Penang: The Penang government has unveiled 10 priority projects under the Special Application for Development Projects in the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026, with a projected total cost surpassing RM11 billion. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that the projects encompass the Pan Island Link Project (PIL1), road upgrading initiatives, pipe installations, school construction, and the development of Penang Fisherman’s Town.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow expressed his hope that these applications would receive due attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure the comprehensive development of Penang. The announcement was made during the Penang State-Level MADANI Iftar event at the Abu Ubaidah Al-Jarrah Mosque in Bandar Tasek Mutiara. The event was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Chow also mentioned that he had communicated with the Prime Minister regarding Penang’s initiative to establish the Penang International Financial Centre, aimed at enhancing the financial sector in the northern region. He expressed optimism that this proposal would be positively received at the federal level, contributing to a more advanced financial sector across the northern states, extending beyond Penang.

Furthermore, Chow emphasized Penang’s readiness to foster highly skilled talent through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Talent Action Plan. He noted that the collaboration between state and federal governments not only addresses industry needs but also supports the cultivation of a new generation of leaders in the global high-tech industry.