The 23rd Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) has finally chosen Komtar in Penang as its operations centre.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said UTC is a federal agency, but its operations would be managed by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and it would be beneficial for Komtar, which houses state government offices.
The centre will occupy the 2nd and 3rd levels in Komtar, replacing a former tenant that has ended its occupancy there, he said.
"The state government had shortlisted a few locations for the Ministry of Finance, and finally Komtar was selected," Chow said at a press conference after the 50th-anniversary celebration of the PDC.
"However, the venture is not finalised yet as the agreement has not been signed.
"At the moment, negotiations on the requirements of space and how to finance the renovation and rental costs are still going on," Chow, who is also PDC chairperson, added.
He said the UTC would be paying rental once the agreement is finalised, although the figure has not been determined yet as negotiations, which also involve the cost of renovation to enable the space to be accessible for the centre, are still going on.
"We welcome this initiative in Komtar, as it will bring in the crowd. Businesses are expected to start as the UTC sets up its booths, and they are also finalising how many agencies will take up booths at the UTC," Chow said.
A large space of 5,000sq-ft will be taken up by the UTC, which will see its launching at the beginning of 2020.
Currently, there is a Rural Transformation Centre in Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal, which operates daily from 8.30am to 10am, except on public holidays.
Penang Port Commission first mooted the UTC project, which was approved during the Northern Corridor Economic Region meeting in 2009.
It was supposed to be implemented under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), but it did not take off until now. - Mkini
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