THE Penang government is determined to continue its mega infrastructure projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to stimulate the economy, despite protests from certain quarters.

In a statement today, state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the provision of medical care, social aid and economic upliftment are all equally important to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a responsible state government, we have to ensure our economy survives as much as our citizens. Adverse economic repercussions such as unemployment, business closures and market capital deficiency have to be addressed,” he said.

Zairil said this in response to state Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong’s suggestion to suspend the PTMP projects until the pandemic ends as the current situation in Malaysia was still severe.

Zairil said the state government has formed the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC) comprising representatives from both government and industry to oversee the efforts towards recovery across various sectors.

He said among the key recovery drivers identified by the PSERCC was the implementation of PTMP projects, including the Penang South Reclamation project.

“Besides the creation of new jobs, these projects will also inject domestic direct investment into the local economy besides catalysing future growth and foreign investment,” he added. – Bernama, February 17, 2021.