THE Penang Socio Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC) held its second meeting this year to discuss the state’s current economic growth today following the country’s recent reopening of its international borders.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who chaired the hybrid meeting in Komtar, was glad that the country was currently transitioning from pandemic to endemic phase amid declining Covid-19 cases.
“This transition to endemicity is the authorities’ exit strategy to ensure the public can gradually return to normalcy after two years of pandemic, albeit under the standard operating procedures (SOPs) compliance.
“The borders’ reopening is important for the state’s sustainable economic growth, while the health authorities have come out with respective measures to ensure those traveling in and out the country adhere to relevant SOPs.
“On the tourism front, we expect more people to come in after more tourism activities are allowed to be carried out.
“It is important for the visitors to practise ‘responsible tourism’ while we still need to be vigilant,” he said during the two-hour long meeting session.
Chow was pleased with the state’s total approved manufacturing investments of RM76.2 billion last year, which is its best-ever record.
“The electrical and electronics (E&E) is one of our key promoted sectors,” he said.
In the session, various issues such as tourism, housing, food security, investment, foreign workers’ dormitory, minimum wages, job opportunities, infrastructure and other related matters were discussed.
Those who joined in the discussion were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin and state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
Other notable attendees included Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, Penang Science Cluster and Penang Tech Centre board director Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, Penang Port Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza, former Penang Rehda chairman Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Malaysian Association of Hotel national vice-chairman Khoo Boo Lim and Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
At the end of the session, Chow expressed hopes that all relevant agencies would cooperate with one another to ensure the state recovers well.
The meeting is adjourned until July.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad