SECOND-TERM state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari is committed to ensuring the continuity of the large-scale projects in Penang.
Zairil, who oversees the Infrastructure, Transport and Digital portfolio, was among 10 exco members who took their oath of office and oath of secrecy at Dewan Sri Pinang on Aug 16.
According to Zairil, his primary focus now would be to ensure that the implementation of the mega projects in Penang runs smoothly.
“So, for my second term, my main plan now is to ensure continuity, especially in the execution of large-scale projects such as Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), Penang South Islands (PSI) – Silicon Island, Penang Hill Cable Car project and the construction of Bandar Baru Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package Two) bypass.
“From all of these projects, we are confident that two of them could be completed within this term.
“They are Penang Hill Cable Car project and the Bandar Baru Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package Two) bypass.
“When completed, the Penang Hill Cable Car project is expected to have a huge impact on the tourism sector in Penang Hill and also help to minimise the traffic at the place.
“As for Bandar Baru Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package Two) bypass, the construction progress is now at 38%,” Zairil told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview at his office in Komtar recently.
Over the past five years, during his term as the state executive councillor, the state government managed to implement eight high-impact flood mitigation projects across the island and mainland.
“Seven out of the eight have successfully been completed, while the other one will be completed soon.
“So, for this new term, as the state executive councillor in charge of the Infrastructure, Transport and Digital portfolio, I will make sure the state government continues in its efforts to implement more flood mitigation projects, especially in the flood-prone areas in the state as we welcome more funding from the Federal government on this matter,” he said.
Asked about the new Digital portfolio in addition to his Infrastructure and Transport portfolio in this new term, Zairil said he is ready to carry out the responsibility.
“This Digital portfolio is not new to me because, in the last term, I have already carried out the responsibility including various tasks related to digitalisation under this portfolio.
“Now, since I am officially helming this portfolio, more digital initiatives will be implemented in the state.
“The existence of a Digital portfolio also shows that the state government prioritises digitalisation in its administration and in the state as we are now heading into the digitalisation era. So, it is important for us not to be left behind,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi