DAMAGED roads, poor lighting and waste management issues in Kampung Batu Maung Blok K in Bayan Lepas, Penang, have been addressed through a RM500,000 allocation under the “Kampung Angkat Madani” programme.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said the initiative funded road resurfacing, installation of street lamps as well as construction of a garbage depot and community hall for the village mosque.
He said the initiative has benefitted villages through collaborations between the government, private sector and local communities.
“What is special about these projects is that they are not determined by the government alone.
“They were selected through engagement sessions with residents.
“Residents set the priorities, gave suggestions and made the decisions,” Sim said before launching a carnival under the programme at the village.
He said a proposal for a village sculpture had also been opened to public voting, reflecting the emphasis on community participation in local development.
He highlighted that the village upgrades were part of broader development efforts in Bayan Baru, noting that over the years, schools had received allocations, surau had undergone repairs, public parks had been upgraded and community facilities had been improved.
Roads and other public amenities have also been enhanced in stages, he added.
Beyond local projects, Sim said Penang was benefitting from major infrastructure developments funded by the Federal Government, including the upcoming Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Juru-Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project.
He said such projects provided long-term benefits to residents and strengthened the state’s economic growth.
In his speech, Sim, who is also Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister, said the country had recorded strong economic indicators, including rising investment and trade figures.
He said approved investments hit RM329.5bil in 2023, RM384.4bil in 2024 and RM426.7bil in 2025, bringing the total to RM1.14 trillion.
He also said the country recorded its best-ever monthly trade performance in April, while international tourist arrivals exceeded 42 million last year, making the country the top South-East Asian destination.
Sim said the strengthening of the ringgit from about RM4.55 against the US dollar in 2023 to about RM3.88 in 2025 reflected growing investor confidence in Malaysia.
However, he stressed that the government’s success should not be measured solely through economic statistics.
“If the economy grows but the people do not feel the benefits, then development has not succeeded,” said Sim.
Also present were Miti Penang senior director Nor Kamisah Che Daud, Department of Standards Malaysia director-general See Chee Kong and Honda Malaysia chief administrative officer Rosidan Haron.
The carnival attracted large crowds, with visitors enjoying free motorcycle servicing, a helmet exchange programme and an exhibition by various government agencies.
Lucky draw prizes such as motorcycles were also given out.
Muhammad Atiqurrahman Azmi, 37, emerged as the grand-prize winner, taking home a Honda RS-X motorcycle.
