REHDA 44th ANNUAL DINNER
SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT REHDA 44th ANNUAL DINNER
ON 24TH OCTOBER 2018 AT
SPICE CONVENTION CENTER
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ar. Yew Tung Seang
Datuk Bandar, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Sr. Hj. Rozali bin Hj Mohamud
Yang Dipertua, Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Rosli Jafaar, Pengurus Besar, Perbadanan Pembangunan Pulau Pinang
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ir. Soam Heng Choon,
President, REHDA Malaysia
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Toh Chin Leong,
Chairman, REHDA Penang
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Jerry Chan, Immediate Past Chairman REHDA Penang
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ David Fong,
Organising Chairman, REHDA Annual Dinner 2018
Heads of Department from MBPP, MPSP and all government agencies,
Councillors of MBPP and MPSP
Chairman and representatives from the Chambers of Commerce, Associates and Professional Bodies
Fellow Committee Members REHDA Penang,
Distinguished guests, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen
1. It is indeed a great pleasure to be invited to celebrate REHDA’s 44th Annual Dinner and I wish to thank Dato’ Toh Chin Leong for the kind invitation to this evening’s dinner. I am very pleased to be able to join the committee, members and associates of REHDA Penang who have contributed significantly to the real property and housing industry in Penang. REHDA Penang has always played a vital role in bringing about development for the people of Penang in terms of creating new townships, job creation and business opportunities. REHDA Penang has been working closely with the Penang State Government and the state government appreciates the valuable feedback and recommendations that we have received.
2. In August 2018, I presented my vision and initiatives which will make Penang, a Family-Focused, Green and Smart State That Inspires the Nation by year 2030. Penang 2030 as it is popularly referred to, is a people-centric action plan driven by a four-theme approach. Apart from upgrading the economy, empowering the people and investing in built public environment, the Penang State Government also aims to increase livability and enhance the quality of life of Penangites and many others who have made Penang their home, and abode of choice.
3. Without effective partnerships in place and continuous engagement with the stakeholders in the relevant fields, existing concerns like inadequate supply of affordable housing may obstruct Penang 2030 from becoming a reality. In this regard, support by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA) for the past 44 years has brought considerable developments in the housing and property development industry in Penang. REHDA’s active engagement with the state government is essential for parties to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions, particularly in addressing housing affordability issue, as we now strive for nation building and betterment of life through sustainable property development. In addressing the issue of affordability, the state government has taken note of the feedback received from REHDA amongst others regarding the issue of high compliance costs. In this respect, the state government has established a working committee to relook into aspects of housing affordability as well as revising some of the compliance costs with the view to make the price of housing in Penang more affordable
4. While we acknowledge that socio-economic development and continuous expansion are paramount for Penang’s growth, it should not be at the expense of environmental protection. For the past 10 years, the state government has ensured that every project and program is implemented towards creating a city that is sustainable and competitive. Penang is recognized as the first state and pioneer in organizing the “No Plastic Bags Day” and “Car Free Day” as part of our initiative in turning Penang into a Cleaner, Greener, Safer and Healthier state.
5. The state government is committed towards sustainable and balanced development. In this respect, the state government has forged cooperation with UN Habitat towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Goals (SDG). Specifically, the state government is giving emphasis towards criteria #11 which is the creation of a safe, resilient and sustainable city. In line with this, the state government places great emphasis on the development of green buildings which focuses on the efficient use of resources and the reduction of its impact on the overall environment. Towards this end, the state government appreciates the role played by REHDA in ensuring sustainable growth using green rating systems such as GreenRE which has been presented to the state government for due consideration.
6. I am happy to note that REHDA is taking the lead in assisting the less fortunate inmates from charitable homes through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. I strongly urge all developers present here this evening to inculcate a CSR culture in all your companies. It has been demonstrated by many multinational companies (MNC’s) that it is possible to be profitable while also being socially and environmentally responsible.
7. In conclusion, I wish to thank REHDA for your invitation and your effort in working closely together with the State Government to transform Penang into a Family Focused Green and Smart State That Inspires the Nation By 2030.
Thank you.