Penang CM: State not expecting much funding

Chow Kon Yeow. -filepic

GEORGE TOWN: Penang is not expecting much funding from the federal government’s Budget 2019, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic).

“It has been assumed that Penang is now a developed state in terms of balanced development geographically and we recognise that.

“So, we will not expect much from the federal government based on the current situation,” Chow said yesterday when responding to a question by journalists on the Bud­get tabled by the Finance Minister.

Nothing specific has been allocated for the state apart from the abolishment of the motorcycle toll on both bridges connecting the island starting next year.

Chow said the state would continue to harness the 4P (public, private, professional and people partnership) model to carry out projects with minimal use of public funds.

“The state government will be the facilitator and approving authority, and we welcome private financial initiatives to help Penang grow.

“If we can get federal funding, we can do more.

“But if we get less, the 4P model will be used,” he said.

Chow added that the state recognised the financial needs of the country.

He also said the state, like others, would still apply for the budget allocation when needed.