GEORGE TOWN – Being on the different sides of the political aisle does not mean that the Penang government will not work with Putrajaya on development plans, said chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He told The Vibes the federal and state governments can work together to address the needs of the people.
“Federal and Penang have bilateral ties, not unilateral where the state only asks for help.
“We are willing to engage and talk (all the time).
Chow’s latest federal engagement was with Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Among the issues brought up was the handover of the Mengkuang dam expansion project (MDEP) to the state to manage supply services ahead of the dry season.
Penang Water Authority Holdings Bhd has confirmed that it will take over the dam expansion project.
The gazettement of the water catchment area in Ulu Muda, Kedah was also discussed. It is the largest water catchment area in the northern region.
The water catchment area benefits 4.2 million people in Perlis, Kedah and Penang but faces threats of illegal logging and poaching.
Chow added: “I have met with Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and discussed issues related to the Penang International Airport, ferry and LRT. These projects were proposed by the state earlier.
“Through such engagements, the federal government will get to understand the problems we are facing and help expedite matters.
“Each (side) is fighting for their case while keeping in mind the constraint of the other party.”
In the past, the Penang government has complained that it had been sidelined from several federal projects.
The most recent being low-cost housing schemes (PPR) where the state was not accorded any allocation. – The Vibes, October 9, 2020
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