PARIT BUNTAR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The development of the Kerian Industrial City (KIC) covering 287 acres (116.145 hectares), with a gross development value (GDV) of around RM700 million, is expected to create nearly 12,000 job opportunities, thereby strengthening Kerian's position as a new industrial hub in Perak.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the development is not only aimed at attracting new investments but also creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), vendors, and supporting industries through the growth of industrial activities in the district.
"The location of Kerian, which is near the new Batu Kawan industrial centre in Penang and the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah, gives KIC an advantage in leveraging supply chain developments and manufacturing activities in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
"At the same time, the development of KIC together with KIGIP (Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park) will complement each other in forming a more robust industrial ecosystem and enhance Kerian's attractiveness to investors," he said at the press conference for the KIC groundbreaking ceremony in the Dennistown Region, Mukim Parit Buntar here today.
He said Perak needs to view Penang and Kedah as strategic partners, not competitors, to avoid unhealthy competition and enable the three states to complement one another, via the sharing of experiences and knowledge.
However, Saarani said the development of both industrial areas needs to be supported by adequate infrastructure and utility facilities, particularly a stable electricity supply to meet the needs of industrial growth.
He said the matter includes the need to develop a new Main Intake Substation (PMU) to support industrial growth in the area.
"I warmly welcome the discussions that have been held involving SD Guthrie, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and InvestPerak regarding the proposed development of the PMU, including the alignment of the access road involving the KIGIP area," he added,
Meanwhile, Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the project's development involves four phases and will take 10 years to complete. Additionally, the project will focus on targeted industrial sectors such as semiconductors and electrical and electronics (E&E).
Additionally, he said KIC provides space for other supporting industries such as testing services, calibration, and the engineering sector to support the needs of high-tech manufacturers.
"The development not only attracts investment but also provides quality job opportunities for locals, increases income, and stimulates the economic activities of the local community," he also said.
He added that KIC also requires support through collaboration among industry players, educational institutions, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers, to ensure that the local workforce possesses the skills that meet industry requirements.
-- BERNAMA