THE Penang government must take proactive steps to implement the ‘State Deficit Projection Reduction Strategy for 2024’ (Strategi Pengurangan Unjuran Defisit Negeri Tahun 2024) while intensifying efforts to enhance state revenue sources.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak in his address to the August House today urged all Penang assemblymen to present their views and suggestions for increasing state revenue.
“With determination and commitment from all parties, I believe the state’s fiscal performance is expected to improve soon.
“Generally, Penang is one of the states in Malaysia that consistently demonstrates strong financial performance compared to other states.
“This is because the state’s actual expenditure deficit can still be covered by the accumulated balance of the State Consolidated Revenue Account (Akaun Hasil Disatukan Negeri), resulting in a positive financial performance at the end of the year.
“In addition, Penang is the second state with the lowest amount of outstanding Federal Government loans, amounting to RM36.73 million as of Jan 31, this year.
“Furthermore, the Penang government consistently maintains excellent performance in financial governance.
“As a result, the state government received the Clean Audit Certificate for the State Financial Statement for the year 2022 on Aug 28, 2023.”
It was reported that the statement was audited by the National Audit Department.
Ahmad Fuzi said the Penang government recognised that the state expenditure deficit could not always be covered by the accumulated balance of the State Consolidated Revenue Account without a significant increase in revenue.
“Therefore, the Penang government must take proactive steps to implement the ‘State Deficit Projection Reduction Strategy for 2024’ while intensifying efforts to boost state revenue sources,” he said.
In his 30-minute speech, Ahmad Fuzi congratulated the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with all state executive council (exco) members and the government’s administrative machinery, for steering Penang toward excellence.
“On behalf of this esteemed assembly and all the people of Penang, I extend my highest congratulations to His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim on his ascension as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and to Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah as the Raja Permaisuri Agong.
“I also wish to convey my deepest appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, and Her Majesty Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, who have admirably led the nation through the past five challenging years with fairness and wisdom,” he highlighted.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his unwavering dedication to connecting with the people through various MADANI policies and for supporting Penang’s development by approving increased allocations for the well-being of Penangites.
“Several visits by the Prime Minister have been accompanied by substantial allocations to the Penang government.”
Ahmad Fuzi also extended his appreciation to the Prime Minister for his commitment to funding the Perak-Penang Water Project, which would enable the supply of treated water from Sungai Perak to Penang, as announced at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Northern Zone Programme on May 5, this year.
“This announcement demonstrates the current MADANI Government’s concern for addressing the long-term water supply crisis for the Penang residents,” he said.
The close cooperation between the Federal Government and the Penang government was also lauded by Ahmad Fuzi.
“Thanks to this close cooperation, the Federal Government has approved the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) expansion project, for which the pre-qualification tender process by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has been underway since March.
“Another long-awaited mega project in Penang that will be implemented soon is the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, with an estimated cost of RM10 billion to RM13 billion. This project will be carried out through the Ministry of Transport.
“I am confident that this project, which will involve Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) in collaboration with the state government, can be executed promptly.
“Besides focusing on more strategic station and depot alignments, the relevant parties must consider the interests of the Penang government, ensuring that the environment and the welfare of small and medium-sized businesses in the planned areas are not compromised,” Ahmad Fuzi stressed.
On health-related matters, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri thanked Anwar for approving an immediate allocation of RM11 million for the construction of a Type 2 health clinic in Bayan Lepas to enhance the health sector in Penang.
“The Federal Government is currently reviewing the Penang government’s proposal for the Seri Mutiara Ceremonial Hall Development Project, while also considering upgrading Dewan Sri Pinang to meet current needs with higher quality standards and preserved aesthetic elements.
“The Seri Mutiara Ceremonial Hall will not only serve as a dedicated venue for state functions and official ceremonies but will also strengthen the Royal Institution and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri as symbols of the state’s sovereignty.
“We hope the Federal Government will support the realisation of this vision, which will be a source of pride not only for the people of Penang but for the nation as a whole,” he said.
Ahmad Fuzi also mentioned that the Penang government has requested 93 projects for the state under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“The estimated total cost for all these projects is RM17.7 billion, with RM2.8 billion needed for 2025.
“I request that the Federal Government consider these applications favourably, in line with the excellent track record and performance of the state.
“Penang continues to stand strong, recording a staggering RM71.9 billion in approved investments spanning key sectors such as manufacturing and services throughout 2023.
“Out of the total of RM71.9 billion, RM61.7 billion comes from foreign direct investments (FDI), while domestic direct investments (DDI) contribute RM10.2 billion. This indirectly creates 20,701 job opportunities across 415 approved projects.
“This further solidifies the Penang’s position as a premier investment destination. Despite facing various global economic challenges in 2023, this increase is significant, amounting to a 77% surge compared to 2022, with approved investments totalling RM16.3 billion.
“According to the report from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), this record places Penang at the forefront, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Kedah,” he added.
Ahmad Fuzi also backed the development of the Draft Penang South Island Local Plan 2050 (RTPSI 2050) and ongoing studies like the Penang Industrial Master Plan and the Penang Bay Strategic Development Master Plan.
The ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’ initiative was also lauded by Ahmad Fuzi.
Penang made it to the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after more than one million trees were successfully planted across the state to mark Earth Day recently.
The tree planting project was the brainchild of Ahmad Fuzi. The programme was organised by the Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation (Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang) in collaboration with the office of Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Before wrapping up his speech, Ahmad Fuzi emphasised the importance of all state assembly members following the Standing Orders of the State Legislative Assembly during sessions.
He urged everyone to ensure that proceedings are conducted smoothly and orderly, stressing the values of mutual respect regardless of differing political ideologies.
Ahmad Fuzi called for setting an example of exemplary conduct and leadership by working collaboratively and being willing to compromise with each other.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud