DPMMPP disputes construction of PICC

PENANG: The Penang chapter of the Malaysian Malay Chambers of Commerce (DPMMPP) on March 8 questioned the proposed construction of the Penang International Convention Centre (PICC) by the state government, claiming that the project was not a priority for the people.

Its deputy president, Syed Hassan Syed  Ali Aidid, wants the state government to explain to the people on the need for the project as a few private companies were also planning to build their own convention centres in the state.

"Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should explain whether the state government has conducted a study and compiled data to ascertain the need for an international convention centre.

"The study is necessary because several hotels in Penang have been equipped with such a facility and of international standard," he told reporters here on March 8.

Syed Hassan said it was better that the state government utilised the allocation for the proposed PICC to uplift the people's livelihood.

"The people should come first. The state government has to carry out projects  which are for the people's interests,' he added.

Syed Hassan said the chambers also wanted the government to explain whether the PICC was in the list of projects to be implemented by the Penang Municipal Council.

"Lim recently announced that the council will be operating on a deficit budget of RM40 million this year to finance several infrastructure projects. Is the PICC one of the projects? " he added.

If the Penang Municipal Council was financing the PICC and the project was not able to generate the desired income, would the council also cover the maintenance cost of the PICC, he added.

PICC, costing RM50 million, will be built opposite the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA). It will have five exhibition halls and other facilities. -- Bernama