GEORGE TOWN, January 31 – Chinese New Year is a major celebration for people of Chinese descent around the world. In addition to the opportunity to gather and enjoy a ‘big meal’ with family members and relatives in particular, the essence of the celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in the Chinese calendar is a moment awaited by all, both young and old. In Malaysia, especially in our beloved state of Penang, the Chinese New Year celebration is a platform to further strengthen understanding and harmony among the multi -ethnic ethnic groups.
The year 2022 is the ‘Year of the Tiger’ which is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle which according to the belief it symbolizes courage, confidence and agility among others giving us all the strength to face any future challenges. Indirectly, the relevant elements can be used as a source of inspiration in realizing the development agenda in Penang in line with the Vision of Penang2030 which is towards a Smart and Green State Based on National Inspired Family.
Human capital which is the backbone in driving the development of the state has always been my main focus. For the record, the State Government continued to allocate financial assistance for education this year amounting to RM8.5 million to Chinese National Type Schools (SJKC), National Type Secondary Schools (SMJK), Private Chinese Secondary Schools and also missionary schools. Beyond the era of digitization and the Industrial Revolution 4.0, potential locations as Creative Digital Districts or Creative Digital Districts (CD2) will be identified and the implementation of 5G projects will also be intensified to catalyze economic development, entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
The State Government remains committed to driving and forging a name as an industrial state as achieved in the previous 50 years. Our joint success in attracting investors both locally and abroad is a commendable achievement especially during this pandemic period. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) statistics for manufacturing sector investments approved in January to September 2021 amounted to RM2.9 billion involving 80 projects, and a total of 6,661 jobs have been successfully created in the state.
Public infrastructure for the sake of the people, several flood mitigation projects and highways that have been planned have been successfully realized, namely Jalan Berkembar, Jalan Paya Terubong (Bukit Kukus) and Mak Mandin Flood Mitigation involving state and local authority (PBT) allocations amounting to about RM423 million. The momentum and continuity of these projects will be continued for the benefit of the people of Penang, including the other two sections of Jalan Berkembar Bukit Kukus and also Package 2 – Jalan Pintasan from Lebuhraya Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu to Air Itam which is expected to be completed in 2025.
Holding the status as a welfare state, the financial assistance of the Senior Citizens Appreciation Program and Assistance for the Disabled (OKU) has been increased to RM200 starting this year which will benefit 217,868 registered applicants. For the management of non-Muslim affairs, through the State Government’s Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Trust Fund (RIBI), from 2016 to 2021, a total of RM4.18 million has been approved and channeled for upgrading works and necessary development of temples throughout the state. this.
In reality, 2022 remains a challenging year with the focus still focused on the post-pandemic recovery of COVID-19. However, Penang will continue to move boldly, and my leadership is confident and committed that unity and harmony in the state is an important foundation for us to forge further diversity on the world stage. Celebrate and in the spirit of Chinese New Year with shared gratitude values. Continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the happiness of our families and communities.
Happy Chinese New Year. Happy New Year!
