick Hung and organising chairman Kean Soon.
Others included Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Khong Yoon Loong and PDC Setia Urus CEO Datuk Ang Choo Hong, MBPP councillor Wong Yuee Harng, Red One Network CEO Farid Yunus, Red One Network chief sales officer Ben Teh.
Teh thanked all the sponsors and partners involved in supporting the first Komtar Carnival which showcased esports, Mirai Matsuri cosplay, ICT & Mobile Fair, Book Fair and Food Fair.
In particular, Teh thanked Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim for allocating RM25,000 to support the event.
“The programmes lined up are suitable for the whole family. I hope this carnival will continue to be an annual affair,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Alissala Thian