Do more to encourage investments to face post-Covid, Penang govt told

The Penang state government needs to continue promoting investment opportunities in the state, as part of efforts to reinvigorate the economy which is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas said the pandemic had been affecting the global investments and supply chain, with most companies expecting to record slower growth in the first half of this year.

“In 2019, Penang recorded quite a performance in terms of investments. However, this year, due to Covid-19, most of the companies in the state are directly and indirectly affected as part of the global supply chain,” he said when officiating the first sitting of the third term of the 14th Penang state legislative assembly today.

The session was live-streamed via the official website of the Penang State Legislative Assembly.

He also said the state government should take into account all aspects in formulating the tourism recovery action plan, as the sector is expected to be significantly impacted by the pandemic.

The governor also called on the state government to assist farmers, breeders and fishermen, particularly those involved in the niche market, as well as working towards achieving food self-sufficiency and total self-reliance.

“The use of technology such as the Internet of Things during the Fourth Industrial Revolution era should be enhanced and adopted by the farmers, breeders and fishermen to increase their productivity,” he added.

Abdul Rahman also expressed his gratitude to all frontliners, particularly those from the Penang Health Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysia Civil Defence and all government agencies who are involved in the battle against the spread of Covid-19.

“Only God can repay you and you are indeed our heroes,” he said.

The governor also commended the state government under the leadership of the chief minister and the public sector headed by the state secretary for giving their best to ensure the government continue to function during the implementation of the Movement Control Order.

Source: Bernama