Although Koh says most of those workers have been absorbed by other factories, it is clear that Penang's industrial base is in trouble. Penang should be doing a lot more higher technology. Penang's energy is flagging. Blackouts in the state's industrial zone continue to dissuade new investment. Koh's people apparently had nixed a proposed alternative supply network.
All power comes from the mainland because the island has no primary power station.
Penang's University of Science Malaysia has also slipped in the ratings. It is not setting up alliances like other universities. Worse, it appears to be decaying. In May, the varsity's computer system totally crashed and all admissions, exam results and library borrowings could not be processed for several days. The malaise is not limited to those industries or projects that require substantial investment.