THE Penang government is looking forward to break the historical record for the highest total approved manufacturing investment for the state this year.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s highest achievement was over RM12 billion, which was attained a few years back.
It was reported that Penang attracted RM12.2 billion of total approved manufacturing investment in 2010.
“We have a few investments which are currently under negotiation. Some are awaiting the signing of agreements, while others are awaiting the incentive packages from the Federal Government,” Chow said in his speech after opening the tree planting ceremony at Penang Science Park (North), in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).
Chow added that the said investments were mostly from the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
“We may be able to hit the RM12 billion mark, or perhaps even exceed the figure should the pending investments follow through,” Chow said, adding that the final amount of total approved manufacturing investment for the state could only be known via the announcement from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
He also said that the state appreciates the factories as important stakeholders in the state.
“We are proud that Penang continues to play its role as an industry driver, especially in the E&E industry,” he said, commending PDC and investPenang for their efforts.
A total of 100 plantlets were planted in the vicinity of Penang Science Park (North) at the ceremony. Two months ago, 100 small trees were also planted in Persiaran Cassia Barat 3.
PDC was planning to plant a total of 506 plantlets for the entire programme.
Landscaping works in Road 1 and 3 at the Penang Science Park (North) have also started since Sept 25 this year. The works are scheduled to complete on Feb 24 next year.
The works include landscaping the roundabout, pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes and upgrading the entrance signage. The estimated cost is RM936,398.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, PDC general manager Datuk Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar and Seberang Perai City Council mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan