Penang: Eight of the 10 key targets under Penang2030 have either been achieved or are on track to be achieved, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He highlighted that the progress encompasses a range of sectors, including welfare, housing assistance, local governance reform, tourism, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and youth development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow stated in his speech at the launch of the Penang State Government's Eight-Year Report Card that approximately eight out of the 10 key Penang2030 targets have either been achieved or are actively progressing. He pointed out that the Penang2030 Dashboard, operational since June 2022, enables public monitoring of the implementation progress, allowing residents and politicians, including opposition members, to verify state government achievements at any time.

Chow elaborated that each strategic initiative listed on the dashboard is overseen by a designated State Executive Councillor (Exco) and officer responsible for its implementation and progress reporting. However, he acknowledged that the agricultural sector still requires improvement. Despite having 384 urban farms, agricultural productivity has yet to meet the state's targets.

The state government aims to enhance agricultural productivity by expanding the adoption of technologies such as smart farming, precision farming, and vertical farming. This will leverage the expertise of Penang's electrical and electronics (EandE) industry and engineering talent. Chow emphasized that the performance report serves not only to celebrate achievements but also to reassess the state government's current position and chart a more accurate future direction.

He noted that some major state infrastructure projects are expected to extend beyond 2030, offering his successor the opportunity to decide whether to continue existing programs or introduce new priorities. Chow also mentioned that he has instructed all Exco members to identify Penang2030 initiatives under their portfolios that have yet to commence or remain incomplete. This directive was issued several weeks ago, and Chow is personally monitoring the progress of these outstanding initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition for his successor.