GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government fully supports the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Dewan Rakyat earlier today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the core elements of the 13MP aligned with the goal of accelerating the achievement of Vision Penang 2030, which has been in place since 2018.
As such, he said, Penang would continue to mobilise resources and engage its citizens to accelerate the transition to a high-value economy, enhancing the country’s influence and global image, while ensuring a more prosperous life for the people and a sustainable environment, as envisioned.
“As the ‘Eastern Silicon Valley’, Penang is grateful for the focus on listed projects that will provide high investment returns to the state of Penang and Malaysia in general.
“This demonstrates that Penang continues to play a significant role in national investments and is poised to realise the country’s vision of becoming a leader in the high-value semiconductor industry,” he said in a statement today.
Elaborating, Chow said infrastructure development projects such as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the PLUS Highway (Juru – Sungai Dua elevated highway) project would not only improve infrastructure but also expand existing connectivity.
Similarly, he said, the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) would enhance user experience.
“The Penang government hopes that this will be completed on schedule to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate planned growth in the surrounding areas of the state,” he added.
Furthermore, Chow said, Penang welcomed the announcement of the long-awaited upgrade of the Klinik Desa Padang Menora in Seberang Prai Utara, which is eagerly anticipated by the local community.
He said this upgrade would improve healthcare services in the area.
Meanwhile, Chow said the implementation of a five-season paddy planting programme over the next two years in integrated agricultural development areas would provide an advantage for the state to maintain its position as the highest average rice producer in the country, thereby ensuring continued food security.
“Overall, the Penang government hopes that this announcement will be followed by further details, including directions and strategies that need to be reviewed.
“Follow-up actions will be presented to the relevant ministries to ensure that the commitments announced are realised in accordance with the people’s mandate in the state and the country,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling of the 13MP, said the next five years would be critical for Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a high-income nation,
The 13MP, themed “Redesigning Development to Elevate the Dignity of the People”, goes beyond economic aspirations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
