GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has decided to maintain the allocation of RM60,000 for each opposition member of the Penang Legislative Assembly for the year 2025. This decision follows the same allocation provided for the year 2024, as announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow stated that there would be no increase in allocations for the opposition assemblymen due to the appointment of KADUN Coordinating Officers (PPK) in those areas. In his address at the Penang state assembly sitting, Chow detailed the allocations for 2024, which include RM500,000 for each government assemblyman, RM60,000 for opposition assemblymen, and RM100,000 for the PPK.

Chow emphasized that allocations benefiting residents in both government and opposition constituencies are coordinated through various departments, agencies, and state government-owned companies. These funds are channeled into projects and programmes under the state executive council committee or direct
ly implemented by the state government.

In response to a query from Zulkefli Bakar (PN-Penanti) about allocations for opposition assemblymen, Chow assured that all assemblymen have the opportunity to raise constituents’ concerns or requests with state government departments and agencies. These bodies, he noted, operate with a ‘no wrong door policy’ to assist the people.

Zulkefli also inquired about the possibility of increasing allowances for all assemblymen to enhance their service to the public. Chow acknowledged that the assemblyman’s allowance has not been adjusted in a decade and suggested it should be reviewed every 10 to 15 years. He mentioned that if the federal government initiates a study on allowance adjustments, the state government will follow suit.