PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account to RM1 billion before the end of his tenure.
Chow said that, as stated during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting, he remains determined to rebuild the state’s reserves after carefully reviewing projected revenue performance.
“As I mentioned in the State Legislative Assembly, after examining the expected revenue figures, I am committed to ensuring that by the time my term of service ends, I will make every effort to restore the reserve fund to RM1 billion,” he said.
He noted that Penang recorded a highly encouraging budget surplus in 2025, while the state’s financial position has continued to strengthen in 2026.
“In 2025, we enjoyed a very encouraging surplus. As for 2026, although the financial year has not yet concluded, we have already seen the Consolidated Revenue Account increase by more than RM600 million within the first five months of the year.
“This is a positive indicator for Penang, as we have so far achieved RM616 million in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account,” Chow told reporters when asked about the matter today.
Meanwhile, when asked whether the Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) machinery would assist its counterparts in Johor ahead of the upcoming Johor state election, Chow said discussions were still ongoing, and no final decision had been made.
“That has yet to be finalised. When everything has been settled, we are certainly ready to assist our comrades in Johor,” said Chow, who is also the Penang PH chairman.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Alissala Thian