PENANG continues to demonstrate remarkable economic resilience, remaining one of Malaysia’s key engines of growth and a highly competitive investment destination despite ongoing global economic uncertainties and an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s manufacturing investment performance has remained robust, with approved investments amounting to RM242.34 billion between 2018 and the first quarter of 2026, significantly surpassing the RM98.32 billion recorded throughout the 2008–2017 period.
“In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Penang recorded RM4.937 billion in approved manufacturing investments, involving 99 projects, further strengthening the state’s position as a premier hub for high-technology manufacturing and investment,” he said during the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 85th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Also present was his consort, Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Datuk Seri Utama Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
At the same time, Chow stressed that Penang deserves a fairer share of development allocations from the Federal Government, in line with the state’s substantial contribution to the national economy.
He said the request was not for special treatment but rather for equitable consideration to ensure that the state’s development agenda can continue to benefit the people.
“We are not asking for special treatment. We are simply seeking fair consideration so that development projects and the provision of public facilities can continue to be strengthened for the benefit of the people, particularly those at the grassroots level,” he said.
Referring to matters recently raised in the Dewan Rakyat, Chow noted that only Penang and Selangor received development allocations that were disproportionately lower than their financial contributions to the Federal Government.
Nevertheless, he said Penangites understand and respect the principles of the Federation and recognise the important role played by every state in ensuring the smooth administration of the country.
Chow added that Penang’s achievements as one of Malaysia’s leading exporters and a major recipient of both foreign and domestic investments should be reflected through more balanced development allocations to improve public infrastructure and enhance the people’s well-being.
“Statistics should not merely measure the state’s achievements. They must also be translated into tangible development that benefits the people, including local communities that play a vital role in supporting Penang’s continued growth and progress,” he said.
In line with the Penang2030 vision, Chow said the state government will continue accelerating the implementation of strategic development projects within the stipulated timeframe to drive economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for the people.
Among the state’s priority high-impact projects are the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line, Silicon Island, the expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA), the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, and the Penang Hill Cable Car Project, which is expected to be completed by September 2027.
“The implementation of these major infrastructure projects reflects the state government’s commitment to providing a more sustainable and competitive development foundation capable of meeting the future needs of both the people and the state’s economy.
“The state government understands that the implementation of these large-scale projects will inevitably affect traffic flow and the daily routines of the people.
“As such, various measures will continue to be taken to expedite project implementation while minimising inconvenience to the public throughout the construction period,” he said.
Besides focusing on economic and infrastructure development, Chow said the state government is also strengthening initiatives in water resource management, flood mitigation and climate resilience to safeguard the well-being and quality of life of Penangites.
“These continuous efforts are aligned with our aspiration of making Penang a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable state for the benefit of both present and future generations,” he added.
On sports, Chow expressed confidence that the Penang contingent will achieve its medal target at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which will be held in Selangor this August.
“With the fighting spirit, discipline and determination demonstrated by our athletes, coaches and officials, I am confident that the Penang contingent is capable of achieving the target of 60 gold medals.
“I hope the success they achieve will not only bring honour to Penang but also inspire younger generations to continue elevating the state’s name through sporting excellence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tun Ramli welcomed the state government’s commitment to implementing various initiatives aimed at driving development, improving public well-being and advancing Penang’s progress.
He expressed hope that these commitments would continue to be carried out with integrity, wisdom and sincerity so that their benefits can be enjoyed by all Penangites.
“I am pleased to witness the Penang government’s determination to further strengthen the state’s economy, advance the digital transformation agenda and prepare our state to face future challenges.
“I am confident that these ongoing efforts will continue to enhance Penang’s competitiveness and further reinforce its position as a progressive, high-technology state that is trusted by investors and the international community,” he said.
Tun Ramli also expressed hope that the proposed Dewan Istiadat at the Seri Mutiara grounds, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, can be expedited to ensure that official state ceremonies, particularly the conferment of Penang’s state honours, awards and medals, can be conducted with the dignity, tradition and grandeur they deserve.
According to him, a Dewan Istiadat is a customary feature of the institutions of the Malay Rulers and the Governors of Malaysia’s states, symbolising sovereignty, continuity of tradition and the dignity of the institution.
“As such, Penang should also have its own Dewan Istiadat as a landmark of the state’s sovereignty while preserving the customs and heritage passed down through generations,” he said.
He added that the proposal for the construction of the Dewan Istiadat has been submitted to the Federal Government and expressed hope that it would receive favourable consideration in strengthening the state’s efforts to uphold Penang’s dignity, sovereignty and constitutional institution.
The investiture ceremony began today and will continue from July 13 to July 15.
A total of 101 recipients will receive state honours, while 1,120 individuals will be conferred state medals and awards of merit throughout the four-day ceremony.
The recipients comprise members of the state and federal civil services, politicians, corporate leaders, representatives of non-governmental organisations, local entrepreneurs and members of voluntary organisations.
Story by Riadz Akmal