LITTLE INDIA LED LIGHTING LAUNCHING
SPEECH BY YAB CHIEF MINISTER LIM GUAN ENG
AT LED LIGHTING LAUNCHING
ON 13 APRIL 2018
First of all I would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that during the Deepavali Open House Function held on 29th October 2017, I had announced that the Penang State Government would allocate a fund of RM 1 million to upgrade public facilities in the precincts of Little India. As mentioned in my Budget 2018 speech, the State Government will spend RM 1 million seed money to upgrade the public facilities in the precincts around Little India in Georgetown.
A welcome arch will also be built and financed by Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang. This and other projects will allow us to rebrand this area as “Beautiful Little India”! The Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce has agreed to fund related projects to make this centre of Indian cultural and religious activities a unique showcase of Penang’s diverse heritage.
The precinct improvement plan of Little India is to increase the quality of streetscapes, such as improving walkability, drainage improvement, installation of decorative lighting, art and wayfainding systems. The plan will also introduce regular cultural shows at key spots in Little India during the weekend to bring life into the streets of Little India. The RM1 million seed fund is handled by the Penang caretaker EXCO for Local Government YB Chow Kon Yeow.
Today we wish to announce that of that RM1 million, RM 550,000.00 will be for the decoration of Little India with Decorative LED Lightings which is expected to materalise within 60 days. Again this shows the Penang Pakatan government keeps its promises.
The Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Penang had requested the State Government for the construction of a Permanent Arch at the Gate-way of Little India and the above project is taking shape and is under progress. YB Chow will be discussing this further with the Chamber for their funding as promised and the design of this structure to beautify “Little India”
Finally I once again thank the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Penang, Traders of Little India and all presence. Let us make “Beautiful Little India” a reality and a dream come true.