From left: Nanyang Sea Silk Road Sdn Bhd director Chan Bee Heong, Teo, and Gezhouba Engineering (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd managing director Dong Hao, at the official Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony.
THE 109.2ha (270 acres) Golden Valley Industrial Hub here is set to transform Melaka’s economic landscape as a rising industrial destination in the country.
Strategically located in Jasin, about 16.6km from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza, the project by Teladan Group Bhd aims to attract investors from China and South-East Asia.
Group managing director Richard Teo Lay Ban said the hub is one of the few industrial parks in Malaysia offering zoning for all three spectrums – light, medium and heavy industries – allowing a rare level of operational flexibility for manufacturers and industry players.
“This diverse zoning makes it possible for businesses as varied as warehousing and automotive parts production to operate within a single integrated hub.
“The project is designed to accommodate all three spectrums, making it a comprehensive solution for investors.
“The hub has already attracted interest from sectors such as heavy machinery, auto parts, halal food and data centres,” he said in an interview.
He added that Golden Valley’s features set it apart from other developments, which typically only cater up to medium industries.
Teo said Phase One of the project, with a net saleable area (NSA) of 63.5ha (157 acres), will commence construction once final approvals are secured in May.
Construction and infrastructure works will begin immediately thereafter, with completion targeted within a year, he said, adding that sales will run concurrently with development.
The second and final phase of the project will add another 16.1ha (40 acres) of NSA and is expected to begin six months after the completion of Phase One.
The project is a joint venture between Teladan Group, Gezhouba Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd and Nanyang Sea Silk Road Sdn Bhd.
It also involves collaboration with Melaka Corporation (MCorp) and China Energy Investment Corporation, a state-owned energy company in China.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed on March 21, witnessed by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
“The collaboration lends credibility and reassurance to foreign investors.
“It is important to them that this project is backed by their own government-linked company and the Melaka government,” said Teo, adding that the project is projected to draw RM900mil in total investments.
He said the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, coupled with rising tariffs and currency concerns, are pushing Chinese manufacturers to seek new locations across Asia where tariffs are lower.
While Chinese investors are the primary focus, Teladan Group is also targeting local and Asean investors, particularly from Singapore and Indonesia, he added.
Teo said the influx of foreign direct investment would inject capital, technology and expertise into Melaka and Malaysia, while also generating job opportunities for locals.
He stressed that all investor applications are vetted by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to ensure only high-tech and desirable industries are approved.
“We are not a dumping ground for polluting industries. We are looking for investments that offer technology transfer and employment for locals,” he added.
Teo said while Melaka was late to the game compared to industrial powerhouses like Selangor and Johor, Golden Valley is among the frontrunners within the state for this type of development.
“Demand in those areas is so strong that prices have gone up several times.
“Melaka offers a more affordable alternative with strategic infrastructure – we have three tolls along the North-South Expressway – and the state’s smaller size gives it an edge in investor engagement.
“Here, investors can meet directly with heads of agencies such as MIDA and Invest Melaka, as well as the chief minister to get their answers on the spot,” he said.
To that, Golden Valley Industrial Hub chairman Datuk Wira Gan Tian Loo pointed out that they are in an advanced stage of discussions with a data centre operator interested in setting up within the hub.
“This year is significant as it marks the 620th year since Admiral Cheng Ho’s historic arrival in Melaka – a milestone that may help draw further attention from China.
“Many Chinese nationals are actually familiar with Melaka from their school textbooks, which gives us an advantage,” he said.
Gan added that Malaysia’s cultural similarities, ease of communication and availability of international schools further appeal to investors.
Meanwhile, Teo commended the Melaka government, MCorp, Mida and Invest Melaka for their proactive support in facilitating the project and giving confidence to investors.
“We are proud to play a part in helping develop Melaka into a more competitive state,” he said.
