Chow: Penang's draft 2040 plan not perfect, public views welcome

George Town, Penang - Penang's draft 2040 state structure plan is not considered perfect, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He emphasized that public views and input from stakeholders are crucial in improving the document before it is finalized. The draft Penang State Structure Plan 2040 (Review) is currently open for scrutiny, with constructive views and proposals encouraged to enhance the document.

This plan aims to replace the existing Penang State Structure Plan 2030, which was gazetted in 2019. Chow highlighted that Penang has experienced rapid growth as a major economic, industrial, and technology hub in recent years, but this growth has also brought complex challenges such as climate change, floods, land and water resource pressures, affordable housing, increasing living costs, mobility issues, and changes in technology and the digital economy.

The draft RSN 2040 seeks to ensure Penang's growth is more organized, competitive, sustainable, and liveable. Key focus areas include balanced development between the island and mainland Seberang Prai, optimal land use, strengthening growth centers, transit-oriented development, transport networks, housing, economic competitiveness, and environmental protection.

Chow stressed the importance of public transport development to keep pace with the state's growth, citing the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project as a strategic plan to improve connectivity, encourage transit-oriented development, and support low-carbon mobility. He also emphasized that large-scale developments, like Silicon Island, must be comprehensively assessed to ensure balanced progress in economic growth, infrastructure, jobs, housing, mobility, and environmental sustainability.

Chow urged all stakeholders, including Penangites, ministries and departments, local authorities, the private sector, academia, professional bodies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders, to study the draft and submit constructive views and recommendations. He concluded by stating that Penang 2040 is not just the vision of the state government, but our shared future.