CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has lauded the quarry industry as a “critical partner” in the state’s future development, citing its key role in powering major infrastructure projects and sustaining economic growth.
Speaking at the Penang Quarries Association’s (PQA) 20th anniversary dinner tonight, Chow said the sector, though contributing only 0.1% to Penang’s GDP, underpins the state’s construction and industrial expansion.
“While the mining and quarrying sector contributes a modest share, its strategic importance cannot be overstated. Every major project, ranging from the Light Rail Transit and Penang South Islands to Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3, depends on your industry’s steady supply of aggregates,” he said in his speech.
Chow said Penang recorded a GDP of RM121.5 billion in 2024, with per capita income at RM76,033, while exports reached nearly RM495 billion, making it the nation’s top exporter.
Chow said these achievements were built not just on high-tech industries but also on sectors like quarrying.
“The state government is committed to working with the industry to secure sustainable aggregate supply, promote technological advancement, and uphold environmental standards.
“Globally, quarrying is evolving powered by renewable energy, guided by automation, and supported by advanced construction waste recycling. I am encouraged to see PQA members embracing these changes, making the industry safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” Chow said.
Chow also praised the association’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, aligning with Penang’s green growth agenda.
Chow was thankful to PQA for its RM100,000 contribution to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), the state’s scholarship programme.
Chow revealed that in the past 10 years, more than 800 scholarships have been awarded, with RM7 million to RM8 million disbursed annually.
“The scheme, open to students nationwide, funds tuition fees for those pursuing their studies, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at universities,” he said.
He stressed that scholarship recipients are required to serve in Penang’s private sector for two to five years upon graduation, as part of the state’s effort to retain and attract talent.
“This is not only a meaningful investment but also a concrete strategy to reduce brain drain and strengthen our knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
Although funds have been significantly drawn down after a decade of awards, Chow assured that the state government will continue the PFF scholarships as part of its long-term talent development agenda.
Chow also launched the PQA’s 20th Anniversary Yearbook, describing it as a successful story of the industry.
PQA president Saw Kok Peng was thankful to have the privilege to collaborate with the state, as well as contribute to the state’s growth.
“We will strive our best to develop the industry after achieving this remarkable milestone,” he said.
Among those present were Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Mineral and Geoscience Department director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli, Lands and Mines Office director Datuk Dr Faizal Kamaruddin, Malaysia Quarries Association president Datuk Seri Toh Keng Tiong, PQA secretary Foo Kheng Sin, former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh and the event organising chairman Yeow Ah Choy.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat