Latest news with #PenangLegislativeAssembly
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for integrated, holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. 'With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. 'With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Penang Passes Water Resources Bill For Integrated, Holistic Management
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 (Bernama) -- The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. "With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Assistance scheme must be more strategic, sustainable'
PENANG'S i-Sejahtera programme needs to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, prioritising those who truly need assistance, says a backbencher. Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima) said this was in line with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's call for the state government to continue with the programme. She said the Governor's speech carried a profound meaning, that Penang government should strengthen this programme in a more sustainable, strategic and integrated manner. 'One of the approaches that can be considered is the integration of resources between state governments, the Federal Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to form a more comprehensive and sustainable social support ecosystem. 'Countries like Japan, South Korea and Singapore offer interesting examples, that is through the Silver Support Scheme where cash assistance is only given to the elderly who genuinely lack savings or family support,' she said when debating the motion of thanks to Ramli. Tan said schemes such as Healthier SG and the Community Health Assistance Scheme offered by Singapore provided regular health check-ups and basic treatments on a subsidised basis to those in need. She said the i-Sejahtera programme had the potential to evolve into a social development platform that supported active and dignified ageing. However, she stressed that the state government must ensure that the scheme was carefully reviewed and improved as the intention was to strengthen and refine it for the benefit of all. The i-Sejahtera programme is an annual financial aid initiative designed to assist residents, particularly senior citizens, disabled individuals, single mothers and housewives. Meanwhile, Penang Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff said the annual RM60,000 allocation received by opposition members in the state assembly should be increased. 'I appeal for each opposition assemblyman to be granted half of the allocation received by government assemblymen, covering both supplies and infrastructure,' said Fauzi. He said the current amount was insufficient to assist people in opposition-represented areas. Chow was earlier quoted as saying that RM60,000 allocation for each opposition member of the Penang Legislative Assembly would be maintained this year. He said the state government had no intention of increasing allocations to opposition assemblymen, considering that it had appointed coordinating officers in those areas. Elected representatives in the ruling coalition each receive an annual allocation of RM500,000.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
CM outlines nine strategies to increase Penang revenue
Penang government has outlined nine strategies to increase state revenue. These include selling more state land, collecting an estimated RM6mil in quit rent arrears, reviewing land title conversion processes, as well as reviewing liquor licence fees, entertainment duties and hotel room fees. 'The state government is also aiming to reduce expenditure, but costs continue to rise each year due to salary realignments, which increase emoluments,' Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in reply to a question from Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) during the state assembly sitting at Penang Legislative Assembly building in George Town. Other revenue efforts include higher animal treatment fees and revised ornamental plant rental rates at Penang Botanic Gardens. Chow also touched on the RM100mil advance from the Federal Government which was intended as contingency funds to cover a potential deficit. 'Penang government's projected deficit of over RM500mil for 2024 did not happen due to increased revenue; it was reduced to around RM100mil. 'The advance payment remains available but it must be repaid to the Federal Government,' he said. In a statement, Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng termed the nine proposed strategies as a move that would eventually burden the public. 'The government's recent announcement to raise taxes, fees and charges – including liquor licence fees, quit rent enforcement and even veterinary service charges – raises concerns over fiscal management under the DAP-led administration. 'These measures will directly impact the daily lives of Penangites, the business community and even tourists,' he said. Tan said the admission that Penang had to seek over RM100mil in advance from Putrajaya underscored the severity of the state's financial position. — By IMRAN HILMY
