SEOUL: The government has never neglected investments in Kedah, it has even suggested to Hyundai Motor and supported its investment in Kulim, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In reply to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's statement that there was a "plot" created to thwart private investments in the state, Anwar jokingly said: "I am also Kedah's agent (in bringing foreign investments to Kedah).
"Although he (Sanusi) said so, but I still urge Hyundai to invest (in Kulim), (even though) there are some other places (options), but because of the infrastructure provided and also the export channel through the Penang port and the Penang airport, we propose in Kulim,” he said at a press conference at the end of his three-day official visit to South Korea on Tuesday (Nov 26).
Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government has never sabotaged investments in Kedah, and many investments have been brought into the state.
"Recently, following a meeting with the prime minister in South Korea, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has announced an investment of RM2.16bil in Kulim, Kedah," he said in a post on X on Tuesday.
Tengku Zafrul said HMC plans to carry out local vehicle assembly, including EV (electric vehicle) models in Kulim, and the company would also produce premium and luxury models targeted for the Asean market, where production is expected to start in mid-2025.
"This collaboration includes the expansion of the local EV ecosystem, emphasising highly innovative EV battery technology," he said.
He said Hyundai's investment would strengthen Malaysia's role as a regional automotive hub, which is in line with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
He said Hyundai's commitment will also create hundreds of high-skilled jobs for Malaysians and additional jobs for small and medium enterprises that support its operations. – Bernama
