Chief minister orders tighter monitoring as Penang moves to keep projects on track

“BALIK PULAU, May 30 — All members of the State Executive Council, along with state government departments and agencies, including local authorities (PBT), have been instructed to enhance monitoring of development projects across Penang to ensure they remain on track. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the matter must be given due attention to ensure that each planned project is completed within the stipulated timeframe for the benefit of the people. “I will instruct the state government, all exco members and government agencies, including the local councils, to enhance monitoring of project implementation and expedite the commencement of projects that have yet to start. “For projects currently being implemented, close monitoring must be carried out to ensure that works are completed according to schedule,” he told a press conference after a walkabout at Pasar Pagi Balik Pulau here in conjunction with the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Programme, which was also attended by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim. Chow said various factors could hinder project progress and result in delays if not addressed promptly. According to him, the timely completion of development projects would not only address the problems faced by the people, but also enhance the state’s competitiveness and strengthen Penang’s resilience in facing challenges such as climate change. Chow hoped each exco member would lead departments under their respective portfolios more proactively to ensure that the state government’s development projects are implemented as planned. “The people will not remain silent in raising issues related to delayed or ‘sick’ projects. So, in the second half of our term, we will focus on monitoring and ensuring that implementation is carried out according to schedule to maintain the state government’s encouraging performance,” he said. Chow, meanwhile, explained that project delays are usually caused by various technical issues, including weaknesses in the initial study stage, which result in certain problems not being identified comprehensively prior to implementation. “However, it is not a serious concern. Most importantly, we want to ensure that people can see the progress achieved,” he said. — Bernama

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