Penang submits RM17bil worth of projects under 13MP
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has submitted a list of 128 development projects with an estimated total cost of RM17,228,995,534.17 to Putrajaya under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The projects, from 26 departments and agencies, include an allocation of RM1.579 billion for the Pan Island Link (Pil) 1 highway project in 2026.
The Pil 1 project, with a total estimated cost of RM8.876 billion, is the most expensive among the 128 development proposals submitted to the various ministries.
Other proposed projects include RM1.024 billion for a multi-storey block at Kepala Batas Hospital, RM520.03 million for the northeast district health complex, clinic and mental health block at Penang Hospital, RM400 million for the Penang Islamic Hospital, and RM99.21 million for the new Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Juru.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP Tanjung Bungah) said the allocation required for 2026 alone amounts to RM2,109,812,452.88.
"To ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of federal projects in Penang, monitoring is carried out by the Penang State Development Office (ICU), which acts as the main coordinator, in close collaboration with ministries and implementing agencies at both federal and state levels.
"This monitoring mechanism includes periodic meetings of the State Development Action Committee, scheduled progress reports, site visits, and regular reporting to the State Development Action Council.
"In addition, the MyProjek System, developed by the ICU under the Prime Minister's Department, is used to ensure that project reporting and monitoring are conducted systematically, in a timely manner, and with transparency," he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PKR Machang Bubuk).
Lee had asked for details on the list of proposed projects, including criteria, project types, strategy, and estimated value for the 2026–2030 period. He also sought clarification on the monitoring mechanism used to ensure transparency and efficiency, as well as the state's course of action should project applications be rejected.
Elaborating further, Zairil said emphasis is also placed on compliance with project scope, implementation schedules, expenditure, and adherence to established procurement procedures to ensure that each project achieves its intended development goals.
"If a project application is not approved by the federal government, the state government will take several measures, including reapplying with improved justifications and implementation designs, and exploring potential public-private partnership models.
"We will also consider reprioritising the state's development budget for phased implementation and engage in follow-up negotiations with the relevant ministries to have the project reconsidered in upcoming rolling plans," he added.
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