GEORGE TOWN, December 31 – On behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year 2023 to all Malaysians, especially the beloved people of Penang. Tomorrow, a new chapter begins for all of us. The year 2022 is about to draw its curtain, with various ups and downs including major changes in the country’s democratic history with the formation of the Unity Government at the Federal level.
In 2023, the Penang State Government will continue to focus on the recovery efforts of sectors affected by the pandemic in line with the determination to accelerate the achievement of the Penang2030 Vision, which is towards a Smart and Green State Based on National Inspiring Families. In fact, as one of the main manufacturing states in the country, the investment climate in Penang remains robust where the strong industrial base is a pull factor for continuous investment inflows.
As a result of joint success, for the months of January to September 2022, Penang recorded RM9.2 billion in approved manufacturing investment compared to RM2.9 billion for the same period last year. At the same time, the aspect of improving employee skills is also in focus due to the increasing demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers every day. According to a report by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), an estimated 12,754 job opportunities will be created in Penang in stages in the coming years.
Looking back, the year 2022 also marks the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrial transformation journey in which the State Government is committed to dignify an ecosystem that is conducive to stimulating strategic industrial progress in the next 50 years as well as boosting industrial development in the state. On the aspect of infrastructure equipment, the Penang State Government is committed to ensuring that a variety of mega projects can be implemented successfully.
In order to realize the projects planned under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), including the Bayan Lepas Light Transit Stream (BLLRT) and the PIL 1 Highway, the State Government will follow up with the Federal Government so that it can be implemented as soon as possible to overcome the past situation current cross. This also includes the sea reclamation project in the southern part of Penang Island (PSI) which will further expand the development space of the state as a whole without neglecting the state’s green agenda.
Seberang Perai is the future of Penang. The State Government’s focus remains consistent to transform Seberang Perai as the core of development covering economic aspects, human capital, infrastructure, tourism and also a location that offers quality life to all its residents. We will ensure that the people can enjoy the development and prosperity of the state fairly and also focus on the needs of the housing agenda to ensure that the children of the state can have their own first home.
‘Penang Leads’, a passion that is always held and becomes a commitment not only to the leadership of the State Government, but also to all the people of Penang. We will continue to maintain our best records where our financial position is recognized as strong by the National Audit Department for the year 2021; we also recorded the lowest amount of debt in the country and received international recognition as the cleanest tourism city among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The principle of Efficiency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) will continue to be practiced in the state administration where Penang will remain as a state that cares for the welfare of the people. Touching on this aspect, no group will be left out and the i-Sejahtera programs will continue with an allocation of RM53 million for the year 2023, and we will also continue to work hard in realizing the Manifesto Promises.
The development of Islamic and non-Islamic teachings by maintaining the bonds of harmony that have been forged will continue to be prioritized. This essence is generally an important principle that generates the growth of the development of the state where prosperity and agreement among the common people have provided a solid platform and convinced all parties including in the proliferation of entrepreneurial schemes for small and medium traders that also become the backbone of the development of state investment whole.
The focus on digitization for which a grant worth RM4.5 million is also specially allocated to drive the state’s digitization efforts while continuing to empower the youth for the future of Penang, special focus on the needs of the state’s athletes and not an exception is the agenda to dignify our women. Going into 2023, let’s prove together that we can do it! With this, I call on all the people of Penang to come together to welcome the arrival of 2023 with gratitude and a spirit of unity.
May this new chapter begin with a new resolve for the sake of a prosperous, harmonious and prosperous state and nation. Happy New Year 2023, we LovePENANG!
