PENANG should explore becoming a strategic investor in promising local technology companies instead of merely acting as a facilitator to attract investments, says Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima).
She said the state could consider equity participation through the proposed Penang Technology Financial Centre (PTFC) and its Strategic Investment Fund to generate long-term returns for the state and its people.
“We want Penang to be more than just a facilitator that successfully attracts investments. We also want to build our capacity as a strategic investor so that the success of our industries can be translated into long-term wealth for the state and its people,” she said during the debate on the Supply Bill and Development Estimates Motion 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly.
Tan also called for an independent state commission of inquiry to investigate the recent Paya Terubong landslide, which claimed a life.
She said the tragedy should prompt the state government to review its hillside development regulations and reconsider the proposal to allow conditional development in areas with elevations between 76m and 150m.
“We must not assume that a development is safe simply because a technical report has been prepared and approval has been granted,” she said.
On healthcare, Tan proposed using part of the RM213,000 allocation for the state Health Committee to fund community weight management programmes and strength training for senior citizens.
She said greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and early detection could help reduce the long-term burden on hospitals.
Meanwhile, she urged the state government to attract more international cruise ships to Penang and explore making Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal a homeport.
She also suggested engaging Disney Cruise Line to consider Penang as a future port of call.
On local issues, Tan called for a review of traffic management at The Waterfront Shoppes in The Light City following congestion since its opening.
She also proposed turning Lot 642 in Gelugor into a recreational park and green space to help reduce flash floods.
Separately, she urged the state government to review MPKK allowances and consider providing allowances and insurance coverage for Mutiara Volunteers in recognition of their community service.
Tan also proposed a needs assessment study on informal caregivers in Penang to identify suitable forms of assistance, including through the i-Sejahtera programme.
Earlier, she congratulated the state government on the projected RM5.62mil deficit for 2027, which was 71.8% lower than the RM19.92mil projected for 2026, and sought clarification on the factors behind the reduction.
Story by Edmund Lee