GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s state executive councillors and ex-officio members have been going around in the latest Toyota Camry over the past two months.
The purchase of the new cars was revealed yesterday, only to come under criticism from political parties.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told reporters at the state assembly that the new fleet of 15 vehicles, costing RM3.311mil in total, was delivered in March.
“The cars were delivered to 10 executive councillors and three ex-officio members, namely the state secretary, the deputy chief minister and the state legal adviser, as well as the state assembly speaker and deputy speaker.
“On average, each car cost RM220,783,” he told reporters.
The new ninth-generation Toyota Camry features a completely redesigned interior, refreshed exterior styling and comes exclusively with hybrid powertrains.
The previous 2018–2024 models, bought in 2019, offered both petrol and hybrid options.
Chow said the previous vehicles had been in service for over five years but he did not specify why they had to be replaced.
Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng questioned the rationale behind the decision to spend RM3.3mil on new vehicles at a time of economic challenges, when people are struggling with the cost of living.
“We’ve heard of government announcements to raise taxes, fees and charges, including liquor licence fees, quit rent enforcement, and even veterinary service charges.
“There was even a report that the state is considering reviewing the financial aid to Penangites under the i-Sejahtera welfare programme.
“This (car purchase) is unacceptable. The money should be used more wisely,” he said.
