GEORGETOWN: State government-linked companies (GLCs) need to take an active role in briefing all assemblymen on their functions, achievements and the help they can offer to the public, said Heng Lee Lee (PH - Berapit).
Heng said there were 18 GLCs under the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and the State Secretary, Penang Incorporation (SSI) in her constituency, each with different roles in economic growth, public services and the state's policy plans.
"As the companies receive yearly funding from the state government, it is important for assemblymen to understand their work.
"While I have received a 33-page explanation on their functions, missions and key performance indicators (KPIs), some of these company names are unfamiliar to me.
"If we do not know what services they offer, how can we explain them to the public or help residents find the right channel for assistance?" she questioned.
Heng said GLCs should hold regular briefings for assemblymen.
"These sessions just need to address the company's main functions, achievements in the past year, future plans and the services or aid that the public can seek from them.
"We do not need a grand reception or a big budget. Even if the briefings are held online, I believe many assemblymen would be happy to attend," she said while debating the state's 2027 budget during the State Legislative Assembly along Lebuh Light on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Heng then addressed the ageing community, stating that there was a way to go to make Penang an age-friendly state.
"The state government should set clearer targets for its Age-Friendly City initiative in 2027, focusing on whether senior citizens can feel the impact of the programmes in their daily lives.
"The success of the initiative should not be measured by the number of projects completed but by how well senior citizens can access and benefit from the services provided.
"The state reported an 85% completion rate for its Age-Friendly City Strategic Action Plan for 2025.
"A 2023 baseline survey involving 1,501 adults found that only 38.7% considered Penang age-friendly.
"While these figures measure different things and refer to different periods, there must be a follow-up survey to establish improvements in residents' experiences," she said.
She said many people in the community are still unaware of the available government programmes.
"While the government feels that services have been provided does not mean the public knows about them.
"Even if people know these services exist, it does not mean they can access them easily.
"Better coordination is still needed among agencies dealing with healthcare, social welfare and community care," she said.
