THE Penang government values the Free Industrial Zone Penang Companies Association’s (Frepenca) steadfast commitment to voicing industry concerns and highlighting issues that matter on the ground.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised this during the Frepenca Annual Dialogue and CEO Networking Dinner at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town this evening.
Chow said such engagement is vital in helping the state government foster a more conducive and business-friendly environment in Penang.
“As I have stressed many times before, growth must go hand-in-hand with problem-solving.
He noted that Frepenca had raised concerns about traffic congestion stemming from the Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction, bottlenecks in Bayan Lepas, and the Juru–Sungai Dua stretch as well as broader road upgrade needs in Seberang Perai.
The Chief Minister added that the association had also highlighted important issues such as water security, disruptions from the airport expansion, flood-prone zones in Bayan Lepas, extension of industrial land leases, cybersecurity preparedness, and the industry’s readiness amid evolving medical device supply chains.
“Let me assure you, these issues are not ignored. They are exactly why dialogues like this matter.
“Every year, when I attend this dialogue, I reaffirm our commitment to addressing these pain points openly, systematically, and in partnership with industry,” he said.
Chow added that several long-term solutions including the Perak–Penang Water Project and the Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030) are already progressing.
“Other matters require careful coordination with agencies such as Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), MRT Corp, and relevant federal bodies. But with the right partnerships, these challenges are certainly achievable.
“Penang’s success has always been built on collaboration,” Chow said, adding that continued cooperation between government and industry remains critical.
He said industry feedback helps the government better understand on-the-ground realities and translates those insights into policies, planning, and execution.
“Let’s keep working together to make Penang not only a global hub for manufacturing and innovation but also a place where people and businesses can thrive with confidence,” Chow concluded.
Also present were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan, and Frepenca president Elmar Friesnegger.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat