ALOR STAR – Kedah is planning to open a new industrial estate in Gurun to cater for investments and attract companies from different sectors as part of the state’s aim to see RM10 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI).
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the project, eyed for development on a 404.6ha area, will provide another venue for international and domestic investments other than the Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
He said this at a virtual media conference after the royal address by Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah to inaugurate the first sitting of the fifth term of the Kedah assembly today.
He said that the state is working with the private sector to cater to investor demand and also to accommodate other industrial sectors.
“Currently, investors are concentrating only on the Kulim Hi-Tech Park,” he said.
Sanusi said the state has set a target of RM10 billion FDI every year.
However, it has only reached RM6.8 billion this year and will try to attain the RM10 billion target next year.
“We are working on the expansion of the industrial land in Kulim Hi-Tech Park with phases 4A and 5 with the help of the federal government.
“The Kulim Technology Park Council is in the midst of discussions with existing investors and new investors to continue to invest in Kedah.
“With the involvement of Kedah Investment and Kulim Hi-Tech Park, it is not hard to attain the RM10 billion yearly target of FDI in Kedah,” he added.
Sanusi added that Kedah will not stay as an agricultural state to produce food, as it would transform as a manufacturing hub to cater to new market demands in the northern peninsular state.
Kedah will further develop the Special Economic Zone at Bukit Kayu Hitam near the Thai border with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, making the Kedah Science and Technology Park as well as the Kulim International Airport a reality.
“We have to prepare our citizens and enable them to be equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to future developments in the state.
“We are also looking into ways to upgrade the internet access in Kedah, especially in rural areas. We have approved the installation of 200 new poles in the state to cater to the 5G internet facility,” he added. – The Vibes, March 20, 2022
