GEORGE TOWN, June 10 – Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, addressed the public today, reflecting on the past five years of his administration and presenting the achievements and future plans for the Penang2030 Vision. The speech emphasized the commitment of the Pakatan Harapan State Government to prioritize the interests of the people and build a welfare state government. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has successfully implemented various initiatives to ensure the recovery process and the well-being of the people.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the resilience of the people and the successful restoration of various affected sectors during the post-pandemic recovery process. He highlighted that 47 percent of the total strategic initiatives of the Penang Vision 2030 have been achieved, with 210 projects and programs already completed or in progress. The Penang2030 Vision, conceived in 2018, aims to create a smart and green state based on national inspiration.
It consists of four main themes: increasing habitability, upgrading the economy, empowering the people, and investing in the physical environment. These themes involve the participation of all Penang residents. Regarding the theme of increasing habitability to improve life, the Chief Minister announced that 148,351 units of affordable housing have been built, achieving 64 percent of the target. The State Government has also focused on enhancing liveability by installing 1,241 closed-circuit cameras with video analytics functions.
Allocating RM53 million for the i-Sejahtera Program to support the welfare of the people, and developing sports facilities and recreational places. In terms of upgrading the economy to increase household income, Penang has recorded RM121 billion in approved manufacturing investment, with a target of 150,000 job opportunities by 2030. Efforts to attract investment and promote a business-friendly environment will continue, along with initiatives to support technical and vocational education, STEM programs, and the development of the agricultural sector.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of empowering the people and increasing community participation. Initiatives such as the Gender Inclusion Policy, Safe Family Policy, and First Support Point have been implemented to support women, children, and community development. Stakeholder engagement policies have also been enacted to ensure sustainable development planning across the state.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to religious development, including the construction of mosques, support for non-Islamic houses of worship, and the establishment of the Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi Research Center. The speech also touched on the initiatives taken to create a harmonious plural society, including the allocation of land for non-Islamic houses of worship, the establishment of the Harmony Center, and the organization of events like the Penang Harmony Week.
In conclusion, the Penang Chief Minister expressed his determination to continue working towards the realization of the Penang2030 Vision. Through local initiatives, community building initiatives, and industry engagement initiatives, the State Government aims to create a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Penang. The achievements of the past five years and the plans for the future reflect the commitment to excellence and the aspiration to make Penang a model state in Malaysia and the world.
