Lim (PH-Air Putih) told the state assembly the decision deprived the Penang government of nearly RM200 million in additional revenue at a time of financial constraints.
The former chief minister said the decision to spurn the offer was among several “missteps” by the statutory body.
Yesterday, sources told FMT that an IJM Bhd-led tripartite consortium had offered RM818 million to develop the BKIP2 in Byram through an open tender.
However, PDC rejected the offer and called for a new tender.
Lim said the reported RM818 million offer met all required conditions and exceeded the price secured through an earlier directly negotiated deal.
“How can we add revenue to PDC if opportunities like this are rejected? Why did PDC turn down a compliant bid that was RM172 million higher than the finalised price? Isn’t this a big loss to PDC and Penangites as a whole?
“If this issue is not explained properly, then a complete restructuring of PDC’s management is necessary to prevent mismanagement and ensure accountability,” he said in debating the 2025 state budget.
Lim also raised concerns about the tender process, asking if there was at least one confirmation meeting with bidders to clarify and refine recommendations.
Expedite SFZ application
Separately, Lim called on the state government to expedite its proposal for a special financial zone (SFZ) in Penang, which he said could bring significant economic benefits, including high-paying jobs, advanced financial technology and increased investments.
He also wondered why the state government had dragged its feet in requesting and pushing for an approval from the finance ministry, when states such as Johor got it done without prolonged studies.
The state is awaiting a study by the Penang Institute, a state-run think tank.
“Why has Penang waited for over a year for this proposal to move forward? The benefits of a special financial zone are clear. High-value investments, high-income jobs and infrastructure development. We need to act now.”
Bring back cash-aid programme
Lim said he was concerned about the rise in hardcore poverty in the state.
Citing federal data, he said he found it shocking that Penang recorded the highest number of households living below the hardcore poverty line.
Lim said this was unacceptable as Penang was the first state to eliminate hardcore poverty, via the “Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (AES)” initiative prior to 2018.
“The AES worked by providing direct cash aid to households until their income surpassed the hardcore poverty line, alongside support for employment, education and healthcare. When the AES was discontinued in 2022, hardcore poverty resurfaced,” he claimed.
Lim called on the state government to reinstate the AES programme to address the rising poverty levels.