BUKIT MERTAJAM: The federal government has agreed to provide additional funds to the Penang government to expedite the development of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in the state.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said traffic congestion has been a longstanding issue in Penang and that the state is in need of a LRT system as a solution.
Anwar said he would hold a discussion with the Penang government soon to find a solution and formulate how to fund the project.
"Yesterday, I had a meeting with the treasurer-general and government officers to find the best solutions (to fund the construction of the LRT project).
"I will meet the state government in one or two weeks to discuss a suitable scheme for the project," he said in his speech during the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house here today.
On other matters, Anwar said he was confident that the Penang government under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is ready to hear concerns related to the development of the Penang South Islands (PSI) project.
"I hear the concerns (over the development of the PSI project). Having that said, not all concerns and doubts raised over the project possess merit.
"This is because the chief minister and the state leadership have given all the necessary assurance to the fishermen community.
"The assurance included concerns related soil erosion as well as redevelopment of Malay settlements at several location," said Anwar.
He added that the federal administration in the past did not provide sufficient funds to develop proper infrastructure in Penang.
Anwar said that the federal government under his leadership is ready to work with any state.
As I have said previously in Parliament, we will also increase the allocations for Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu and Kelantan.
"For example, we have decided to add another flood mitigation project in Kelantan.
"I don't care which party rules the state. My concern is to resolve the problems faced by the people and find ways to improve their welfare and livelihood," he said.
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