State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (PKR-Batu Maung) said these cities were chosen because of their similarities with Penang.

He said Singapore not only had historical links, but was also strategically located while Hong Kong was similar to Penang in size and port operations.

Dubai was closely linked with Penang based on its tourism and multi-cultural society.

Abdul Malik said the state government had taken several steps to link up with the countries, including having seminars for local entrepreneurs and establishing government-to-government ties.
Winding-up the debate on the motion of thanks to the Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas for his opening address, Abdul Malik spoke about the rising cost of goods because of the fuel price hike.

He took a swipe at Petronas, detailing how the national oil company had failed to help keep fuel prices low.

His comments prompted opposition Barisan Nasional assemblymen to defend Petronas.

Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya (BN-Teluk Bahang) said it was unfair to blame Petronas as the state government could not expect the company to give up its profits to keep prices low.

Abdul Malik responded that Petronas should know its priorities and contribute more to the country by reducing its reinvestment plans.

The prolonged debate about Petronas led to Shabudin Yahya (BN-Permatang Berangan) asking if the state assembly was taking over the role of Parliament by deliberating on national issues.