Latest news with #ChowKonYeow
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Traffic congestion will be managed as big projects roll out, says Penang CM
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said it was likely that the Penang South Islands project, the Mutiara Line LRT and the construction of the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway would cause traffic congestion but this would only be temporary. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The Penang government will implement effective traffic management strategies to minimise disruptions during the construction of upcoming large-scale projects, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said today. Chow acknowledged that projects such as the Penang South Islands (PSI) development, the Mutiara Line LRT, and the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway might lead to temporary traffic congestion, but said this was an expected impact of the development, Bernama reported. 'Many years ago, when our team visited Gamuda in Kuala Lumpur, when they were implementing the LRT project, we were introduced to the various traffic management strategies and a programme that they managed at that time during the construction phase. 'I believe all contractors involved in these major projects in Penang will take traffic dispersal into account. 'The key consideration is to maintain the original number of lanes during construction. 'Even if parts of the road need to be closed to vehicles, additional space must be created to ensure that the same number of lanes remains available,' he said at the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Micci) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025. With proper traffic management and patience from all road users, Chow was confident the state government would be able to mitigate the impact and make travelling more comfortable despite the congestion. He also confirmed that the Penang LRT project was expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with completion projected within six to seven years, and that the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway was scheduled to commence by the end of the year. When tabling the 2025 budget last October, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced several projects in Penang, including the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, the Mutiara Line LRT, the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP), and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project. The 29.5km Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility. Chow also noted that the state-led Penang South Islands (PSI) project was making progress, with 60.71ha of land already reclaimed over the past 18 months. He said the state government was awaiting 'good news' from the federal government regarding incentive packages for potential purchasers of the land for industrial development. PSI, or Silicon Island, covering a land area of 930.78ha, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang stays resilient, innovative amid world trade tensions
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has reaffirmed its commitment to resilience, innovation, and maintaining global competitiveness amid world's trading environment which remains tense, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said during the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025 here today that Penang remains open for business, innovation and collaboration because the state has always been about resilience. 'From our trading port roots to our rise as a global electronics and innovation hub, we have learned to pivot when the world shifts and this moment is no different. Our economy is tightly integrated into global supply chains whether it's semiconductors, electronics, precision tools or medical devices. 'So when shocks happen, they are felt in Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan just as much as in Shanghai (China) or San Jose (California). But I always say, we must look for silver linings, not all is doom and gloom,' he said. Chow pointed out that multinational firms reassess their regional footprints and many are looking to move into more politically stable, efficient and transparent ecosystems. Thus, Penang with robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment is a natural choice, he said. He also praised Malaysia's proactive diplomatic efforts due to indications that tariffs on Malaysian goods may be capped at 10 per cent as opposed to the feared 24 per cent or more by US President Donald Trump. 'As our Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz rightly pointed out, this is a favourable shift and one that reflects, in part, Malaysia's proactive diplomatic efforts. 'I applaud the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for taking a direct and decisive approach, including writing personally to Trump to propose a US-ASEAN Special Summit. This shows that Malaysia is not just reacting but taking leadership in shaping trade outcomes for the region,' he added. The luncheon were also attended by MICCI Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi together with 200 attendees from various industries and related sectors.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang on track for large scale projects, pledge effective traffic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has assured that effective traffic management strategies will be implemented to minimise disruptions during the construction of upcoming large scale projects. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the projects including Penang South Islands (PSI) project, the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may cause temporary traffic congestion but it is a part of the development process. 'Many years ago when our team visited Gamuda in Kuala Lumpur, where they were at that time implementing the LRT project, we were introduced to the various traffic management strategies and a program that they managed at that time during the construction phase. 'I believe all contractors appointed for this massive project in Penang will take note of traffic dispersal and the key consideration is to maintain the number of lanes during construction, despite having to take away certain parts of the roads away from the vehicles, additional space would have to be created so that the original number of lanes will be retained,' he said. Chow said this while responding to questions during the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, here today and also attended by MICCI Northern Branch Chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi together with 200 attendees from various industries and related sectors. With a proper traffic management and patience from all road users, Chow is confident the state government will be able to mitigate and make travelling more comfortable despite the congestion. He also confirmed that the Penang LRT project is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with completion projected within six to seven years, while the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is scheduled to commence by the end of the year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in tabling Budget 2025 on Oct 18 last year, announced several projects in Penang, including the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, Mutiara Line LRT, the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project. The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility. Meanwhile, Chow also noted that the state-led PSI project continues to make progress with some 60.71 hectares of land already reclaimed over the past 18 months. He said the state government is awaiting 'good news' from the federal government regarding the incentive packages for potential purchasers of the land for industrial development. PSI or Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78 hectares, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang on track for large scale projects
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has assured that effective traffic management strategies will be implemented to minimise disruptions during the construction of upcoming large scale projects. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the projects including Penang South Islands (PSI) project, the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may cause temporary traffic congestion but it is a part of the development process. 'Many years ago when our team visited Gamuda in Kuala Lumpur, where they were at that time implementing the LRT project, we were introduced to the various traffic management strategies and a program that they managed at that time during the construction phase. 'I believe all contractors appointed for this massive project in Penang will take note of traffic dispersal and the key consideration is to maintain the number of lanes during construction, despite having to take away certain parts of the roads away from the vehicles, additional space would have to be created so that the original number of lanes will be retained,' he said. Chow said this while responding to questions during the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, here today and also attended by MICCI Northern Branch Chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi together with 200 attendees from various industries and related sectors. With a proper traffic management and patience from all road users, Chow is confident the state government will be able to mitigate and make travelling more comfortable despite the congestion. He also confirmed that the Penang LRT project is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with completion projected within six to seven years, while the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is scheduled to commence by the end of the year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in tabling Budget 2025 on Oct 18 last year, announced several projects in Penang, including the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway, Mutiara Line LRT, the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project. The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility. Meanwhile, Chow also noted that the state-led PSI project continues to make progress with some 60.71 hectares of land already reclaimed over the past 18 months. He said the state government is awaiting 'good news' from the federal government regarding the incentive packages for potential purchasers of the land for industrial development. PSI or Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78 hectares, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Journalists with integrity not merely news writers
BUTTERWORTH: Journalists with integrity do not merely write news, but deliver accurate information and act as watchdogs in a democratic country and shape public opinion. Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said in a fast-paced world overflowing with information that can often times be confusing, journalists play a vital role in sifting, researching and ensuring that accurate and correct information is delivered to the public. "Journalists have the duty to be the border between fact and slander, truth and manipulation," he said during his speech at the Penang state-level National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebrations here last night. As such, he urged media practitioners to continue to hold to journalism ethics and ensure that the information spread was not just accurate, but capable of fostering understanding and unity. He also expressed the Penang government's appreciation towards the media for their role as a strategic partner in the state's development. "I believe with the support and cooperation of the media, government policies and initiatives can be understood and assessed fairly by the public," he said. Meanwhile, Media Mutiara Club president Mohd Iskandar Othman said Hawana was now an important platform to honour the role of the media in championing freedom and safety of journalists and to spur discussions on ethics, digital challenges and the future of the media industry. He also expressed his appreciation to the Communications Ministry's initiative to launch Tabung Kasih @Hawana in April 2023, which is implemented by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). "Since its launch, the fund has provided aid to 315 media practitioners throughout the country, including those who are active and retired, focusing on those with health problems, facing difficulties in life or affected by disasters. "The initiative not only provide financial aid but also shows care and concern to journalists who have greatly contributed to society," he said. The highlight of Hawana 2025 will take place on June 14 at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with an estimated 1,000 media practitioners, both local and foreign, in attendance. Hawana, organised by the Communications Ministry and with Bernama as its implementing agency, offers various events, including a Pesta Pantun on May 31 and a prelaunch with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, as well as a media jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
