GEORGE TOWN, Penang hopes that two important state projects, the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway and the Penang Silicon Design @5km+, can be approved in the tabling of Budget 2025, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Chow said the first project, worth an estimated RM1.8 billion, aims to overcome the problem of traffic congestion on the route, while the second project involves a RM60 million matching grant. He said the second project aims to create a unique and interconnected ecosystem for the integrated circuit design and technology companies within a radius of more than five kilometres from Bayan Lepas Industrial Park. 'We have many projects, but these are the two that I am hopeful to be included in Budget 2025, and what we have presented in a series of discussions can be considered. 'Recently, we received feedback that they (the government) are considering several options as these will have cost implications,' he told reporters after presenting the appointment certificates for the Northeastern and So uthwestern Village Community Management Council for the 2024-2028 term here today. Chow said that the state government hopes that the option selected would be effective in dispersing traffic and not just the cheapest in terms of allocation. He said that this matter has been presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Chow also said the total investment for the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative is projected to be RM120 million over the next five years, and the state government would allocate RM60 million to drive the initiative. "The state government has requested RM60 million for a matching grant from the federal government for the project. 'Actually, there is no need for a matching grant because it only amounts to RM120 million, and this is not a big amount for the federal government," he said. Source: BERNAMA News Agency