GEORGE TOWN – Penang received a windfall from the federal Local Government Development Ministry last night when its minister Nga Kor Ming announced an allocation of RM40 million this year for the state.
State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo praised the allocation from the unity government, saying Penang had been short-changed by the federal government for decades as it was led by opposition parties.
The state needs help in the construction of more affordable homes, maintenance funds for affordable high-rise living schemes, and funding for social amenities such as wet markets and recreational parks, Jagdeep noted.
Nga had told journalists here that a total RM24 million allocated to Penang is for the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam wet market, while the remaining RM16 million is for the maintenance fund of strata-titled affordable housing schemes here.
The Bukit Mertajam market, which was partially damaged in a fire in 2014, will also house a creative centre and be promoted as a tourist attraction, Nga added.
The minister said the allocation for maintaining affordable housing was a “big angpow” for Penang as it was a 70% increase in funding from his ministry.
“Last year, a total of RM9 million was allocated to Penang for the maintenance fund of public housing here, so this year, we have decided to allocate RM16 million.”
Nga had also visited Armenian Street here to check on works to upgrade the back lanes to ensure the heritage enclave is more attractive for tourism. – The Vibes, February 7, 2023
