NCIA attracts RM6.7 bil investments by 1H 2014

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has attracted RM6.7 billion in investments by the first half of 2014, said its Chief Executive, Datuk Redza Rafiq.

Redza said 9,800 jobs were created during the period with major investments from the tourism and manufacturing sectors.

"We are confident of achieving the investment target of RM10 billion this year with contributions coming from manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and logistics sectors.

"We will continue our efforts in broadening private sector participation especially local while ensuring the spill-over of the success is distributed equitably among the rakyat," he said.

Speaking to reporters after the NCIA 12th Council Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here today, Redza said NCIA has been looking at designing a completely new manufacturing ecosystem by venturing into new growth sectors like medical devices.

Four companies -- Eco Medi Glove Sdn Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, Senja Aman Holdings Sdn Bhd and Sentienx Sdn Bhd -- exchanged collaborative agreements with NCIA at the conclusion of the meeting.

"The agreement exchange would see the companies expand their businesses by building new plants and exploring new opportunities in the economic region," Redza said.

Cleanroom and healthcare gloves supplier, Eco Medi Glove, plans to build a new production plant in Taiping, Perak to increase annual production to RM1 billion pieces of gloves from 440 million currently.

KPJ Healthcare has allocated RM60 million to set up the new KPJ Perlis Specialist Hospital in Kangar, Perlis to serve patients from the state and southern Thailand.

Sentienx Sdn Bhd will set up an integrated medical devices manufacturing plant with energy-efficiency facilities and high-technology equipment in Kulim Hi-Tech Park.

Senja Aman intends to develop an integrated wellness resort in Penang and position it as a leading luxury wellness resort in the region.

NCIA has cooperated with private hospitals to participate in medical and healthcare exhibitions in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Vietnam, he said, adding that hospitals should also build capability in specialised fields such as oncology.