DEPUTY Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who previously served as a state executive councillor for local government, thanked both the local councils, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), for their excellent work over the years.
Jagdeep expressed his gratitude when he visited the Kuantan Road market yesterday.
“I have worked with them (MBPP and MBSP) for five years as the exco for local government and they have truly worked hard.
“I just want to record my gratitude to both my city councils, as well as the entire staff.
“I am happy that I have contributed to help the then MPSP (municipal) receive the city council status (MBSP).
“We are the only state that has two of its councils with city status,” added Jagdeep.
Jagdeep, who is also the Datok Keramat assemblyman, hopes that the local councils will continue their efforts to ensure that the public markets are well kept.
“The public markets must be maintained at an optimum level, which is extremely important.
“On the island, the MBPP has executed a total of 24 projects (maintenance) at a cost of RM82 million.
“For the Kuantan Road Market, the maintenance work carried out by MBPP to address the piping system issues was completed in June at a cost of approximately RM170,000.
“I know that both the city councils will continue with their maintenance works at the public markets,” he said.
It is learned that there are a total of 61 public markets in Penang.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep said that the unity government at the Federal level, it will ensure a smooth implementation of large-scale projects.
He explained that this setup now allows for smoother discussions and collaboration on such initiatives, citing the Sungai Pinang Flood Mitigation Project (RTB Sungai Pinang), which is under the Federal government.
Jagdeep said the state government has been actively engaged in improving flood resilience in the Jalan P. Ramlee area.
Measures such as elevating road levels and enhancing draining systems have been undertaken to mitigate flooding.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian