IPOH: Perak has opened its doors wide for investments from local and foreign investors who want to explore new markets in industrial areas apart from Penang and Selangor presently.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government always welcome investors as well as suitable industry players, by locating strategic locations for development purposes in Perak.

"Coincidentally, in Perak, the industry (focus) is based on gloves. We hope other industries emerge as we readily accept their investments. It is time for Perak to provide space, a place for industrial locations since Penang and Selangor are presently congested.

"This offer is through a collaboration among Invest Perak, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

"Apart from Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) through the integrated development project in Ipoh, we are also making similar preparations (location preparation) in Parit Buntar and Tanjung Malim because it will give more space and boost their (investment) needs," he said.

He said this after launching Ipoh Raya Integrated Park, a six-phase one-stop integrated development project worth RM5 billion besides witnessing a memorandum of understanding for the project between Aerodyne Group, Hi Wealth Labs Sdn Bhd and Lorry Online today.

Saarani said local and foreign multinational companies could find suitable locations in the state, especially after COVID-19, to expand their wings as well as drive the local economy and create new jobs.

Perak is now keen to attract new investments after COVID-19 where in March, Saarani was reported to have said a discussion would be held between the state government and MITI on investments worth RM32 billion to develop Automotive High-Technology Valley (AHTV) in Proton City, Tanjung Malim.

Yesterday Saarani said Perak would attract investments worth RM400 million through the development of the Mini Hydroelectric (Hydro 2) project which is expected to operate in 2027 and will create new businesses with up to 500 job opportunities in related fields and expertise.

Perak recorded an impressive total investment of RM6.6 billion in 2021 involving 137 projects comprising 43 projects from the manufacturing industry and 97 projects from selected service industries.

Commenting on today's programme, Saarani said it was one of the projects that would help boost the state's economy and develop the local area.

"We have to look ahead, it is important for the people and the development of the state. In fact, it is in line with the Perak Prosperity Plan 2030 which I will launch on June 15. It is hoped that today's project will continue (until completed)," he said.

Meanwhile, MRCB Land Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini said the first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2028 and the entire six phases of the project in 2043 which will benefit the people of the state, including students of institutions of higher learning.

"We will collaborate with students for practical and specific training as appropriate," he said and expected the project to create about 15,000 job opportunities in stages.

According to a press release, the project, among others, involves the development of 832.38 acres built according to the suitability of the location and has the characteristics of environmental sustainability in addition to integrating the use of comprehensive infrastructure.

Ipoh Raya Integrated Park involves an agriculture-based industrial hub, logistics, accommodation, vocational and technical training facilities as well as value-added strategic location involving the confluence of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the East-West Expressway as a route to carry raw materials.

-- BERNAMA