Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said given the state’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product of 6.7% to 6.9% in the past three years, Penang deserves “about RM5.2 billion” in allocations.

He said the RM996 million allocated in next year’s budget only prioritised the economic and social sectors.

Speaking in the state assembly, Chow said the state government has yet to receive the list of approved projects under the federal budget.

“We have often argued about unfair allocations to Penang. In the recent conference of menteris besar and chief ministers, I argued that we have not got our share. I have asked the international trade and industry minister to look at Penang,” he said.

He said while some states such as Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak might require more allocations, Penang should “reap what it sowed”.

Chow said that given Penang’s role in gaining surplus for the country through its extensive manufacturing industry, Putrajaya should allocate more funds for development.

He gave the example of a new Batu Kawan industrial park development being planned, which required supporting infrastructure.

“We need infrastructure for land readiness in meeting investor demand. All we ask is for a fair allocation.

“You can’t expect a horse to continue running on empty,” he said, quoting a Chinese proverb.

Chow was responding to an oral question by Satees Muniandy (PH-Bagan Dalam), who had asked about federal budget allocations to the state.