North Corridor Economic Region
The NCER (North Corridor Economic Region) development programme is a Government initiative to accelerate economic growth and elevate income levels in the north of Peninsular Malaysia – encompassing the states of Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and the north of Perak (Four districts in Perak that fall within the NCER are: Hulu Perak, Kerian, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar and Larut Matang-Selama) The NCER initiative will span from 2007 to the end of the 12th Malaysia Plan period, i.e. 2025.
There are a number of objectives behind the NCER initiative. Firstly, the programme is part of the Government’s commitment to helping the Region maximise its economic potential and closing the development and income gap between the different regions in Malaysia. Secondly, the Malaysian economy aims to move towards higher value-add and knowledge-based economic activities to drive further increases in per capita income. The NCER has the potential to make Malaysia a regional leader in a number of these sub-sectors.
34 Entry-point Projects
Perak will implement 34 entry-point projects, worth RM18 billion, from 2013 until 2030, under phase two of the development of the Northern Corridor, called the ‘Greater Kamunting‘.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, said the state government has held discussions with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) on the types of industries for the area.
“We hope the development will be like the Hi-Tech Park in Kulim where the projects, among others, will help other industries involved in green technology,” he told reporters after officiating the new office of Northern Corridor.
The new office will offer an integrated service to local and foreign investors with Perak-based companies playing an ‘enable’ role.
He said the new industrial area would become a magnet to attract investors worldwide and help boost the Perak economy and income.
Zambry said Kamunting was picked to site the new industrial estate because it is a conductive place to attract the private sector.
“The area has skilled and loyal workers, matured supporting ecosystem to carry out the business and a good area to stay,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said NCIA has managed to attract RM166.5 million in investments to Taiping and Kamunting in the first six months of this year.
“Among the projects which are under development are a four-star Hotel Novotel and a shopping complex which is expected to be ready next year. The new projects are expected to generate over 3,500 jobs,” he said.
He said investments of about RM400 million were expected to flow into Taiping and Kamunting by year-end.
– Bernama – 2 September 2013
