The Penang government has invested about RM300 million for developments in Seberang Perai, mainland Penang, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He revealed the details of the developments taking place on Seberang Perai, refuting recurring claims that the state administration under him has neglected the mainland.

“So, do not say we have neglected Seberang Perai. We want a balanced development between the island and mainland,” Lim said at a press conference today.

The mainland, comprising three districts, Seberang Perai Utara, Tengah and Selatan, is known as the Malay heartland.

Lim said he was responding to claims - but he declined to name his accuser - that his government should give more emphasis to Seberang Perai.

He said 60 percent of the state’s developments are on mainland Penang, while the remaining 40 percent are on the island.

The total allocation for development for the Works Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council from 2008 to 2016 remained at RM124 million (40.45 percent) for the island, and RM182 million (59.55 percent) for Seberang Perai, he added.

The state development arm, Penang Development Corporation (PDC), has issued 163 tenders (offer letters) amounting to RM1.8 billion (84.25 percent) in the three districts of Seberang Perai.

“The PDC also issued offered letters for 87 tenders (17.55 percent) costing RM401 million on the island,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, state agency, Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd has 158 projects (60 percent) projects on the mainland, compared with 104 projects (40 percent) on the island.

“These water projects amount to RM311 million on the mainland, compared with RM172 million on the island, for the period 2008 to 2016,” Lim added.