Chow (fifth from left) with guests celebrating PDC’s 54th anniversary at its office in Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas.
PDC celebrates achievements including providing affordable housing
A TOTAL of 18,783 affordable homes by Penang Development Corporation (PDC) are at various stages of implementation in the state, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow who is also PDC chairman said the homes involved 4,413ha of land.
PDC has also developed three satellite towns in Penang – Bayan Baru, Seberang Jaya and Bandar Cassia.
“Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan, with its eco-city concept, reflects the evolution of PDC’s planning and ideas over 54 years,” he told Buletin Mutiara during PDC’s 54th anniversary celebration at its office in Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas.
He said significant investments from renowned corporations such as Aspen Group, EcoWorld, Paramount, PE Land and Ikea underscored the confidence companies had in the state.
“With the presence of Ikea and Design Village, Batu Kawan has become an attractive hub for visitors,” Chow said.
He highlighted the four main goals under the Penang2030 vision — enhance the quality of life; upgrade the economy to raise household incomes; empower people to strengthen civic participation and invest in built environment to improve resilience.
He commended PDC for its commitment to improve the state.
“PDC has an excellent track record in executing its responsibilities to increase liveability for the people.
“The corporation has successfully developed industrial parks that have created direct and indirect employment opportunities.
“It has helped to guide and assist small enterprises to grow and become major firms.
“For 54 years, it has been attracting renowned manufacturing companies to Penang, including Intel, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, Clarion, National Semiconductor, Hitachi, Sony and Robert Bosch.”
Chow hoped that PDC would continue striving for greater heights.
“I must emphasise there will be challenges lying ahead despite the success.
“PDC will have to rise and overcome each challenge, learn from mistakes, and remain committed to improving services for the people of Penang,” he said.
PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar said PDC had undergone various obstacles over the past 54 years.
“It is a mature corporation and I believe it has what it takes to uplift Penang further,” he said.
Also present at the anniversary celebration were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, state entrepreneurial development and rural development committee chairman Rashidi Zinol, state secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, state financial officer Datuk Zabidah Safar and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik who is also a PDC board member.
