KPKT approves RM40 mln allocation for welfare of Penang folk

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) has allocated RM40 million to the Penang government for the welfare of the people in the state.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the unity government was sensitive to the needs and welfare of the people, and KPKT would always try to give its best to improve the people's living standards.

"A total of RM24 million would be given to redevelop the Bukit Mertajam Public Market which consists of five components, and RM16 million is for the maintenance of public and private flats.

"This allocation shows that we (the unity government) are very concerned and committed to helping improve the lives of the people," he said after his one-day visit to Penang yesterday.

Nga said according to KPKT records, RM9 million had been allocated for the maintenance works last year, and it was increased by 70 per cent to RM16 million this time.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he welcomed the announcement of the allocation of RM40 million as it reflected the unity government's concern for the state.

"This is a good start and I hope it will bring more blessings when other ministries visit Penang after this," he said.

Chow said the state government would always submit a long list of requests to the federal government for inclusion under the country’s rolling plan, where some had been approved, while others were still being considered.

"Our only intention is to further develop the state of Penang and contribute to the development of the country," he said.

He said all members of the state executive council had also been instructed to engage with the respective ministries and ministers themselves to look at the needs of Penang.

-- BERNAMA