MBSP needs more funds for ageing infrastructure

Chow checking out a drain in Taman Mewah while on walkabout with officials.

RM6mil project allotted for Tmn Mewah, Tmn Bagan, Kg Benggali

Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) must expedite its application for an additional RM6mil in funding to upgrade ageing public infrastructure in three Bagan Dalam neighbourhoods.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project, estimated to cost RM6.01mil, involved upgrading roads, road shoulders and drainage systems in Taman Mewah, Taman Bagan and Kampung Benggali.

“MBSP’s engineering department will submit an application for additional funding to enable the state finance division to process the allocation under Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris).

“Penang receives about RM300mil annually in Marris allocation from the Federal Government, and the scope of the fund has now been expanded to include repair of drains and slopes,” he said during the “Jelajah CM Chow” programme in Butterworth.

A resident sweeping up at a low-cost flat in Taman Bagan, one of the areas being looked at for long-needed infrastructure upgrades.

“However, this year MBSP received only RM99mil despite applying for RM150mil.

“As such, an additional project-based application will be submitted to meet the infrastructure needs in Bagan Dalam.”

The proposed upgrades are estimated to cost RM1.965mil for Taman Mewah, RM1.415mil for Taman Bagan and RM2.63mil for Kampung Benggali, with Chow saying that the additional allocation would help address long-standing issues.

Earlier during the walkabout, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran said older residential and commercial neighbourhoods had not undergone comprehensive upgrading for the past 30 years.

He said the deteriorating condition of roads and public facilities made it difficult for residents to get around, particularly wheelchair users.

MBSP councillor Mohd Syukri Said said the city council would carry out short-term repairs, including patching potholes, while awaiting Marris approval.

He added that these minor works would be completed this year to improve safety and access for residents.

Chow also visited Taman Bagan and Kampung Benggali to inspect ageing infrastructure and meet locals to hear their concerns.

He assured them that the state government would work closely with MBSP to secure the necessary funding.

Also present were representatives from the Bagan parliamentary constituency and Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.