GEORGE TOWN, May 19 -- Penang is exploring alternative markets in Asia and Europe to reduce its dependence on the United States, following concerns over US trade policies, including a 24 per cent tariff on Malaysian products.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed the importance for the state to remain competitive, especially amidst evolving geopolitical and trade policies under the current US administration.

"President Donald Trump wants American factories to go back to the US, so he imposed a high tariff," he said, when replying to a question from Gooi Hsio Leong (PKR-Bukit Tengah) on the impact of US tariffs on Penang at the state legislative assembly today.

Chow explained this would not happen quickly as relocating was a comp...