THE Penang government hopes that the Federal Government will prioritise the state’s proposed infrastructure projects for the benefit and convenience of Penangites.
Addressing thousands of civil servants at Dewan Sri Pinang this morning, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his desire for continued federal support and funding for the state’s initiatives.
“This is a significant boost for the people of Penang, particularly about several infrastructure projects such as roads and health clinics,” Chow said during the civil servants’ assembly.
Highlighting the state’s achievements last year, Chow noted that Penang had attracted RM31.38 billion in investments from various sectors and was set to generate 6,600 jobs in manufacturing and agriculture.
“The state’s revenue collection also increased to about RM810 million last year, compared to about RM500 million the previous year. This shows our financial standing is getting better, and I hope this will improve in the years to come,” he said.
According to Chow, Penang ranks the third highest contributor to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in the country, with a contribution rate of 99.15%.
On the state’s affordable housing, Chow said the state’s investment arm Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had inked a deal with the Sky World Development Berhad last month to develop 37,300 affordable housing units in the state, an agreement witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Additionally, the state’s 2025 Budget, with a total allocation of RM1.047 billion, has been approved to support development projects and prioritise the welfare of the people.
“I believe this budget will ensure the smooth execution of various development projects, including the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA), the establishment of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3, the construction of the Mutiara LRT line, and the Sungai Perak Raw Water deal,” Chow said.
On tourism, Chow emphasised Penang’s role as a key tourist destination, particularly as Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of the Southeast Asian (SEA) region this year.
Touching on the Penang2030 vision, Chow expressed his commitment to fulfil his duties effectively under the C4 Initiative Strategy.
“A review of certain institutional frameworks will be undertaken to boost staff productivity and support sustainable development,” he said, thanking both the civil service and private sectors for their contributions to the state’s success.
Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long also expressed gratitude to the state’s civil servants for their invaluable efforts.
“We have come across many challenges along the way, but the perseverance and dedication of our civil servants are what matter most,” he said.
The event was also attended by State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud