Chow calls for synergy between state and federal agencies

GEORGE TOWN: Penang wants its state executive councillors and state agencies to work with the federal government for the betterment of the people, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pix).
Since both federal and state are now politically aligned, there is no longer a need to quarrel; rather the spotlight is now on working together to ensure that Penang gets the best opportunity to advance, said Chow.
Therefore, he has directed the state for an all-out effort to engage their federal counterparts to get things moving along, especially in needy areas such as the Penang Transport Master Plan, flood mitigation, investments and housing.
Chow said this after meeting a delegation from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
According to Chow, he plans to seek the federal government's attention on reviewing the 11th Malaysia Plan where Penang needs to be predominantly featured unlike previously when Pakatan Harapan was the opposition.
He said as one of the growth centres in the country, it is only logical for Penang to be given the necessary support to progress into the next phase of development.
Chow also rubbished the claims by segments of civil society here that Penang Hill's quest to gain the status of a Unesco biosphere reserve (site for eco-conservation and preservation), would be affected by the transport plan.
Although the Pan Highway Link 1 was supposed to pass through the Hill and Youth Park, it would be done in an environmental-friendly way, stressed Chow.
He also announced that Penang will likely receive approval soon to redevelop the decaying warehouses along the Port Swettenham area which has become a leading pier for international cruise liners to dock and to refuel.
"The waterfront area stands to become a fresh tourism attraction, especially for cruise passengers and tenders will be issued to provide amenities there."
He also disclosed that the reclamation for the Gurney Wharf area is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, setting the tone for the proposed new waterfront recreational public park to be built between the next two to three years there.