Northern Corridor targets RM3.8bil of investment for Perak this year

IPOH: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is targeting an RM3.8bil investment for Perak this year, says its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John (pic).

He said as of Aug 31, Perak has attracted RM2.34bil of investment from five companies that would create 4,400 new job opportunities in the industrial and service sectors.

He said NCIA had also announced several incentive programmes in an effort to support the business community in the state to face the challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“NCIA has provided financing grants to local small and medium enterprises in Perak to address the economic implications.

“To ensure Perak remains stable in socio-economic growth, NCIA will continue to attract high quality investment, and be committed in implementing inclusive, holistic and people-centred human capital programmes,” he said during a Perak Investment Commitment event held via zoom on Monday (Oct 4).

Present were Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad, state secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, Perak industry, investment and corridor development committee chairman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya, and the investors from five companies.

The companies are Eco Medi Glove Sdn Bhd, Onetexx Sdn Bhd, PNA Technologies Sdn Bhd, HICOM-Teck See manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, and Dynacare Sdn Bhd.

Meanwhile, Saarani said to accelerate the recovery process, the state government would continue to focus on attracting strategic and high-impact investments as well as creating more job opportunities.

He said NCIA had forged close cooperation with the state government to plan, implement, and coordinate development in less developed areas such as Kamunting, Kampung Gajah, Tanjung Malim and Sitiawan.

“Thus the investments from the five companies in the glove, automotive and other industries can spur economic growth as well as contribute towards the state’s recovery plan.

“The state encourages high-value investment in the manufacturing and services industry, especially in the areas of research and development activities, digitalisation, and adoption of new technologies in line with the Perak Development Plan 2040,” he said.

Saarani appealed to the NCIA to attract more high-impact investments in the state.

“Perak needs to focus on the production of electrical, electronics, optical, as well as rubber products, especially gloves.

“This is because Perak has an advantage in these industries compared to other states, and thus investment-related promotions must be expanded for the state to become an investment destination in the country,” he added.