Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has rejected claims that the state’s finances are in trouble, saying critics should verify the latest figures before drawing comparisons with Johor.
He said Penang’s financial position has improved, with the state’s consolidated revenue account rising to RM616 million in the first five months of this year.
“Ask those making the claim to check our latest position. That is my answer,” he told reporters during a visit to the Air Putih constituency in Air Itam.
Chow added that he had previously committed in the state assembly to rebuilding Penang’s reserves to RM1 billion by the end of his term, noting that current figures show a positive trajectory.
He explained that the consolidated revenue account had grown steadily from RM155.4 million at the start of 2025 to RM199.22 million by April 30, before rising sharply to RM397.71 million by November 21 and reaching RM616 million in the first five months of 2026.
Chow was responding to remarks made by a Barisan Nasional-linked blogger who compared Penang’s financial position with Johor ahead of the upcoming state election, claiming Penang’s reserves were weakening.
The blogger also alleged that Penang had received a RM100 million federal advance to cover a projected deficit and suggested the state could face difficulties meeting salary obligations for civil servants.
Chow said such comparisons were politically motivated, adding that criticisms of state finances often intensify during election periods.
“There is a state election coming, so of course they will make comparisons,” he said.
