Summary
- Penang Chief Minister welcomes PM’s recognition of the state’s contribution.
- Calls for fairer federal revenue distribution based on economic contribution.
- Highlights RM63.96 billion investments and RM573.91 billion exports in 2025.
- Reiterates proposal for Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC).
GEORGE TOWN, July 1 — Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s acknowledgement that Penang contributes more in federal tax revenue than it receives in development expenditure.
Chow said the recognition validates the state government’s long-standing call for a fairer return based on Penang’s actual contribution to the national economy rather than special treatment.
He noted that Penang recorded RM63.96 billion in approved investments, comprising RM25.10 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and RM38.85 billion in domestic direct investment (DDI).
While exports reached RM573.91 billion in 2025, accounting for 35.7% of Malaysia’s total exports. He also reiterated the state’s proposal to establish the Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC).
And pledged continued cooperation with the Federal Government to strengthen Penang’s role as a global economic, industrial and technology hub.
