BUKIT MERTAJAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced additional federal government funds to expedite the development of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in Penang.
During the Malaysia Madani Hari Raya open house gathering at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh here this afternoon, Anwar said Penang needed attention due to the worsening traffic congestion.
“Penang has been applying for federal aid for the past several years, but the previous governments had ignored it,” Anwar said.
Anwar said that the funds for the LRT in Penang will comprise of federal grants and loans.
“We should meet the relevant parties including the Transport Ministry over the matter in the next one to two weeks,” he said.
He said that the unity government is helping states based on the needs of the people, and not merely for political mileage.
The Tambun MP also said that Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu – which are states led by opposition parties – are receiving major funding to address issues such as flooding and poverty.
On another matter, Anwar urged the state to scale down the controversial Penang South Islands (PSI) mega reclamation project off Batu Maung.
The project consists of three manmade islands, with the first one dubbed as the Silicon Island. The project is scheduled to begin later this year.
Penang’s civil society groups have largely been at odds with the state over the PSI project, with some asking for Anwar’s intervention to cancel it.
Anwar said that Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had assured that the project will have minimal impact on the ecology of the area. – The Vibes, May 6, 2023
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