It was indeed much welcomed news for Penang as the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the Budget 2026 yesterday.
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow expressed his gratitude to the PM in his press statement.
“Penang is very grateful and warmly welcomes the list of various projects and initiatives allocated to Penang, as announced by the honourable Prime Minister during the tabling of Budget 2026 just now.
“From the list of priority projects submitted by Penang to the Prime Minister during the engagement session dated 18 March 2025, under the strategic projects of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13), nearly half have been included in the tabling just now, covering: • Traffic Dispersal Project, Widening of the PLUS Highway from Juru Toll to Sungai Dua Toll; • Healthcare Infrastructure, Construction of Kubang Semang Health Clinic; Development of an Integrated Health Complex in Central Seberang Perai (SPT). • Water Supply Improvements: Upgrading of raw water intake locations at Titi Kerawang and Teluk Awak; Installation of raw water pipes from the intake sites to Teluk Bahang Dam. • Sports Facilities: Upgrading of Bertam Sports Complex in Kepala Batas, North Seberang Perai (SPU). • Urban Connectivity: Construction of an underground route connecting Mount Erskine Road to Burma Road; Including improvements at the intersections of Mount Erskine Road, Gottlieb Road, Burma Road, and Bagan Jermal Road (Section A: Underground Route).
“Hence, Penang hopes that further details will be provided regarding the status and implementation of these listed projects to allow the State Government to make the necessary preparations for their swift execution.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the leadership of the Penang State Government, I hope the Honourable Prime Minister will officiate the launch of the 24th Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Seberang Perai, as scheduled in November.
“As a state that frequently attracts tourists both domestically and internationally, Penang also welcomes the announcement by the Madani Government to enhance the efficiency of national airport management comprehensively with an allocation of RM2.3 billion through Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). This important project will also benefit the Penang International Airport (PIA).
“Regarding the National Flood Mitigation Project, part of the RM2.2 billion announced under this initiative will also benefit the Sungai Nyiur Flood Mitigation Project in North Seberang Perai (SPU). It is hoped that its implementation will benefit the local area.
“In addition to a new rehabilitation centre equipped with 250-bed capacity to be developed by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), Penang is also grateful for the allocation of RM65.2 billion to the Ministry of Education, under which a new school — Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Juru — will be built next year. Furthermore, the vertical school concept will be optimized in high-density areas, where schools and housing are built in the same building. A pilot project has been identified, including the MADANI Talent House at SkyWorld Pearlmont in Seberang Perai.
“Among the other significant projects that will directly benefit the people of this state is the initiative to strengthen Digital Government Services. Through in-house expertise, GovTech Malaysia will be empowered to develop more digital applications and set up more MADANI Kiosks, including in Penang,” said Chow.