IMT-GT Connectivity Key To Unlocking Regional Economic Opportunities - Zairil

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Stronger regional connectivity through engineering, infrastructure and investment is essential to unlocking economic opportunities across the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said regional competitiveness increasingly depended on how effectively countries connected their people, supply chains, technology and capital across borders.

"In today’s interconnected global landscape, competitiveness is no longer defined merely by what a single state can build within its borders. It is determined by how seamlessly we link our people, supply chains, technology, and capital across regional boundaries,” he said at the inaugural IMT-GT Engineering Economy Convention 2026 here today.

Zairil said engineering expertise would be instrumental in translating regional economic ambitions into practical solutions, improving connectivity, facilitating investment and expanding economic cooperation among the three countries.

"The ultimate measure of regional connectivity is not how many kilometres of infrastructure we construct, but how many economic opportunities we unlock for our people," he added.

He also highlighted Penang’s infrastructure development initiatives as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen connectivity, including the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT), RM3 billion Juru-Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project, and Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway Bypass.

Other initiatives included the RM2.15 billion Water Contingency Plan 2030, which encompasses projects such as the Taman Mengkuang Water Treatment Plant and Sungai Perai Water Supply Scheme, as well as the development of Silicon Island’s Green Tech Park.

"Here in Penang, we are executing one of the most comprehensive infrastructure master plans in our modern history. Our challenge in a state of just over 1,000 square kilometres is balancing high-density industrial growth with spatial liveability," he said.

Zairil said strengthening essential utilities and incorporating climate adaptation measures into infrastructure planning are vital to ensuring Penang’s long-term economic resilience.

-- BERNAMA