Over 150,000 Jobs Created from 1,142 Manufacturing Projects Implemented in Kedah
Kedah is one of the oldest states in Malaysia and has captivating history behind it. In fact, there is more to this ‘Rice Bowl State’ than just paddy fields. In term of investments, there are 1,142 manufacturing projects implemented in Kedah with total investments of RM51.28 billion as at December 2016. These projects have created over 150,000 job opportunities for the state.
25 January 2018, Kuala Lumpur – “Kedah is one of the oldest states in Malaysia and has captivating history behind it. In fact, there is more to this ‘Rice Bowl State’ than just paddy fields. In term of investments, there are 1,142 manufacturing projects implemented in Kedah with total investments of RM51.28 billion as at December 2016. These projects have created over 150,000 job opportunities for the state,” said Mr. Zabidi Mahbar, Executive Director, Strategic Planning (Manufacturing) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in his welcoming remarks at the MIDA Invest Series event held this morning. The event themed, “Unfolding States Business Potential’ took place at MIDA headquarters in collaboration with Invest Kedah.
“Despite the challenging global economic environment, Kedah has persevered by attracting additional approved investments worth RM1.29 billion in the manufacturing sectors from January to September last year, creating another 1,543 job opportunities for the state. These 26 projects were mainly in non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, E&E, machinery and equipment, rubber products, and fabricated metal products.” he added.
There are 10 industrial parks available in Kedah, including the Kulim High Tech Park (KHTP) that has a strong presence of multinationals from the electrical and electronic industry. Total foreign direct investment in Kulim High Tech Park is currently amounted to RM42.3 billion. Among them include Intel, First Solar, Silterra, Infineon Technologies, Fuji Electrics and Osram. Osram had recently opened its new semiconductor plant in KHTP. With Osram’s state-of-the-art facility, Malaysia now has the world’s most advanced LED chip factory.
Kedah has the advantage of providing a constant supply of talents due to the availability of more than 38 higher learning institutions including universities, colleges and training institutes. Notably, the Kedah Industrial Skills & Management Development Centre collaborates with companies operating in Kedah to provide an industry ready workforce.
The government, through MIDA has established a Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) to accelerate the shift of Malaysian-owned companies in targeted industries to high value-added, high technology, knowledge-intensive and innovation-based industries. Under DISF, MIDA has approved 270 projects with investments of RM13 billion as at December 2017. For Kedah, a total of RM83.9 billion was granted for 14 manufacturing projects worth RM702.3 million.
In August 2017, YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has launched Blueprint 2016-2025 (Blueprint 2.0) for Northern Corridor Economic Development. The blueprint aims to outline the future directions and strategies to expand growth, reduce regional imbalances and introduces bold measures for the long-term benefit of all by sustaining its growth momentum.
In the blue print, two NCER growth node projects have been identified in Kedah, namely Kedah Rubber City (KRC) and Kedah Science and Technology Park (KSTP). KRC focuses on high-value rubber and rubber based industries, whereas KSTP envisions to be a world-class centre for the promotion and commercialisation of applied scientific research and technology.
“We are optimistic that these projects will be an impetus to attract more quality investments into Kedah, particularly in the targeted sectors. With so much room available for expansion and diversification particularly in new growth areas, we look forward to more companies taking advantage of the established ecosystem and facilities that Kedah has to offer. MIDA’s office in Alor Setar is ever ready to serve the needs of investors on the ground,” said Mr. Zabidi.
MIDA Invest Series is an ongoing initiative undertaken by MIDA since early January 2018 to promote a competitive economy with equitable development among all states in Malaysia. This briefing featured a presentation by Mr. Zafir Annuar bin Ghazali, Senior General Manager of Invest Kedah on investment prospects of Kedah and its latest developments.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ahmad Tajudin Omar
Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA
Tel.: 03-2267 3627 | Email: [email protected]
Download:
Slide Presentation by InvestKedah
