Kulim Hi-Tech Park to draw in RM10b worth of investments

The phase four development of Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) covering 435 acres (176 ha.), expected to be completed in July, has the potential to attract RM10 billion in investments, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir. He said the phase four development, to meet the needs of industries such as aerospace and petrochemicals, will create 8,000 to 10,000 jobs for the people. "This is part of the government's efforts to ensure Kedah continues to be a main investment destination for foreign investors following new investments last year in the medical equipment and pharmaceutical industries by multinational companies based in the US, Japan and also Malaysia. "Our plan is also to attract domestic investment especially in high-technology industries," he said in his speech at the investiture in conjunction with the 86th birthday of the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. The ceremony at Balai Penghadapan Istana Anak Bukit near here was officiated by the chairman of the Kedah Council of Regency, Tan Sri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah. Mukhriz said the new investors' production and services centres will be located at several new industrial parks to be developed in Padang Terap and Bukit Kayu Hitam in order to boost economic growth in areas bordering Thailand. Since taking over the administration, the new state government has worked hard to raise revenue including finding new sources of income and stepping up efforts at collecting unpaid premiums, he said. "The state's income in 2012 of RM418 million rose to RM514 million last year, and revenue this year is projected to jump to RM724 million form existing sources and 17 new sources. "Cost-cutting measures through prudent spending have saved RM100 million in operating expenditure without affecting the planned development," he said. Poverty eradication will continue to be a focus, he said, citing the abolition of hawkers' licence payments, enhancing of the people's capacity through entrepreneur development programmes and easing the people's burden with micro credit loan schemes. According to eKasih figures, 3,416 people were removed from the hardcore poor, poor and vulnerable categories, although more needs to be done to aid them, he added. Mukhriz said 219 projects worth RM1.93 billion have been implemented under the 10th Malaysia Plan in Kedah, while the allocation of RM955 million for this year will be used to complete these projects and 174 new projects. According to Project Management System (SPP II) data, Kedah ranked fourth among the states in Malaysia, he said, adding the Transport Ministry will implement the maritime traffic system and Automatic Identification System on ferries operating in Kuala Kedah and Langkawi which will also benefit Kuala Perlis. The state government had also spent all the federal government's allocation of RM158 million for road maintenance last year, he added. In tourism, he said, the focus is not just on Langkawi, with efforts underway to promote the Bujang Valley as a major national attraction. At the ceremony, 114 people were conferred awards. They were led by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was awarded the Darjah Seri Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.H.M.S.), which carries the title Datuk Seri DiRaja. Mukhriz was the sole recipient of the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Kedah (S.P.M.K.), which carries the title Datuk Seri.