A STATE representative has called on the Penang government to prioritise efforts to diversify and enhance revenue streams to tackle the deficit in the Consolidated Revenue Account.
Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) suggested targeted collection strategies, timely reporting, and stringent enforcement measures, including land confiscation actions under Notice 8A.
He also highlighted the potential of non-tax revenues, including land lease premiums, land reclamation payments, property acquisition fees for foreign entities, and revenue from temporary occupation licenses (LPS).
“I also would like to stress the need for state subsidiaries to become self-reliant and actively contribute to revenue generation, rather than depending on state government support,” he said when debating the Budget during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Goh also voiced concerns about the lack of development in South Seberang Perai district under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
“Thus, I would like to propose the creation of a Seberang Perai Transport Master Plan to resolve the critical traffic congestion in the district,” he said.
Additionally, he also advocated for an extension of the KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) to the Simpang Ampat station, which currently only serves the northern commuter line (Butterworth-Ipoh).
Touching on water resource management, Goh highlighted inefficiencies in capturing annual rainfall, which ranges between 2,000 and 2,600 mm, as well as challenges posed by floods and water shortages.
Thus, he welcomed the proposal to build Takungan Air Pinggiran Sungai (TAPS) at Sungai Muda and Sungai Kerian but questioned delays in the Federal Government’s funding approval under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).
“Given Penang’s reliance on water supply sustainability, I call for swift action, urging on both federal and state governments to expedite the project,” he said.
Goh also questioned the state’s RM41.5 million investment in Penang Football Club (Penang FC) since its establishment in 2020, pointing out diminishing returns from private sponsorships.
“Thus, I would like to suggest allocating some RM8 million allocation for other sports development, particularly for those with the potential to achieve Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medals or international success, such as the Olympics,” said Goh.
Story by Riadz Akmal