Budget 2023: Penang seeks allocation for 23 urgent projects, says CM

Published by The Star • 06/10/2022

• Nation
• Thursday, 06 Oct 2022

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has submitted 23 projects identified as “urgent” and “pressing” directly to the Finance Ministry for allocation in Budget 2023.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said RM14.03bil would be needed for those projects which are mainly infrastructure crucial for Penang’s rapid growth.

“The state through its Penang Economic Planning Division (BPEN) had gathered all applications by all state agencies to be submitted to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

“Following submission by 20 state agencies, we have submitted a list of 126 projects valued at RM17.72bil.

“As the projects would take several years to implement, only RM2.9bil will be needed to kickstart them,” he said.

However, Chow said during a recent meeting with Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the state had been asked to submit a separate list of critical projects to the ministry.

“Zafrul had requested that the state submit urgent and pressing projects to the ministry directly.

“As of Sept 14, we have submitted 23 projects valued at RM14.03bil,” he said.

Chow said most of the projects in the state’s “wishlist” are new and some are part of the 126 projects in the pipeline.

Among the projects are redevelopment of Pulau Aman, Penang South Island (PSI), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Penang Green Connectors and Seafront Programme, Penang Bay and upgrading of the Bayan Lepas–Teluk Kumbar federal road.

Chow said the state is also hoping for allocation to a major facelift of Dewan Sri Pinang that will cost RM36mil.

He said the building, which will turn 50 next year, should continue to serve as a major event hall for the state.