PUTRAJAYA: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) aims to realise cumulative investments of RM470bil by 2030, says Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He said 70% of the targeted figure is expected to come from key sectors including electrical and electronics, automotive, high-value tourism and modern agriculture.
“This plan is not merely a document, but a catalyst to position NCER as a leader in high-value industrial investments and a global hub for research, development and innovation,” he said at the launch of the NCER 2026-2030 Strategic Development Plan.
The new target is RM126.2bil higher than the RM343.8bil goal set under the previous blueprint.
Akmal Nasrullah stressed that the figures reflect a commitment to ensure every ringgit invested translates into higher income, quality jobs and improved well-being for residents in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.
The blueprint also seeks to elevate the region’s gross domestic product to RM369bil, generate 310,000 quality jobs – 45% of which will be high-skilled – and raise median monthly household income to RM7,500.
The strategic framework rests on four core pillars: Enhancing Capabilities, Driving Innovation, Empowering Growth and Leveraging Regional Advantages.
These are underpinned by 15 strategies and 21 targeted initiatives.
“This new plan will serve as a clear and effective guide in steering the Northern Region throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan period to emerge as a successful regional development model, not only in Malaysia but also at the regional level,” said Akmal Nasrullah, reported Bernama.
Among the major long-term projects that will transform the landscape of the Northern Region are the Kedah Science and Technology Park, the Sidam Advanced Logistics and Manufacturing Hub, the Kedah Rubber City, the Chuping Valley Industrial Area, the Bagan Datuk Industrial Area, Penang Silicon Island and the Northern Peninsular Border Economic Zone.
