17-05-2025
Ensuring agility of economy
Show of respect: Ramli (second from left) inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Federal Reserve Unit of the police during the opening of the state assembly sitting. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Newly-appointed Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib welcomes the state's various initiatives for sustainable and future economic progress.
One such initiative is Penang Silicon Design @5km, a strategic move to bolster the integrated circuit (IC) design sector and accelerate the growth of the state's semiconductor ecosystem.
Other key projects include Penang IC Design and Digital Park, Penang Chip Design Academy and Silicon Research and Incubation Space, aimed at creating high-value jobs and attracting investments from leading global technology companies.
Ramli said the state's gross domestic product (GDP) of RM116bil was driven by two major sectors – services and manufacturing.
'The dependence on these high-impact sectors makes the state's economy more agile in facing external challenges and global uncertainties.
'Penang is proud to remain among the top-six major contributors to the 73% share of the national GDP.
'The state also recorded the highest GDP per capita at RM72,586.
'In 2023, Penang achieved 3.3% economic growth.
'On international trade, Penang recorded a trade volume of RM788.1bil in 2024, an increase of 11.6% compared with RM696.7bil in 2023,' he said before opening the state legislative assembly sitting yesterday.
As the new head of state, Ramli expressed his appreciation for the state's commitment to strengthening Islam.
He said Penang had invested RM6mil in the construction of two mosques – Masjid Papan Kampung Pertama and Masjid Bandar Cassia.
'Several other mosque projects are also in progress, including Masjid Sungai Kechil, Masjid Bandar Putra Bertam, Masjid Taman Sungai Dua Utama and Masjid Mengkuang Titi,' he said.
Another notable development, Ramli said, is the KITAB Smart City Campus in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan.
The project to be built on 7ha wakaf land will feature a mosque and Islamic centre, commercial hub, student dormitories and administrative and academic facilities of the Penang International College of Technology.
Ramli also thanked the Federal Government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity and improve mobility for the people of Penang.
He said two new Bills, namely Penang Water Supply Authority Bill 2025 and Penang Water Supply Bill 2025 will be tabled during the state assembly proceedings.
