Many Penangites opting to live in Perak

(From left) Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong and Macau) deputy chairman Datuk Cheah Cheng Hye, chairman Gan Khai Choon, Zambry and Mohamad Zahir being briefed by the delegation about the potential Perak holds for foreign investors.

THE RISING cost of living in Penang is leading many people to live in the northern region of Perak and commuting to the island state daily for work.

Perak Industries, Investment and Corridor Development Committee Chairman Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid said a recent study shows that there are quite a number of people travelling to Penang for work but living in the northern part of Perak.

“According to the study, some 120 buses travel to Penang from our northern districts daily. One bus can carry about 40 passengers.

“Passengers take the buses from Taiping (pic below), Kamunting, Selama and Changkat Jering to Penang for work and return home after that,” he told reporters after welcoming a 40-member delegation from the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong and Macau) at the State Secretariat Building in Ipoh.

 “The travelling time to Penang or Kulim takes less than two hours,” he added.

Mohammad Zahir said some factories in Penang are also closing down and are moving to Perak.

Zambry speaking to members of a delegation from the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong and Macau) at the State Secretariat Building.