CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has once again urged the Federal Government to expedite the approval for the implementation of the Juru-Sungai Dua highway project.
“Annually, the Penang government has submitted requests to the Federal Government to implement the project to mitigate worsening traffic congestion on the North-South Expressway from the Juru toll to the Sungai Dua toll.
“The worsening traffic congestion has impacted the industrial sector as well as road users who are commuting between Penang island and Seberang Perai,” he said when debating the motion of thanks at the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Chow also spoke about the urgency of implementing the Perak-Penang water project.
“Penang has been waiting for the implementation of the water project since 2011.
“The project will not only benefit water consumers in Penang, but also consumers in the northern states of the Peninsula Malaysia.
“It is hoped that the agreement for the related project can be finalised and implemented this year,” Chow, who is also the Batu Kawan MP, added.
On matters regarding the North Seafront Masterplan, Chow said the masterplan encompasses 14 public infrastructure and civic space projects, with a total cost of RM140 million funded by the Penang government, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Think City Sdn Bhd.
“Seven projects have been completed, and one is scheduled for completion in 2025. Some RM80 million has been used up by MBPP and the state government as of now.
“Meanwhile, the East Seafront project is still in the planning phase. Most sites are under the ownership of the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and concession holder, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).
“The state government, represented by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC) and MBPP, is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transport (MOT), PPC, and Railway Assets Corporation (RAC).
“This collaboration aims to ensure that the proposed development along the coastline of Penang island aligns with the masterplan and Special Area Plan, taking into consideration the aspects and features of the existing heritage.
“The Penang government seeks cooperation from Federal Government agencies for further discussions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Chow said.
In his debate, Chow also touched on Penang being the top state in the country with approved investments of RM71.9 billion in 2023. Penang was followed by Kuala Lumpur (RM58.3 billion), Selangor (RM55.3 billion), Johor (RM43.1 billion) and Kedah (RM28.7 billion).
“Penang also continues to maintain a strong position as a major contributor to the country’s total investment and remains a key exporter in Malaysia as of December 2023, contributing 31.5% to the nation’s total exports.
“Given this significance, it is essential to enhance the infrastructure network, especially roads, transportation, and the supply of energy sources such as water and electricity in Penang,” he said.
Chow added that Penang stands out as one of the best states based on performance indicators such as investment (both domestic and foreign), exports, tax collections, state debt repayment records, national audit reports, and other relevant measures.
“We have successfully maintained this position even during the Covid-19 pandemic and amidst the global economic downturn.
“Therefore, it is appropriate for Penang to request that the Federal Government continues to pay attention to our state,” Chow said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi