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Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang sets up committee to push for more autonomy, funds
Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said the committee will help protect Penang's rights and ensure the people's voice reaches the federal level clearly and effectively. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang assembly has revived a select committee on federal-state relations set up three years ago to press for greater autonomy and fairer funding from Putrajaya. In proposing the motion, Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubok) said the committee would look at federal policies and development projects in Penang that require allocations from Putrajaya. 'In a federal system, both the state and federal governments have their roles. But in practice, there are many gaps and imbalances that need long-term, structured solutions, not just one-off fixes. 'That's why this committee is important. It helps protect state rights and ensure the people's voice reaches the federal level clearly and effectively,' he told the state assembly today. Lee said the committee will also push for a more transparent revenue-sharing model, demand better federal-state cooperation in infrastructure, economic and social development, and seek greater autonomy through devolution of powers to Penang. He said the committee was first formed during the previous term of the assembly and needed to be revived to keep federal-state relations accountable and constructive. Lee nominated Gooi Hsiao Leung (PH-Bukit Tengah) to chair the committee, and for the other members to comprise himself, Azrul Mahathir Aziz (PH-Bayan Lepas), Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar), Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima), Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua), and Izhar Shah Arif Shah (PN-Seberang Jaya). The motion was passed without debate after the speaker urged the legislative assembly to proceed with a voice vote. Lee maintained that the committee would not act as a confrontational body but as an institutional platform to strengthen federalism and ensure local concerns are not ignored. 'This is about good governance, not politics,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang seeks RM1.56bil for PIL 1 highway
Penang's proposed Pan Island Link 1 highway is designed as a 19.5km six-lane route which will run through Penang Hill. (File pic) GEORGE TOWN : Penang is requesting RM1.56 billion from the federal government in next year's budget to begin construction of the long-delayed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) highway, which is projected to cost RM8.88 billion in total. The 19km highway, designed to ease traffic congestion between the island's north and south, is the most expensive among 128 development proposals submitted by the state under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan. In total, Penang is seeking RM2.1 billion in allocations for 2026 to support all 128 projects, which are expected to cost RM17.2 billion over several years. According to a written reply by executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari to Lee Khai Loon (PH–Machang Bubok) in the state assembly, the state is requesting funding in phases as the projects are multi-year developments that cannot be financed in a single allocation. Among the other funding requests is RM25 million for an underpass connecting Mount Erskine Road to Burma Road, cutting through the heavily congested Gottlieb Road junction. The state is seeking RM3.75 million to initiate this project next year. Other major proposals include RM400 million for an Islamic hospital in George Town, RM300 million for a tuna port in Batu Maung aimed at establishing Penang as a regional fisheries hub, and RM99 million for a new secondary school in Juru. Penang is also advancing its digital and innovation agenda, seeking RM124 million in grants for artificial intelligence training, cybersecurity initiatives, and start-up incubators through state agency Digital Penang. In addition, the state is requesting RM260 million for flood mitigation works along Sungai Perai, and funding for desalination studies, water catchment improvements, and smart drainage systems to reduce flood risks. Another proposal includes the RM8 million plan to transform the Gate House at Penang Hill into an education-themed tourism gallery as part of efforts to boost ecotourism. Final allocations will be determined in the 2026 federal budget.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
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.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang undersea tunnel project expected to drive state progress
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Undersea Tunnel project remains relevant and is expected to have a positive impact on the people and the state's development, the Penang government said. State Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP - Tanjung Bunga) said this was because it would help divert the high traffic flow in both directions from the first Penang Bridge and its surrounding areas to the new route, thereby reducing severe traffic congestion on access roads leading to the bridge. "As of now, the state government remains optimistic about the implementation of this project. "However, based on the Master Agreement with the contractor, the state government reserves the right to decide whether to proceed with the project or not, depending on the outcome of the feasibility study," he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PKR - Machang Bubuk) at the ongoing state legislative assembly sitting. In February, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the proposed third link for vehicular movement between Penang island and Seberang Prai would see a change in alignment. He, however, did not elaborate. The undersea tunnel connecting Penang Island to the mainland is part of the state's RM6.3 billion mega project.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang undersea tunnel remains relevant to ease congestion on first bridge, says exco
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — The Penang undersea tunnel project remains relevant in addressing traffic congestion on the first Penang bridge, state exco Zairil Khir Johari said. The state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman said the tunnel would help reduce traffic in both directions on the first bridge while diverting vehicles from the surrounding area. 'This will divert traffic to the undersea tunnel and ease severe congestion on roads leading to the first bridge,' he said in response to a written question by Lee Khai Loon (PKR-Machang Bubuk) at the state legislative assembly. Zairil said the state government remains optimistic about the feasibility of the project, noting that a new design is currently being developed. 'The new design for the undersea tunnel is an alternative and significant solution for the continuity and direction of this Penang third link project to ensure its implementation,' he said. He added that the revised design would incorporate considerations for efficiency, feasibility, effectiveness, and social and environmental impacts. 'Furthermore, the proposed new design can accommodate all types of vehicles and will also be a new icon for Penang, serving not only as infrastructure but also as a future tourist attraction,' he said. However, Zairil stressed that the state government would reserve the right to decide on the project's implementation based on the results of the feasibility study.
