CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has welcomed the opening address delivered by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, at the first meeting of the fourth term of the Penang State Legislative Assembly yesterday, describing it as a comprehensive overview of the state’s development and progress.
Chow said Tun Ramli had acknowledged that although the world, Malaysia, and Penang are facing challenges arising from global uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East, Penang’s economy remains resilient.
“Penang’s economic strength is built on achievements from previous years, and that investment levels in the state continue to rise,” Chow told reporters after a walkabout at the Taman Berjaya Public Market in Nibong Tebal.
Also present were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng , former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, and several Seberang Perai City Council councillors.
They distributed flowers, thermos flasks, and recyclable bags to marketgoers, traders, and hawkers in conjunction with Mother’s Day, which will be officially celebrated worldwide tomorrow. A Penang One Better food truck also made its debut, offering free coffee to visitors at the market.
Chow added that the state government, together with the Federal Government, is actively implementing several key infrastructure projects while continuing to prioritise social development and the well-being of the people.
According to Chow, Tun Ramli had also highlighted findings by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), which recognised Penang as the country’s most sustainable and liveable state.
“This is an important recognition from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to the rakyat that despite current challenges, when the government works hand in hand with the people, the private sector, businesses, and non-governmental organisations, we are capable of overcoming difficulties and achieving even better performance,” he said.
Chow also stressed that the state government remains open to views and feedback raised during the Assembly sitting, whether from government backbenchers or Opposition representatives.
“We will take action on the issues raised, especially matters affecting the people,” he said.
Calling for continued unity and cooperation, Chow urged all sectors of society to work closely with the state government in driving Penang’s development agenda forward.
“The people and the government cannot be separated. Together, we will continue to develop Penang,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sim said the weekly market visit initiative aims to strengthen engagement between elected representatives and the public.
He described the trial run involving the food truck as successful, noting that many visitors had stopped by to interact with volunteers at the mobile service truck.
Sim also said the Federal Government had successfully addressed a longstanding issue involving matriculation placements for top-performing students, while expanding financing support for local businesses.
On the issue of matriculation admissions, Sim said the Unity Government had resolved a major issue that had persisted for nearly 30 years.
He said students who scored 10As and above and applied for matriculation programmes had automatically received offers for three consecutive years, regardless of race or religion.
“This year alone, around 6,700 students benefited from the policy.
“This is a significant reform because previously, many students with excellent academic results did not receive matriculation placements for various reasons,” he said.
Sim credited Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh for helping resolve the longstanding issue.
Sim also provided an update on financing facilities for Chinese businesses under his ministry.
He said the ministry had introduced a special RM230 million financing allocation specifically for Malaysian Chinese businesses, an initiative he claimed had not existed previously within the ministry.
“When I took over the ministry, the allocation was RM130 million. Within the first month, we increased it to RM230 million.
“Out of this amount, RM130 million has already been approved for Malaysian Chinese-owned businesses,” he said.
According to Sim, only companies with more than 50 per cent Malaysian Chinese ownership are eligible for approval under the scheme.
He acknowledged that some applicants had not been successful but stressed that the approved RM130 million had already benefited many eligible businesses.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud
