The federal government is willing to consider allocating funds for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) if there is an application from the state government, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Lim said the Finance Ministry would study any potential application first before making any announcement, because all aspects have to be considered.

"I feel it should be done in stages, including discussions on the 'financial architecture' before an appplication (for funding) is forwarded to the federal government,” he told reporters after visiting SK Sungai Nyior in Butterworth today.

Lim was responding to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow saying that the state government might seek funding from the federal government to implement the PTMP.

He said discussions on the project should be done in a structured manner in accordance to procedures, and that any announcements to be made should only come after these are settled.

"We do work seriously and when there is an outcome, only then can we make an announcement. Everything will be checked and taken into consideration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said he would try to find funding for an SK Sungai Nyior building that has come under termite attack, and which has a leaking roof and outdated classroom equipment.

He said most of the schools in his constituency of Bagan had not received allocations for maintenance in a long time, and that he would do his best to secure funding to rectify the situation.

SK Sungai Nyior, which dates back to 1989 has 102 pupils, 18 teachers, three support staff and two cleaners.

-  Bernama