NIBONG TEBAL: The government, through the Housing and Local Government Ministry, today announced an RM18 million allocation for a slew of projects and non-Muslim houses of worship in Seberang Prai, Penang.
The bulk of the allocation goes to the construction of the new Permatang Tinggi fire and rescue station at RM13.7 million, upgrading of the first floor of the Bukit Panchor market into a hall (RM1 milion) and RM1.019 million for six non-Muslim houses of worship.
The allocation is also meant for repair work of the Tasek Mutiara market, Taman Bukit Panchor low-cost flats, Bukit Panchor landscape and Kampung Sungai Udang basketball court.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said this is part of the ministry's series of Sentuhan Kasih programme.
He said the projects are important for community development.
"They are properly planned to ensure every ringgit spent will provide high return of investment.
"Through the projects, we hope that they can improve the quality of life of the people.
"A conducive environment, coupled with ample infrastructures, will improve livability," he said at the Kampung Sungai Udang basketball court here this afternoon.
Nga said the construction work for the new Permatang Tinggi fire and rescue station is expected to begin in March next year and will take two years to be completed.
He said a new fire and rescue station is needed to complement the Sungai Bakap, Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal fire and rescue stations to achieve the response time of below 10 minutes.
"All the projects have been planned since the beginning of the year.
"I have asked that the other projects be completed by the end of the year.
"Last year, a record of 5,190 Sentuhan Kasih projects were implemented, and we hope to maintain that this year.
"It is our aim to complete 50,000 public projects within 10 years," he added.