Seberang Perai the catalyst for future growth of Penang – Chow
03 Jun 2022
The Penang government will always strive to ensure Seberang Perai becomes the catalyst for the growth of the state in the future, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said his administration would focus on balanced development for both the island and Seberang Perai, where the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had implemented strategic plans for the growth of new development areas based on the ‘Green and Smart City’ concept and increase in asset value.
“Batu Kawan is one of the areas that is a catalyst for the rapid growth of Seberang Perai and, as such, many industries are focused in that area. The state government, through PDC, is developing this area as the main industrial area like the Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Batu Kawan East and South Penang Science Park.
“The development plans in Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP) and Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP 3) will ensure there is sufficient industrial land to be offered to investors for industries like Electrical & Electronics (E&E), Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), semiconductors, automotive and others,” he said during the winding-up session of the Penang State Legislative Assembly here today.
Chow said that PDC would also carry out studies on the development of the Penang Science Park South (PSPS) as an area for general industries and food (halal hub), which would involve the development of a logistics hub in the Seberang Perai area.
Apart from that, the Bandar Cassia Development Master Plan would also feature a combination of mixed and integrated development involving housing, commercial, education, medical and industries.
Although Seberang Perai is rapidly developing, Chow said the state government does not deny that there are several problems – like traffic congestion, waste management, river pollution and water supply issues – that still exist and which have turned into ‘growing pains’.
He added that the state government had approved an allocation of RM316.13 million for the implementation of development projects this year, which will take into account the needs of critical and high-impact projects.
“However, this allocation alone is insufficient to upgrade the facility and requirement network in Seberang Perai and we need a bigger allocation to improve facilities and amenities,” he said.
Source: Bernama
