PENANG’s first Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) that houses 10 agencies in Komtar will open its door to public on Monday.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM20mil centre occupying 42,000sq ft of space on level two and three would help rejuvenate the iconic landmark in Penang.
“The Finance Ministry has given us the green light for the opening on Monday.
“We believe the move will attract a larger crowd and provide new business opportunities for the people in Komtar,” he said during a press conference at Komtar yesterday.
The 10 agencies are the Public Service Commission, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, National Registration Department, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, National Higher Education Fund Corporation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Information Department and Health Ministry.
Other agencies which are expected to open soon are Royal Malaysian Police, JOBS Malaysia and Entrepreneur Development Ministry.
The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is the owner and contractor, while the Finance Ministry is the tenant.
“The office space belongs to PDC, which spent RM14.76mil on the upgrade and preparation of space for UTC.
“The Finance Ministry, meanwhile, spent RM5.24mil to prepare the space for the different agencies.
“Under the agreement, the Finance Ministry will lease the space for nine years,” Chow said.
PDC senior deputy general manager Datuk Yeoh Lean Huat said the centre would bring in the crowds and drive others to take up the empty shoplots in Komtar.
“Komtar will be rejuvenated and it provides new business opportunities for many,” he said.
When asked about the traffic management and parking issues once the centre is opened, Chow said there were neighbouring malls with car parks and open parking areas around Komtar that could be used.
“We encourage everyone to park at the designated parking areas and take a short walk to Komtar.
“The Penang Island City Council will have to deploy enforcement around the area to ensure it is not choked with cars parked around Komtar area.
“We seek public corporation not to park as they wish and use the available parking facilities,” he said.
The UTC will open daily from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends without lunch breaks except on Friday from 12.15pm to 2.45pm.
It will only be closed during national and state public holidays.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM20mil centre occupying 42,000sq ft of space on level two and three would help rejuvenate the iconic landmark in Penang.
“The Finance Ministry has given us the green light for the opening on Monday.
“We believe the move will attract a larger crowd and provide new business opportunities for the people in Komtar,” he said during a press conference at Komtar yesterday.
The 10 agencies are the Public Service Commission, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, National Registration Department, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, National Higher Education Fund Corporation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Information Department and Health Ministry.
Other agencies which are expected to open soon are Royal Malaysian Police, JOBS Malaysia and Entrepreneur Development Ministry.
The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is the owner and contractor, while the Finance Ministry is the tenant.
“The office space belongs to PDC, which spent RM14.76mil on the upgrade and preparation of space for UTC.
“The Finance Ministry, meanwhile, spent RM5.24mil to prepare the space for the different agencies.
“Under the agreement, the Finance Ministry will lease the space for nine years,” Chow said.
PDC senior deputy general manager Datuk Yeoh Lean Huat said the centre would bring in the crowds and drive others to take up the empty shoplots in Komtar.
“Komtar will be rejuvenated and it provides new business opportunities for many,” he said.
When asked about the traffic management and parking issues once the centre is opened, Chow said there were neighbouring malls with car parks and open parking areas around Komtar that could be used.
“We encourage everyone to park at the designated parking areas and take a short walk to Komtar.
“The Penang Island City Council will have to deploy enforcement around the area to ensure it is not choked with cars parked around Komtar area.
“We seek public corporation not to park as they wish and use the available parking facilities,” he said.
The UTC will open daily from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends without lunch breaks except on Friday from 12.15pm to 2.45pm.
It will only be closed during national and state public holidays.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
