GEORGE TOWN – Penang is among six states that maintained a low unemployment rate of between 3.5% and 3.9% up to August despite the pandemic’s economic challenges, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said there is room for optimism in line with the national economic recovery, as about 15,596 jobs are expected to be created in Penang based on the inflow of investments in the first quarter of this year.
These jobs are expected to be created over the next three to five years.
Penang, he said, has also worked with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to assist those who lost jobs and sources of income.
Under Socso, 11,996 people found new employment last year, while another 12,666 are currently in the midst of locating new jobs, he said.
In a message released ahead of tomorrow’s Deepavali celebration, Chow said Penang has allocated up to RM1.5 million this year to the state Hindu Endowment Board to empower the Indian community here.
“This is to ensure that the community moves in tandem with the state’s aspiration to realise Vision Penang 2030, in which living standards and quality of life in Penang see a marked improvement.”
The endowment board has also undertaken the repairs of eight burial grounds, two on the island and six in Seberang Prai, while the crematorium here for the Hindus has also been upgraded, he added.
Chow said 2,740 students also received scholarships for higher education from the board with a cost of RM3.892 million. – The Vibes, November 3, 2021
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