GEORGE TOWN: Penang has given two thumbs up to the announcement of the implementation of the Juru- Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project presented in the 2025 Budget by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
"The Prime Minister's announcement regarding this project is highly welcomed. We hope its implementation can be expedited due to its urgent necessity," said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The RM1.8 billion Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway was one of the key projects that Penang submitted to Putrajaya.
Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the announcement of a new Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in the Seberang Prai area, which he said would enhance the quality of public services at UTC @ Komtar.
Regarding the development agenda for wakaf land by federal agencies, Chow said that the state government supported UDA Holdings Berhad's initiatives, as they aligned with requests from various parties, including NGOs, to redevelop Malay settlements and increase property holdings, particularly on the island.
Furthermore, he said the budget had announced several other federal project implementations specifically for Penang, including the raw water supply project from the Perak River for water supply in northern Perak and Penang, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3.
"All these projects are expected to contribute significantly to the state's overall development. Therefore, I hope their implementation will be expedited and adhere to the proposed timelines," he said.
On the education front, Chow said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was pursuing AI semiconductors in line with Malaysia's status as a global semiconductor hub, enhancing collaborations with companies like Intel and Infineon.
He believes this focus will drive further investment potential into Penang in the future.