With a more organized and complete road network, Seberang Perai has the potential to be a growth area and is the future for the state of Penang, said the Chief Minister, Y.A.B. Mr. Chow Kon Yeow.

He said that the administration he led since 2018 focused on balanced development between the island area and also Seberang Perai.

“Two years ago, I said that the future of Penang is actually located in Seberang Perai, if in the past the island was the focus by the previous government, but now we (State Government) focus on balanced development between the island and Seberang Perai.

“Seberang Perai is actually more strategic and has the potential to be developed, it is connected to two main bridges and ferry services.

“In fact, the road network and highways are more comprehensive and interconnected such as the North-South Expressway, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, Federal and state roads,” he said at a live talk session ‘Penang In 10 Years Time’ hosted by Segambut MP , Hannah Yeoh via Facebook Live on Tuesday.

Commenting further, Kon Yeow who is also the Exco for Land Affairs & Land Development, Transport and Communications explained that the metropolitan city of Batu Kawan which is the catalyst for economic growth in the state in Seberang Perai is now actively developed.

“Batu Kawan is one of the catalyst areas for rapid growth in Seberang Perai, and indeed most of the industries are concentrated in this area, we (Penang State Government) are also ready to develop other districts as the next industrial area.

“The State Government is always working hard to ensure that Seberang Perai becomes a catalyst for growth for the future, so I always remind the local authority which is the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to have more resources to develop the city of Seberang Perai,” he explained.

The one-hour talk also touched on the direction of the State Government until 2030 through the Penang2030 Vision, high-impact projects as well as the State Government’s approach to addressing the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the main issues that are also a topic of discussion is the cancellation of the Federal Government’s allocation of RM100 million to develop the Bukit Bendera cable car system recently.

When asked about the issue, Kon Yeow in his response said that basically the State Government has made preparations to appoint a consultant to conduct a study.

“But given the cancellation, we (State Government) need to reconsider whether to continue the implementation or not, or at least continue the study on the alignment and feasibility of the project,” he said.

It is understood that the withdrawal of the allocation is due to the current situation of the country’s economy and the project is categorized as not an important project.

According to Kon Yeow, immediately after the announcement, Perbadanan Bukit Bendera also received a question on whether the State Government is interested in implementing the project through private financial initiatives.

“We are open about this idea, maybe after all the necessary studies have been implemented… maybe the State Government will implement it through Private Initiative Financing (PFI),” he commented.

Source: Buletin Mutiara