PENANG recorded RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in the first half of this year, making it one of Malaysia’s leading states in investment performance, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the figure was a 38% increase compared with the same period last year and accounted for 34% of Malaysia’s total approved manufacturing investments during the period.
“However, for the Penang government, investment is not just about figures. We want every investment to bring quality jobs, opportunities for local companies, technology transfer and an improvement in the people’s standard of living,” he said in his speech at the state-level Malaysia Day celebration at Dewan Milenium in Kepala Batas today.
He said the state government will continue implementing strategic projects to shape Penang’s future, including the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line, Silicon Island development, Penang International Airport expansion and the Juru-Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project.
“These efforts are planned to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, open up economic opportunities and provide a more comfortable life for the people,” he said.
Chow highlighted that the development being carried out today should not only meet current needs but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable Penang for future generations.
“Penang is part of a larger Malaysia. The progress of Penang contributes to Malaysia’s strength, and Malaysia’s strength, in turn, opens up space for every state to continue developing,” he said.
He said the relationship between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak is not merely a connection between territories, but also a bond between people who share the same country and future.
Chow said Malaysians should continue building a more mature nation where differences are celebrated, opinions respected and development shared fairly.
“We can have different views, but we do not need to be enemies. We can have different positions, but we can still sit at the same table. Ultimately, we share the same homeland and the same future,” he said.
He said the spirit of togetherness also forms the foundation of Penang’s development under the Penang2030 vision, which seeks to build a smart and green state centred on families, with an advanced economy, a prosperous population and inclusive development.
Chow said Malaysia Day is not merely a day to commemorate the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963, when Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak came together to form the country, but also a reminder of the responsibility to preserve and build the nation inherited by all Malaysians.
He said the spirit of togetherness remains relevant 63 years after the formation of Malaysia.
“Let us continue to safeguard harmony, respect one another and work together for the future of our children.
“Malaysia belongs to all of us,” he said.
The celebration was attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. Chow’s wife, Tan Lean Kee, was also present.
Also present were former chief minister and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, State Secretary Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil, state executive councillors and state assemblymen.
The event also saw the presentation of awards to winners in various categories of the National Day parade.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) emerged as the biggest winner, clinching the championship in both the Best Costume Design and Public Service Agency categories.
Penang Chinese Girls’ High School won the Best Uniformed Body category, while the Penang Teacher Education Institute emerged champion in the Marching Band category.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch won the Higher Education and Training Institution category, while St John Ambulance of Malaysia, Penang State Branch, took the Private Sector category.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi