State to consider MICCI Penang’s proposals

 

THE proposals brought up by the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang for the benefit of the community would be given due consideration by the state government, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

He said one of them was to build an arch project at the junction between Beach Street and Market Street.

“Before design of the arch project is finalised by an architect, the drainage system and road along the site will be upgraded.

“There are a lot of stringent guidelines from local authorities to be complied with,” he said in his speech after attending the Ponggal celebration event organised by MICCI Penang at Penang Street today.

Several people are busy making preparations for Ponggal celebration.

Chow expressed his hopes that this year would be a year of recovery and growth after two previous years of uncertainty due to Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

“Many businesses have picked up pace lately, and Penang has a lot to offer, especially in the manufacturing sector.

“In Penang, we have a lot of job opportunities, but shortage of workers.

“We have to retain our talents in the state and develop them to contribute to the developments here, especially moving forward in this era of digitalisation,” he said.

Chow also said the state government appreciated MICCI Penang for organising many programmes for the communities.

“They have been continuously organising celebrations and programmes for all communities yearly, especially the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas celebrations.

“Hence, I hope this year’s Ponggal celebration will bring more prosperity to the traders, especially those in Little India who were impacted due to lockdowns over the past two years,” he added.

MICCI Penang president Datuk N. Gobalakrishnan thanked the state government for its efforts to assist the chamber all these years.

“The arch project’s design, which will feature Hinduism and Islamic elements, will be something unique for the people in the vicinity.

“I hope that the project will be completed by this year,” he said.

Relatively, Gobalakrishnan hoped that this year would be a better year ahead for everyone.

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis