Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the majority of the allocations would go towards the construction of the Permatang Tinggi fire and rescue station (RM13.7 million), the upgrade of Bukit Panchor market (RM1 million) and funding for six non-Muslim houses of worship (RM1.02 million).
He said the allocations would also cover repair work on the Tasek Mutiara market and Taman Bukit Panchor low-cost flats, landscaping work at Bukit Panchor and upgrading work on the Kampung Sungai Udang basketball court.
“These projects have been carefully planned to ensure that every ringgit spent yields a high return on investment,” he told a press conference after visiting Kampung Sungai Udang, near Nibong Tebal town.
“With the implementation of these projects, we are confident we can enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Penang.
“A more favourable environment and improved facilities and infrastructure will make Penang a more comfortable and secure place to live in.”
Nga’s announcement comes ahead of the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6, with nominations scheduled for June 22 and early voting set for July 2.
Nibong Tebal town is in the Sungai Bakap state constituency.
Nga and the unity government had previously drawn criticism about “money politics” from various quarters after announcing an RM5.21 million allocation for Hulu Selangor residents just weeks before the May 11 by-election for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat.
At that time, Nga had denied that the Hulu Selangor allocation was in view of the by-election, saying his ministry “chose this area because it’s an auspicious place” and that “the feng shui here is good”.
The Malay Mail reported Nga as saying today that the Penang allocation had nothing to do with the July 6 by-election.
“Please note that this allocation is part of my ministry’s Sentuhan Kasih for projects in this district and not because of the by-election,” he was quoted as saying.
Aidiladha donations from PM
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today provided RM290,000 in donations to nine mosques and 20 suraus in the Sungai Bakap state constituency in view of Hari Raya Aidiladha next Monday.
Bernama reported that the donations were presented by Anwar’s senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Akin to the representatives of the mosques and suraus at Masjid Abu Ubaidah Ibni Al-Jarrah, Bandar Tasek Mutiara, in Nibong Tebal.
Shamsul said each mosque and surau in the state constituency received RM10,000, which can be used to carry out the sacrificial rites synonymous with Aidiladha.