On eve of 2023, Penang CM says will push Putrajaya for LRT and Pan Island Link projects

Published by Malay Mail • 31/12/2022

Chow said the state is still committed to realising the projects planned under the Penang
Transport Master Plan. — Bernama pic

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 31 — The Penang government will follow up with the federal government in the new year for its Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (BLLRT) and Pan Island Link 1 Highway (PIL1) to be implemented as soon as possible to solve the state’s traffic issues.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state is still committed to realising the projects planned under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

“This includes the Penang South Reclamation (PSI) project which will spur the state’s development as a whole without sacrificing the state’s green agenda,” he said in his New Year’s message today.

He said that in 2023, the state will buckle down to recover the various sectors that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite predictions of a continuing global economic gloom, Chow said manufacturing is going strong in Penang and has continued to draw in investors, keeping its position as one of Malaysia’s main hubs.

Penang recorded RM9.2 billion in manufacturing investments between January and September this year compared to only RM2.9 billion for the same period last year.

Chow said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority estimated that a total 12,754 job opportunities will be created in Penang in stages in the future.

“This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrial transformation and the state is committed to strengthen the industrial ecosystem to further stimulate strategic industries in another 50 years,” he said.

Chow said Penang will continue with its social welfare programme, i-Sejahtera, with an allocation of RM53 million for 2023.

“We will work hard to realise the Manifesto promises we made,” he said. The state has also allocated RM4.5 million to drive the state’s digitalisation efforts while the state will continue to focus on strengthening its youths and state athletes.

He called on all Penangites to uphold the spirit of unity and to start the new year with new resolutions for a harmonious and peaceful country.