GEORGE TOWN – Penang has affirmed its commitment to uphold its status as a leading industrial state for the country despite challenges from Covid-19 and a global economy, which is still showing strains from dealing with the pandemic.
In his Chinese New Year message, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that Penang has never wavered from its ambitions to become a highly industrialised state ever since 50 years ago when the first wave of foreign direct investors came ashore.
For last year, up to September, Penang has received RM2.9 billion worth of investments, involving 80 projects and creating 6,661 jobs for the people here.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, which is affectionately known as the Silicon Valley of the East due to the presence of heavyweight electrical and electronic manufacturers.
Chow said that the Year of the Tiger reflects bravery, confidence and agility – all elements which Penang needs to face future challenges.
Such characteristics can become a source of inspiration to realise the development agenda in line with our Vision Penang 2030 goals, which is to transform the state into a smart and green-conscious state with a huge emphasis on the family well-being.”
Due to the state’s limited natural resources, Penang needs to be dependent on its human capital as the backbone to drive the state forward, said Chow in a statement.
On this score, Chow said that Penang has allocated RM8.5 million in aid to vernacular, national and missionary schools so the task of educating the young can resume.
The state also wants to leapfrog into the digital era and the Industrial Revolution 4.0 by ensuring that each of the five districts have a creative digital centre established.
Penang also wants the 5G telecommunications system to be set up soon to drive the state’s quest for a digital economy, online entrepreneurship and creating new jobs.”
Chow also said that Penang also wants to be a welfare-themed state, citing its move to raise the hardship allowance to RM200 for senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers, and the poor.
A total of 217,868 applicants would benefit from this payout, said Chow.
Penang also channelled RM4.18 million of funds for repair works at places of worship between 2007 and 2017. – The Vibes, January 31, 2022
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