FORMER Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus has been appointed as the chief executive officer of the Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB).
PICSB is the special purpose vehicle that will be leading the implementation of the mega projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
PICSB was successfully incorporated on July 9 this year.
It was reported that the company will be working on the implementation of mega projects in the state, such as the Bayan Lepas LRT (BL LRT), Pan Island Link 1 and 2A (PIL 1 and PIL 2A) and the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) that have been entrusted to SRS Consortium as the project delivery partner.
The Penang Infrastructure Corporation will also be working on the implementation of the three highways and the undersea tunnel projects that are entrusted to the Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd as the design and built contractor.
In addition, the Penang Infrastructure Corporation will be involved in the planning and development of the PSR, which include the topside development.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was of the view that Farizan was a competent candidate for the role as the CEO.
“Farizan has a good reputation. His appointment is based on his success in management and administration.
“The Penang government is confident that Farizan will be able to drive the corporation towards excellence,” he said.
It was reported that the board of directors for the PICSB were Chow, Penang State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar and state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Farizan recorded his appreciation towards the state government for the trust placed in him.
“This is a new responsibility for me. I will perform my best to protect the interest of the state and the people,” he said.
Prior to his appointment, Farizan had served as the Penang State Secretary for eight years and nine months. His last day of work was on Nov 7 last year (2019).
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, and state executive council members Chong Eng and Soon Lip Chee.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng