GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has announced RM120 million allocation to further strengthen the state’s slopes in light of the recent Bukit Kukus landslide which claimed nine lives.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said focus would also be given in addressing the perennial flooding problems in the state.
On the state’s green agenda, Chow said the state would create more green parks for its people.
He said on top of the 41-acre (16.5ha) Gurney Whaft project, the state hoped to have the longest public park, connecting Padang Kota right up to the clan jetties, with an estimated cost of RM100 million for the first phase.
“We have planted a total of 363,655 trees on the island and 255,315 trees on the mainland over the past 10 years.
“Another 100,000 will be added over the next five years, allocating RM5,” he said in his inaugural 2019 Budget speech at the state legislative assembly sitting today.
He also announced a half-month bonus or a minimum RM1,000 perk for all civil servants in the state.
In his inaugural 2019 Budget speech at the state legislative assembly sitting today, he said the bonus payment will be disbursed next month.
“Some 3,915 civil servants will be paid the half-month bonus, or minimum RM1,000.
“A sum of RM5.23 million has been set aside for the said purpose,” he said, adding that he thanked all civil servants for their excellent services.
Chow also announced a RM300 payment to 1,590 supervisors and KAFA teachers; 270 Sekolah Rendah Agama Rakyat teachers; 182 Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat teachers; as well as 572 teachers and staff of private Chinese schools.
A RM200 payment (involving a total of RM832,000) will also be made to 240 tahfiz, pondok and TADIS teachers.