Penang is optimistic that two major infrastructure projects—the Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway and Penang Silicon Design @5km+—will be included in the upcoming Budget 2025. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that these initiatives are vital to the state’s development and are under serious consideration by the Federal Government.

Following discussions with national leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Digital Minister Gobind Singh, Chow shared that multiple options for the projects are being reviewed, each with different cost implications.

The RM1.8 billion Juru-Sungai Dua elevated highway project is crucial to improving traffic flow in Penang, and the state hopes it will receive federal backing. Chow stressed that the selected option should balance cost-effectiveness and functionality, rather than focusing solely on the cheapest alternative.

On the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ front, Penang has requested a RM60 million matching grant from the Federal Government to support the RM120 million initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s integrated circuit (IC) design capabilities. Chow noted that this project, discussed with Tengku Zafrul and Gobind Singh during their recent visits, could significantly boost Penang’s standing in the global semiconductor industry.

Penang awaits the Federal Government’s decision as Budget 2025 approaches.