PENANG GOVERNOR CALLS FOR MORE TARGETED, INCLUSIVE APPROACH IN I-SEJAHTERA PROGRAMME

GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- Penang’s newly appointed Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, emphasising the need to prioritise those genuinely in need while introducing sustainable empowerment alternatives such as skills training and micro-aid.

This initiative should not merely alleviate burdens, but also create opportunities for self-reliance and raise the socio-economic status of recipients, he said in his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today.

Ramli also praised the Penang government’s commitment to welfare, noting that RM50.54 million was disbursed through i-Sejahtera in 2024, benefiting over 280,000 recipients.

bootstrap slideshow

“The scale of this programme reflects not only its reach but also the state government’s dedication to enhancing lives regardless of age, status, or background,” he said.

On May 9, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that a review of the i-Sejahtera programme is currently underway to ensure it achieves its intended impact.

The i-Sejahtera programme is an expression of appreciation and concern from the state government that is given in the form of financial aid once a year to the people of Penang, namely the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, housewives and infants aged two years and below.

In his speech, Ramli also stressed the importance of continuously refining state-level planning to ensure welfare and social development efforts remain relevant and effective.

This includes the Penang State Structure Plan 2040, which is being reviewed to strengthen and align existing policies under the Penang2030 vision, he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor also expressed appreciation to the federal government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects in Penang, which aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the state, such as the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway (JSD), the LRT Mutiara Line, the Sungai Perak Treated Water Transfer Project or the Perak-Penang Water Project (PAP), and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.

Ramli also highlighted positive progress on the Silicon Island (Pulau Silikon) project, with nearly 150 acres of reclamation work completed as of April 25, since its commencement on Sept 22, 2023.

Nevertheless, Ramli urged the federal government to consider approving the Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) project, which is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the island.

“I was made to understand that the state government has submitted the proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan, and it is currently under federal review,” he said.

As Head of State, Ramli also commended the Penang government's continuous efforts in advancing Islamic development, citing the successful completion of Masjid Papan Kampung Pertama and Masjid Bandar Cassia, built with a combined allocation of RM6 million this year.

Additional mosque construction projects are underway, including Masjid Sungai Kechil, Masjid Bandar Putra Bertam, Masjid Taman Sungai Dua Utama, and Masjid Mengkuang Titi.

“I was also informed of the  KITAB Smart City Campus project on 17.3 acres of waqf land in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. The mega project, which will bring long-term impact, will include a mosque and Islamic centre, commercial spaces, student residences, and the administrative and academic facilities of the Penang International Islamic Technology College (KITAB),” he said.

The state assembly sitting continues on Monday.

Earlier, Ramli inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Penang branch of the Federal Reserve Unit, consisting of three officers and 102 personnel led by DSP Herman Sharif. The Governor was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.

-- BERNAMA