THE Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) is targeting RM470 billion in cumulative investment by 2030, with 70 per cent expected from electrical and electronics, automotive, high-value tourism and modern agriculture.
The investment drive is part of the NCER Strategic Development Plan 2026-2030, which also targets raising the Northern Region’s gross domestic product to RM369 billion, creating 310,000 quality jobs, including 45 per cent in high-skilled positions, and lifting median household income to RM7,500.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the plan, launched today, was aimed at translating the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) vision into structured and high-impact regional development.
He said it would position NCER as a leader in high-value industrial investment and a global hub for research, development, commercialisation, technology and innovation.
“These targets are not merely figures, but a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that every ringgit of investment coming in is translated into higher incomes, quality jobs and the well-being of the people in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.
“To achieve these targets, this new plan is supported by four pillars, namely Enhancing Capabilities; Driving Innovation; Enabling Growth; and Leveraging Regional Advantages. These pillars are further supported by 15 strategies and 21 initiatives designed to ensure the targets are achieved,” he said in a statement.
The plan aims to promote more balanced growth among the four states and between urban and rural areas through higher productivity, talent development, stronger infrastructure and connectivity, innovation, wider social networks and environmental protection.
Major projects identified under the plan include the Kedah Science and Technology Park, Sidam Logistics and Advanced Manufacturing Hub, Kedah Rubber City, Chuping Valley Industrial Area, Penang Silicon Island and the northern peninsula border economic zone.
Northern Corridor Implementation Authority chief executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said NCER would coordinate cooperation across governments, ministries and agencies to link investment with talent, technology, local enterprises and supply chains.
“Based on the encouraging achievements recorded by NCER under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the targets set in the NCER Strategic Development Plan 2026-2030 have exceeded the targets in the RMK13 for the Northern Region.
“With a clear direction and effective implementation, I am confident NCER can strengthen its position as a preferred investment destination and world-class technology hub, while narrowing development gaps and improving the well-being of the people,” he said. - September 14, 2026
