Proton car-making sector main thrust in development of Southern Perak

Proton Holdings Bhd's national car manufacturing industry is the main thrust in the development of the Southern Perak Development Region (SPDR) in Tanjung Malim, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

He said the state government hoped Proton's plan to make the existing plant in Proton City here as a master car factory could be realised as the industry was constantly expanding.

"As we know, the car industry is not a small one. It requires good strategic cooperation, and we hope this approach will bring good results," he told reporters here Saturday.

He said this after attending Hari Raya celebration with Proton staff on the final day of the Perak Menteri Besar's Settlement Programme in Muallim district at the Proton Sports Complex in Proton City here.

Zambry said the state government was in the final stages of completing the SPDR plan which would create a new corridor from Tanjung Malim to Bagan Datuk.

"The proposed development in the area for the short-term and the next 30 years would be submitted to the Economic Planning Unit for further action," he said.

He said beside the carmaking industry in Tanjung Malim, a new industrial area would also be developed in Bagan Datuk.

On the the five-day Settlement Programme which started last Tuesday, Zambry said, the residents raised the issues of development and infrastructure around the Muallim district.

"In terms of development, Youth City is one of the dreams we want to achieve. In terms of public amenities, we have Proton Sports Complex, but other infrastructure is also needed to create the perfect ecosystem including hotel and conference hall," he said.

He said he hoped the developmental aspects, including the provision of facilities, were not only concentrated in Tanjung Malim, but were also abundant in the vicinity of the Slim River.

A total of 130 activities were organised throughout the settlement programme and will be continued to Batang Padang and Manjung districts hereafter.

-- BERNAMA