THE Federal Government has been urged to consider providing Penang with a higher development allocation.
Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) said a higher allocation was needed for Penang to upgrade and implement crucial infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion, among others.
He highlighted several crucial projects that needed attention from the Federal Government, which include, upgrading the North-South Expressway from Jawi to Sungai Dua; opening a new exit at the Sungai Bakap Bypass; upgrading Jalan Persekutuan (FT01) from Persimpangan Jawi to the Valdor Road Transport Department; upgrading Jalan Persekutuan (FT01) from Permatang Tinggi to Sungai Juru; upgrading Jalan Teluk Kumbar (FT06) from SK Sungai Batu to SJKC Yang Cheng; building a new flyover across the North-South Expressway on Jalan Perindustrian Valdor; building the Seberang Perai City Mosque in Bandar Cassia which is delayed; and building a new hospital in Batu Kawan.
“I fully support the address by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak who urged the Federal Government to consider a higher development allocation for Penang,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the address by the Penang Governor, during the State Legislative Assembly session, today.
Goh lauded Penang’s achievements, stressing that in 2022, Penang’s economy experienced remarkable growth, surging by 13.1%.
“The recorded gross domestic product (GDP) value reached RM112.1 billion.
“Penang also recorded RM13.7 billion in approved manufacturing investment in 2022 and the investments are expected to provide 15,752 new job opportunities.
“The state has also received a Clean Audit Certificate for its 2022 financial year.
“In a typical educational scenario, high-achieving students often receive scholarships that alleviate the financial burden of their studies. Those with moderate academic performance may opt for loans to support their education, while students with less outstanding records typically bear the responsibility of funding their own studies.
“The scenario reflects a disparity observed in the treatment of Penang by the Federal Government since 2008. Just as excellent students secure scholarships and average students rely on loans, the Penang government finds itself in a situation where it continues to be denied the proper support it requires despite its high achievements,” he said.
Goh also called on the Federal Government to comprehensively study the proposal regarding the Special Financial Zone in Penang by Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who is also the Air Putih assemblyman.
“The proposal could potentially drive the development of Penang and the northern region,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan