THE federal government aims to transform Penang into the third metropolis in Malaysia, an ambitious plan that has won the full support of the Penang state government. Announced as part of the Greater Penang Transformation Programme, both federal and state governments have promised to work closely together to unlock the state's potential. Penang is the third highest urban Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributor after Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

“The Greater Penang lab is tasked to create a detailed implementation programme to unlock the development opportunities within the region as well as to identify and resolve potential hurdles,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Read here.

Najib said that a committee to study and develop the plan will consist of officials from Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) and Khazanah Nasional Bhd. “The committee will report back to the (National) Economic Council on the study,” he added. Read here.

Among the most vocal supporters of the announcement is Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who sees the programme as representative of the healthy relationship between Penang and the federal government. “This achievement would not have been possible without the close cooperation of Mida (Malaysian Industrial Development Authority) as well as the support of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad,” he said. Read here.

According to Pemandu, it is important that Penang “synergises” its investments of RM17.9bil under the 10th Malaysia Plan together with the Economic Transformation Programme, in order for it to become the premier urban centre of the Bay of Bengal and the Golden Triangle. Read here.

In a show of support, Lim has announced that the state government will shelve its own development master plan, the Penang Blueprint 2011-2015. “In response and to prove our sincerity and commitment to the prime minister’s offer, the state is willing to set aside our completed Penang Blueprint and Industrial Masterplan for 2011-2015, in favour of the Greater Penang Masterplan,” he said. Read here.

Other news

• Storm havoc in Kedah and Penang: Strong winds blew off the roofs of more than 200 houses in three districts in Kedah and two in Penang as continuous rain since Monday evening caused havoc. Read here.
• Penang youth set to rock for rights: The final phase of the 'Rock 4 Rights' and 'Myconstitution' campaign, which kicks off tomorrow at Fort Cornwallis, Penang, is aimed at educating youth on their fundamental rights, weaning them away from total dependence on politicians. Read here.
• Good response to BEST service: Penang’s free cross-channel "Park and Ride" bus service has received good response from workers in the industrial area here. Read here.
• Taipei, Georgetown ink friendship memorandum: Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin signed a memorandum on building friendship with Georgetown, Malaysia Monday to promote bilateral trade and exchanges in the fields of culture, education and tourism. Read here.
• Documents, pictures of bungalow sought: The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) is in the midst of locating documents of a colonial-era bungalow here which was illegally demolished last year. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz March 28 to April 3, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.   

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