Primed for an ‘industrial revolution’
12 May 2023
Perak is all set for Tanjung Malim to be turned into an Automotive High-Technology Valley (AHTV), says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar said all proactive plans and preparations were already in place.
“Some 50,000 people, including workers and their families, are expected to reside in Tanjung Malim by 2027, with the establishment of AHTV, as well as plans to expand the existing Proton plant.
“If we go to Japan, there is Toyota City, so my plan is to have something similar for Tanjung Malim.
“We only have four years and that is not a long time. Therefore, planning and preparations are already in place,” he told reporters after attending a meet-the-people session at the Advance Technology Training Centre here yesterday.
Saarani was asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement during his trip to Beijing in April that Malaysia had clinched investments from China worth a record RM170bil.
Among the highlights is the development of AHTV which focuses on new energy vehicles.
On May 7, Anwar said there were also plans to further develop national car manufacturer Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant into a regional hub with investment from Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd.
He also mentioned that the matter had been discussed with the Perak Mentri Besar to ensure ease of doing business.
Last year, DRB-Hicom Bhd launched the AHTV development plan to serve as an automotive industry hub for the South-East Asian region.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with Geely to jointly develop AHTV and to identify vendors and investors for the hub.
Besides supporting Proton, AHTV is expected to attract companies involved in new technologies and systems that are related to the automotive industry.
Saarani said the two most important aspects the state would focus were adequate housing schemes and establishing more schools.
“The State Secretary has chaired four meetings with the relevant bodies over the matter, even before the Prime Minister’s recent trip to China.
“Currently, there are 3,000 staff working at the Proton plant, and I was told from now until 2027, a total of 10,000 workers will be based in Tanjung Malim, with the development of AHTV.
“If the workers bring their spouses along, that will be 20,000 people, and if on average a family has three school-going children, that would come up to 30,000 children.
“The State Secretary has already met with the Perak Housing and Property Board over the matter for immediate planning,” he said.
Saarani said there was also the need to build more primary and secondary schools in the district.
Source: The Star
