Kedah records RM14.6bil approved investment, ranks 3rd highest in Malaysia
26 Nov 2023
Kedah has recorded RM14.6 billion approved investment in the first half of 2023, placing the state as the third highest investment destination in the country after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that RM11.88 billion of the total approved investments in manufacturing, services, and primary industries were foreign direct investments (FDI), with the remaining RM2.69 billion being domestic investments.
“This achievement is an indicator that Kedah Kedah is a competitive state for national and global investments.
“The highest foreign investment is from Japan valued at RM7.38 billion, followed by China with RM4.16 billion, Singapore RM149.5 million, Hong Kong RM104 million and the Netherlands with RM61.28 million.
“All the approved investments will help create 3,500 jobs for the people in the state, comprising various sectors namely electrical and electronic, petrochemical, mechanical and so on,” he told the state legislative assembly while tabling the 2024 state budget in Wisma Darul Aman today.
The Perikatan Nasional Jeneri assemblyman said Kedah had surpassed its annual target of securing a minimum RM10 billion investments annually, for three consecutive years since 2021.
Sanusi added that Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) retains its status as the state’s investment magnet with a total accumulated investment of RM134.1 billion by 43 industries investment.
“In response to high demand from investors, the state government through Kulim Technology Park Corporation Sdn Bhd (KTPC) has initiated KHTP Phase 4A Expansion plan with land size of 101 hectares, which is expected to be ready by September 2025.
Sanusi said in order to cater demand for the high impact investments and domestic consumption, the state government was rolling out a comprehensive water supply development.
He said for 2024, the state government would continue with the upgrading projects for three Water Treatment Plants (WTP) namely in Pelubang, Jenun Baru and Buntar Lama which are expected to be completed between 2024 and 2026.
“Besides that, mitigation will continue for projects that are a bit behind schedule namely Bukit Selambau WTP and Sungai Limau WTP, in order to expedite their completion.
“The state government has also obtained the Finance Ministry’s approval for the funding of the mainland to Langkawi submerged water piping’s repair works, which is causing a leakage of 20MLD. The project is expected to commence by the third quarter of 2024.
“As for the project to improve the Padang Matsirat water pumping in Langkawi, the project is in the final phase and expected to be completed by next month.
“All the RM263.58 million expenses for the projects are being funded by the Kedah State Water Supply Fund Development Group,” he said.
Sanusi said in order to reduce water supply disruptions, the state government has embarked on a RM967.4 million Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction Programme.
He said the project to replace old and dilapidated pipes to be carried out in a span of 15 years with a target to reduce NRW percentage by one per cent annually.
Sanusi also informed the House that in order to cater demand from the industries, the state government, via state-owned Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) would begin the construction of Sidam Kiri Phase 1 WTP with a capacity of 200MLD and Sungai Karangan WTP with a capacity of 150MLD.
He said both projects had been approved by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and to be fully funded by a loan by Sada from the Water Asset Management Bhd (PAAB).
According to Sanusi, the initial works for the projects have started with the construction works expected to commence by 2028.
Source: NST
