He hoped the Chinese companies could help implement flood mitigation plans (FMPs) and transport projects to reduce the suffering of Penangites.
Chow said he would first have to convince Chinese companies to commit to the projects as many groups have come and gone. They indicated their interest, but nothing materialised, he added.
In a meeting today with China’s new consul-general to Penang, Lu Shiwei, Chow urged cities, enterprises and state-owned companies to take Penang seriously and help out in these infrastructure projects.
He said while Chinese investments in the state were close to RM2 billion over the past five years, through the opening of 30 manufacturing companies in Penang, the take-up on infrastructure projects had been abysmal.
“I have said we should not be just talking, we should be doing it. Especially FMPs. For the past 10 years, many Chinese companies have visited, but nothing happened.
“We have waited for federal funds so long, but they never came. If enterprises from China can fund the FMPs, why not?
“I only have one or two terms (as chief minister), and I am tired of waiting for the past 10 years. If there is another source to speed up infrastructure projects for the people, we want to explore it.
“Maybe using our land as a financing model, we can get our transport plans and FMPs implemented,” he said at a joint press conference with the new consul-general at Komtar.
When asked if Chinese investments were needed when the finance ministry had recently approved RM150 million for FMPs, Chow said Penang would “welcome these with open arms”.
He said federal funding aside, the new Penang government would also commit more funds from the state for FMPs through its reserves, which stood at RM1.7 billion in November last year.
“There is no point having a lot of reserves if you do not spend it for the benefit of the people. Sure, the reserves must be in a healthy position but we ought to spend it for the good of the people.”
Recently, state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said the federal government had approved RM150 million as part of a RM600 million project to widen and deepen a problematic river on Penang Island, which has been widely blamed for causing floods.
Finally, Penang gets RM150 million for flood mitigation project