LUMUT: The Perak government is requesting increased federal assistance to boost infrastructure and industrial growth, especially in key industrial zones and the rare earth element (REE) sector.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said sustainable economic growth in Perak hinges on robust connectivity and strategic investment incentives.
He hoped Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider increasing federal allocations for infrastructure upgrades and new investment schemes.
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“To ensure sustainable growth, we are appealing to the Prime Minister to consider funding the development of infrastructure in key industrial areas, along with new investment incentives that can help Perak attract more investors,” he said in his speech before Anwar closed the Madani Rakyat programme at the Lumut Waterfront here on Sunday (June 15).
Saarani said the success of industrial hubs such as the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) is closely tied to efficient transport infrastructure, including wider roads and an integrated rail network for cargo and passenger movement.
“There is a pressing need for better road systems and rail connectivity to link Lumut with other major towns,” he added.
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Saarani also emphasised the state’s aspirations in the REE sector.
He said as a pioneer in REE mining, Perak is working to become a key player in the downstream segment of the mineral industry.
“We support the Prime Minister’s vision of making Perak a leading player in this sector.
“The state has launched various initiatives to build a complete REE industry value chain, from upstream to downstream,” he said.
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He expressed hope that the Federal Government would back efforts to establish a midstream and downstream REE ecosystem in Perak, positioning the state as a regional hub for mineral production.
“Perak has the potential to be not just Malaysia’s top mineral producer, but a major contributor in the region as well,” Saarani said.
