Covid-19: Penang gov't approves another RM76m aid package

The state executive council has approved the "Penang People's Aid Package 2.0", the second state economic stimulus package to continue efforts to strengthen the state economy in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (photo) said the state aims to put money in the hands of affected groups, the market and targeted industries.

The People's Aid 2.0 Package amounts to RM76 million, bringing together the total aid package to RM151 million.

On March 17, Chow had announced a RM20 million fund to combat Covid-19, and on March 26, an additional amount to the relief package was approved, bringing it to a total of RM75 million.

Chow claimed this package will directly benefit the people of Penang including their family members and workers.

Chow added the decision to approve the package was done based on several goals.

The first goal, Chow said, is to provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable group.

"Secondly, it enables the working class to stand back and continue to take care of themselves, their families and develop their state through productivity.

"Thirdly, it enables business continuity in Penang to ensure the economy will continue to be developed after the movement control order period," he said.

Chow reiterated the Penang People's Aid Package 2.0 aims to put the money into the hands of the "influential, the market and the target industry".

Meanwhile, Chow said the local councils will be extending tax assessment rebates to ease the burden of Penangites and increase disposable income.

He said both local authorities, Seberang Perai Municipal Council and Penang Municipal Council, will provide rebates to all properties registered with local authorities in the state.

"The rebate is expected to involve nearly 600,000 units of property and save more than RM47.3 million to Penang taxpayers."

The move comes after the local councils were heavily criticised by the Opposition and residents for planning to increase rates.

Following which, the Penang government said it was considering revising the assessment rates of some properties affected by the latest review.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo had said the state government would review all appeals and revise the rates for some properties. - Mkini