Latest news with #TransportandDigitalCommittee
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang aims for RM156 bln GDP by 2030 with digital economy plan
GEORGE TOWN: Penang aims to boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from RM116 billion in 2023 to RM156 billion by 2030 under the newly launched Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025-2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the plan targets raising the digital economy's contribution to 35 per cent of Penang's GDP by 2030. The state also aims to attract RM20 billion in digital investments, including in integrated circuit design, and RM130 billion in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Zairil added that the plan includes socio-economic goals such as increasing median household income by 17 per cent to RM7,700 by 2030. It also seeks to create 50,000 new digital jobs and upskill 30 per cent of the workforce. 'The Penang DEMP 2025-2030 is not just a document, it is a blueprint for action, a call to build a connected, competitive and inclusive digital Penang,' he said. The plan aims to transform civil service delivery, increase digital-ready businesses, and position Penang as a hub for emerging technologies. Other targets include reducing energy intensity by 25 per cent and increasing renewable energy usage to 10 per cent by 2030. Zairil noted that the DEMP is structured around four strategic pillars: Digital Government, Digital Economy, Digital Society, and Digital Foundation. These pillars are supported by 16 initiatives to ensure Penang achieves its vision and strategic goals. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the DEMP serves as a long-term roadmap to position Penang as a digital-first economy. He emphasised the plan's focus on innovation, infrastructure, talent development, and inclusive digital access. 'The digital economy plays a vital role in our economic resilience, contributing significantly to our services sector, which adds up to 50 per cent of the state's GDP annually,' Chow said. He added that the plan includes strategies to empower mature workers and senior citizens through accessible digital tools and skilling programmes. Chow also highlighted the success of the previous Digital Transformation Master Plan (DTMP) 1.0, with over 60 per cent of initiatives completed or ongoing. The DEMP 2025-2030 represents a commitment to advancing Penang's digital ecosystem through collaboration between state and federal governments, industry players, and technology leaders. - Bernama
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang explores floating solar projects for renewable energy goals
GEORGE TOWN: Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. 'It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar,' he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030. 'The framework mandates the installation and use of renewable energy systems for all new non-residential buildings and also requires the collection of building energy intensity data for all buildings in Penang,' he also said. He added that the Penang government will also expand its energy framework to include energy use in other sectors, such as industry and transport. - Bernama
Barnama
29-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Identifying Locations For Floating Solar Projects
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 (Bernama) -- Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study," he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. "It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar," he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Soil depression at Jalan Batu Kawan, remedial measures taken by PDC
BATU KAWAN: A soil depression was detected yesterday at P149 Jalan Batu Kawan, specifically at the junction connecting the road to a newly completed bridge, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. He said the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the project contractor. However, immediate remedial measures were taken by PDC upon receiving public complaints. 'PDC promptly carried out premix patching to raise the road level and installed warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents involving road users,' he told Bernama when contacted. He said the contractor will proceed with excavation work to determine the root cause of the soil depression before implementing permanent repair measures, which will involve the use of additional materials such as geotextile, basal reinforcement, and other necessary strengthening methods. 'These actions are essential to ensure long-term road stability and to prevent future soil depression. All repair costs would be borne by the contractor because the project is still within the defects liability period (DLP,' he said. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said a team of seven members from the Batu Kawan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was sent to the location after the department received a call regarding the soil depression. On arrival, the team found that a soil depression had occurred, but there were no victims involved. Immediate action was taken to close off the affected area and ensure no vehicles were allowed on the compromised section of the road,' he said. The incident gained public attention yesterday after a social media post went viral, showing images of the soil depression along the main road near the Batu Kawan bridge. The post also highlighted visible cracks on the concrete structure dividing the road. Firefighters were seen at the location, placing safety cones and taking precautionary measures to secure the area for road users.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Soil depression at Jalan Batu Kawan, remedial measures taken
BATU KAWAN: A soil depression was detected yesterday at P149 Jalan Batu Kawan, specifically at the junction connecting the road to a newly completed bridge, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. He said the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the project contractor. However, immediate remedial measures were taken by PDC upon receiving public complaints. 'PDC promptly carried out premix patching to raise the road level and installed warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents involving road users,' he told Bernama when contacted. He said the contractor will proceed with excavation work to determine the root cause of the soil depression before implementing permanent repair measures, which will involve the use of additional materials such as geotextile, basal reinforcement, and other necessary strengthening methods. 'These actions are essential to ensure long-term road stability and to prevent future soil depression. All repair costs would be borne by the contractor because the project is still within the defects liability period (DLP,' he said. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said a team of seven members from the Batu Kawan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was sent to the location after the department received a call regarding the soil depression. On arrival, the team found that a soil depression had occurred, but there were no victims involved. Immediate action was taken to close off the affected area and ensure no vehicles were allowed on the compromised section of the road,' he said. The incident gained public attention yesterday after a social media post went viral, showing images of the soil depression along the main road near the Batu Kawan bridge. The post also highlighted visible cracks on the concrete structure dividing the road. Firefighters were seen at the location, placing safety cones and taking precautionary measures to secure the area for road users.
