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抵御全球经济危机

复苏槟州经济之提议 26.4.2009  重点摘要

槟州经济概况

1) 自从去年第2季开始，对槟州房产的需求正不断下跌，影响了该行业的成长。虽然建筑业只占槟城国内生产总值的2.6％，就业率占7.8％（根据2008年第2季的统计数据），惟其连带行业如钢铁、洋灰、瓷砖、浴室固定装置及配件、家俬和装配、家庭用品、甚至是零售，服务和金融皆对槟州经济成长带来贡献。  2) 槟州制造业正大吹裁员风，许多大小企业正迈入结业的阶段。  3) 为面对经济危机的冲击，许多在槟州设立公司的美方跨国企业（MNCs）正实施多项削减成本的措施。多家著名的工厂开始缩减开销，如通过暂时关闭厂房以及强制性要求员工告假。上述措施导致员工薪水大幅度削减，故此，消费也削减了。  4) 另一方面，由于裁员情况增加，新投入槟州地道的餐馆食坊小贩和小规模生意业者人数可能会增加。这将对目前经营餐馆和小贩业者带来负面的冲击；目前，本地餐饮业盈利预测将降低20至40％。  5) 如今槟州被列为联合国教科文组织世界文化遗产（UNESCO），然而目前此座历史性城市的人口却因移居至槟州其他卫星城镇而日渐减少，许多建筑物因此空置或失修。缺乏活力的市中心让游客对槟州的印象扣分，进而导致他们缩短逗留的日子。这并未对本地旅游发展带来好兆头，因为游客的负面点评将为乔治市这座历史遗迹城市的形象以及槟州旅游业带来负面影响。

振兴槟州经济之道 - 产业与发展

放宽批准程序及提供奖掖 地方政府一站式图测批准中心、槟岛市政局和威省市政局的官员有需提高效率以加速图测的批准。地方当局不应以下列理由如不符合条规、资料不齐全、邻居反对及其他技术问题来驳回发展申请。 州政府应自动撤消对6个月后仍未能售出的土著保留单位的限制及废除发展商须缴交撤消土著保留单位的现金捐献规定 。 目前，土著发展商可享有额外30%的房屋密度，为此，我们建议应不分种族，让所有发展商皆可享有额外30%的房屋密度。

马来西亚我的第二家园计划

州政府应积极推动槟城为"第二家园"计划的首选地点，因为这将促进本地产业领域的成长。 每一名"第二家园"计划参与者平均每月开销是RM9,800，这些数据应足证明该计划具有成长潜质。 州政府应充分利用这个机会，与本地产业发展商联手推展积极的广告和促销策略以吸引"第二家园"参与者。

重新发展及翻新 随着私人投资减少及市场态势低迷，政府有需带头刺激市场，并增加公共开销以提升现有资产和基本设施。 我们建议州政府仿效新加坡重建破旧的公共房屋。其一，这类工程将改善住户的生活素质。

制造业

聘请本地工人；减少依赖外劳 本地制造领域是槟州经济的第二大贡献者，共雇佣州内总劳动力的34.7%。 我们建议州政府采取措施即时强制获得政府合约的公司雇聘本地工人。 我们赞赏州政府拨款１千万令吉让失业工人参加企业或培训计划。不过，州政府更应披露协助被裁退者寻找新工作的拨款数额。

州政府以身作则使用马来西亚制成品

州政府应以身作则使用国货，并采取措施以大马制造的产品来取代舶来品。这些措施应配合媒体广泛宣传，展示州政府将竭尽全力克服经济危机。

刺激内需

克服外需萎缩导致出口订单减少的其中一个方法就是刺激内需。此举可稳定工业生产及减缓因减产而带来的裁员压力。

公布精确及详细的已批准外来投资项目

我们非常庆幸去年槟城共吸引了102亿令吉的投资，并创造了2万2千215个就业机会。 然而，我们想要知道的是真正落实的投资额而非投资承诺，具体体现在投入在厂 址、购买机械及花费在各领域之实际开销的巴仙率。此外，我们也想知道所创造的 2万个就业机会中雇聘本地劳动力的巴仙率。 旅游业

槟城 应加强推广州内旅游业

旅游业是槟州经济的第二支柱，不仅占了州内生产总值的56.9%，成长率也比占39.5%的制造业更高。 州政府应善用曾经获得的奖赏名誉来加以宣传槟城旅游业，如于2008年获得纽约泰晤杂志选出的亚洲旅游休闲最佳岛屿“2009年世界最佳旅游奖”，以向国际推广槟城的旅游景点。

联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)世界文化遗产

乔治市被列为世界文化遗产的殊荣将有助于提升槟州旅游业的竞争力，但是州政府对此却缺乏明确的方向和高瞻远瞩的长期计划。倘若这种情况持续下去，槟城恐怕难以保留其世界文化遗产的地位。 州政府还有很多工作需进行，包括了还原昔日的 壮美面貌。 我们也再次建议成立一个由州政府和私人机构联合管理的“世界遗产基金会”。该基金会将可以合理价格购买遗址产物。 目前，乔治市还没有犹如台湾士林夜市、厦门中山路、曼谷高山路或马六甲文化街的夜市街或商业休闲区。我们相信一个富有特色风光的夜市街将成为游客来槟的吸引力，这不仅将可赚取外汇和活络乔治市的商机，同时也可解决因市内残旧遗址产物所引起的社会问题。

医疗旅游

医疗旅游已成为亚洲成长最快的行业，这从每年到亚洲进行医疗的旅客平均增长率达20%至30%及2007年有超过290万就医者到泰国、印度、新加坡、马来西亚和菲律宾接受医疗服务的数据中可见。

根据马来西亚私人医院协会（APHM）的数据显示，来马接受医疗服务的游客自2003后就增加三倍，截至2007年共有341，288人或达2亿5千384万令吉的收入。在2008年的前九月，超过282，000来马的医疗旅游者寻求医疗服务，带来了大约2亿2千225万令吉的收支， 并比2007年的同期中增长16%。该2007年的数据也显示就医者中占多数的是印尼人民72%、新加坡人民10%、日本人5%、欧洲人3%和印度人民3%，并认为槟城、马六甲和新山是进行医疗的最佳地点。

槟城保健协会会在2007年和2008年的总收益分别为1亿5千653 万令吉及1亿6千615万令吉。总的来说，医疗旅游的收支率共占了总收益的15%至30%。从较属意到新加坡和马来西亚就医并占最大医疗市场的印尼来看，以目前低迷经济的情况，医疗费比新加坡较廉宜的我国将会是印尼就医者优先考虑的选择。此外，泰国的政治动荡也无形中促使不少就医者选择到我国进行医疗。 同时，病黎的人身安全也应该获得关注，尤其在经济衰退导致罪案率飙升的时刻。州政府应该与警方联手执行防止罪案发生措施，以免让偏高的罪案率对旅游业带来负面影响。 美食天堂 以廉宜和美味食物闻名的槟州不仅有美食天堂之称，也于2004年获得泰晤杂志颁发“亚洲最佳街食”奖，显示了该旅游特点对游客的吸引力。 卫生欠佳是槟州美食长久以来面对的问题。我们认为，政府需要采取适当措施来解决该问题，这包括了安顿街边小贩至交通方便的商业地点，提供饮食业者提升卫生程度和客户服务的短期训练、限期改善卫生及严加执行现有条例以对付违法业者等。 公共交通系统 至今槟州仍没有一个可服务素质佳的公共交通系统。其实，一个有效率、路线方便和可依赖的交通系 统 对城市、经济和社会发展非常重要，惟遗憾的是，槟州至今为止还没有拥有一个真正可依赖的公共交通系 统，让上班族、购物者、民众和游客可乘搭公共交通达致目的地，如商业区、学校和文化中心等。 许多巴士公司皆无法提供相称的服务效率，所以州政府有必要设法协助该公司提升他们的服务。 槟城快捷通公司从2007年7月31日开始启动，并设有150辆新巴 士每天行驶33 条路线，其中110辆巴士被安排来往槟岛和威省之间，槟岛则40辆。 2009年5月至12月，槟城快捷通将再添购另有200辆的新巴士，其中半数将各别分配给槟岛和威省，以期缩短30分钟至10分钟的候车时间及提升服务素质。虽然更多的巴士将可为乘客带来便利，但相政府无法提供足够的巴士停放空间，为此，政府应尽快正视上述问题。 州政府应与德士公会商讨如何进一步标准化德士收费及使用德士车表的措施。 槟州应引进于吉隆坡推行的公开申请德士执照制度，虽然在经营者大量注资购买内部设备舒适及素质较佳的车辆下，导致乘客需要支付比普通德士多于15%的车费，但该德士在为乘客提供的服务表现是令人非常满意的。

总结 为了顾全大局，州政府和联邦政府必须搁置分歧，共同努力以解决笼罩我国的经济危机，并通过务实合作振兴低迷的经济。州政府需与联邦政府保持紧密联系，向联邦政府提呈发展州内经济各项计划，确保联邦政府注入资金发展槟城。另一方面，槟城作为我国的主要经济火车头，联邦政府需要公平分配国家资源，以延续槟州的经济发展，并惠及国家。

欲知详情。。。

Combating Global Financial Crisis: Proposals to Revive Penang’s Economy

26.4.2009 SUMMARY of FOCAL POINTS

Overview: Current Economic Situation of Penang 1) Since the second quarter of last year, the demand for Penang properties is gradually dipping, affecting the growth of the sector. The spill-over effects of this sector are considerable as at least an estimate of 140 down stream activities are adversely affected. 2) The Penang manufacturing sector is experiencing a wave of retrenchment, as many corporation, large and small, are folding their business operation. 3) To face the brunt of the economic crisis, the factories are adopting various cost-cutting measures. A number of them have begun reducing their overheads through temporary plant shut down and mandatory leave by the workers. Such measures affect the income of workers , thus contributing to lower spending and also loss of confidence in future spending. 4) With this , Penang is expecting to see an increase in the number of hawkers and petty traders taking their chances in the local F&B sector. This will have a negative impact on current hawkers and F&B operators. 5) Though Penang is now listed as a UNESCO heritage site, but the present historical city’s population has been declining steadily and causing many structures uninhabited and dilapidated. The lack of vibrancy in the inner city is affecting tourists perception and will reduce their stay in the state. Further , the passing of negative remarks by tourists will have a negative impact on the image of George Town. Suggestions to Revive Penang’s Economy Property Development Relaxation of approval procedures and provision of incentives • The efficiency of government One Stop Centre, as well as MPPP and MPSP staff, needs to be improved. Non-compliance, incomplete information, neighbours’ objection and other technicalities should not become excuses to delay the approval. • The state government should pro-actively lift the ban on the unsold Bumiputera units , preferably after 6 months of launching and should also do away with the monetary contribution for the unsold Bumiputra reserved units. • At present , bumiputra status developers are given an additional 30% density , we would suggest that this additional density should be given to all developers across the board. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme The state government should aggressively promote Penang as the preferred MM2H destination, as such will spur the growth of the local property sector. • There is indeed potential to grow and is estimated that each MM2H participant spends an average RM9,800 in monthly. • The state government should capitalise on such opportunities together with local property developers, and adopt an aggressive advertising and promotional strategy to attract potential MM2H participants. Redevelopment and Refurbishment • With the decline in private investment and a gloomy market situation, the government needs to take the lead in stimulating the marketplace, with increase in public spending such as upgrading existing assets and infrastructure. • Thus, we recommend the state government to follow the example of Singapore in refurbishing dilapidated public housing. On one hand, such a project will improve the occupants’ quality of life. Manufacturing Industry Employ local workforce; reduce reliance on foreign labour • The local manufacturing sector is the second biggest contributor to Penang’s economy, employing 34.7% of the total state work force. We recommend the state government to introduce the measure of mandatory hiring of local workers for companies awarded with state government contracts. • We laud the state government in allocating RM10 million for unemployed workers to participate in entrepreneurship or training programmes. However, the state government should reveal the amount allocated to assist retrenched workers finding new job opportunities. State government leading in using Made-in-Malaysia products The state government lead by example in using Made-in-Malaysia products, with measures such as replacing foreign goods with Malaysian products. Such measures should be extensively promoted through the media, demonstrating the state’s effort in addressing the economic crisis. To stimulate domestic demand – buy Malaysian Campaign • One approach to counter a contracting external demand that diminishes export orders is to stimulate domestic demand. Such a measure may stabilize industrial output, and to relief the pressure of retrenching workers due to reduced production. Accurate and detailed announcement of approved foreign investment • We are glad that Penang received RM10.2 billion in investment last year that spurred the creation of 22,215 jobs. • However, we wish to know the actual investment amount instead of the amount of committed investment, specifically the percentage set aside for site construction, purchases of machinery, and the actual amount spent on the various local sectors. • In addition, we would like to know the percentage of the local workforce employed in the 20,000 jobs created. Tourism Industry Penang should intensify its effort in promoting Penang tourism • Tourism is Penang's second growth engine, contributing 56.9% of Penang's overall GDP, above the 39.5% contribution from the manufacturing sector. The state government should take advantage of the various accolades presented to Penang, such as being a receiver of the “2008 World's Best Award” as one of the top Asian island in Travel + Leisure, and as one of the “Best Places to Go in 2009” chosen by New York Times, as leverage to promote Penang as an international tourism destination. UNESCO World Heritage Site • The listing of George Town as a World Heritage Site gives a boost to the competitiveness of the Penang tourism sector BUT State Government is at loss , lack of directions and far sighted long term planning. If this lacklustre position is allowed to prolong , then Penang may not be able to keep the award • Many more works are required of the state government, including the restoration of George Town to its former glory. • Once again, we recommend the setting up of a joint 'Heritage Trust Fund' by the state government and the private sectors. The proposed trust fund may purchase heritage properties at a reasonable price, • At present, George Town does not possess a night bazaar and commercial walk street similar to the likes of Taiwan's Shilin Night Market, Xiamen's Zhongsan Road, Bangkok's Khaosan Road or Malacca's Jonker Street. We believe that the a vibrant and unique night bazaar in George Town will act as a magnet in attracting tourists, while at the same time earning foreign currency exchange, revitalising George Town's businesses and solving the various social problems caused by dilapidated heritage properties within the inner city. Medical Tourism • Medical tourism is a rapid-growing sector in Asia, with an average increase of medical tourists to Asia countries between 20-30% per annum. More than 2.9 Million patients visited Thailand, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines for medical tourism in 2007. Statistics from the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) reveal that the number of medial tourists to Malaysia has more than tripled since 2003, to a total of 341,288 in 2007, with an income of RM253.84mil. For the first nine months of 2008, over 282,000 medical tourists came to Malaysia to seek treatment, generating a revenue of about RM222.25mil, a 16% increase from the same period in 2007. The 2007 statistics also reveal that 72% were made up of Indonesians,10% from Singapore, 5% from Japan, 3% from Europe and 3% from India, with Penang, Malacca and Johor Baru as their favourite destinations. • Given that Indonesia comprises the largest market of medical tourists to Singapore and Malaysia, the economic slowdown created an unforeseen opportunity where Indonesians may choose Malaysia over Singapore due to cheaper medical costs. In addition, the political turmoil in Thailand has diverted a significant number of medical tourists to Malaysia. • At the same time, there is the need to safeguard the safety of tourists, especially during an economic recession, where there will be a rise in crime rate. Food Paradise • Penang has been known as a food haven. In 2004, Penang was awarded a title of “The Best Street Food” in Asia by TIME magazine. It is a proven tourism product that has attracted countless tourists to Penang. • The low standard of hygiene has plagued the local F&B sector for a long time. Thus, the state government needs to adopt appropriate measures to solve the problem. These include a comprehensive plan to relocate road-side hawkers to commercially viable locations, providing F&B operators short-term training on hygiene and customer service, grace period to improve cleanliness and thereafter the strict enforcement of existing by-laws on errant operators. Public Transport System • To date , Penang does not possess a reliable public transportation system , Efficient, accessible and reliable public transport systems is vital to a city’s economic and social health. Many workers, shoppers and residents as well as tourists rely on public transport to have access to the city’s business, retail, educational and cultural centres. The services provided by most of the public transport companies are not up to par, and as such the state government needs to come up with measures to assist these companies to improve their services. • Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd commenced operation on July 31 2007,with 150 new buses plying 33 routes, providing shuttle services for inter-corridor links on both the island (110 buses) and the mainland (40 buses). Currently, Rapid Penang has difficulty securing sites to park an additional 200 new buses, which is scheduled to arrive in phases between May to December 2009. However, the government did not provide enough depots to park these new buses. The state government needs to address this problem immediately. • The state government needs to negotiate with local taxi associations and drivers to fix a standardize taxi fares and impose the use of taxi metres. The implementation of “open license system” in taxi business in Kuala Lumpur shall be introduced to Penang. Although the charge is 15 % slightly higher than normal taxi service, internal condition of the taxi is far more comfortable as the operator will mostly purchase better car to enter this business. Conclusion The state and the federal government need put aside their differences and work together to address the economic crisis that is looming in our country, and forge meaningful, mature, and practical cooperation to revive the sagging economy. The state government needs to communicate with the federal government on its various proposals on economic development, while exhausting all means to secure funding for Penang. On the other hand, the federal government needs to be fair in distributing national resources to assist in the development of Penang, as Penang is one of the nation's primary economic locomotive. Without arresting the decline of Penang's economy, the country will sure experience its ripples in the coming future.

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