Photo: Ronnie Chin/The Star
IPOH: The success of the pilot centralised labour quarters (CLQ) project in Jelapang here will be used as a benchmark model for the development of similar projects in Perak, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic, left).
The Perak Mentri Besar said this was needed in large-scale industrial areas with high numbers foreign workers.
He said the old Murni Hostel was used for the CLQ project in Jelapang, where some 368 foreign workers are housed.
"The target is to house some 12,000 workers when the CLQ project is completed in five years to meet the demand of the rapidly developing industrial sector in Perak.
"The success of this pilot project will possibly see similar projects carried out in other parts of the state, namely in Kerian, Kamunting, Tanjung Malim, Manjung, Seri Iskandar and Batu Gajah," he said during a site visit here on Thursday (Dec 1).
The pilot CLQ project is a collaboration between the state government's development arm, Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) and the private sector.
The project is expected to start in stages from February next year.
Once the project is completed, hostels would have a canteen, launderette, landscape, grocery store and Covid-19 screening services, among others.
"We have seen success in attracting major investment to the state and the development of the CLQ will support expansion plans of industry players to accommodate a larger workforce in a safe and comfortable environment.
"The CLQ is strategically located near industrial areas that would shorten travel time and also overcome concerns of foreign workers staying in existing residential areas," he added.
