Senior state executive councillor for investment, industry and entrepreneur development Ab Rauf said the new factory is expected to create about 2,000 job opportunities, particularly among the Melaka community. — Bernama
Petaling Jaya: Japan-based microchip component maker Koa Denko (M) Sdn Bhd will raise its capital investment to RM750mil within five years starting next year to include the construction of a new factory in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
Senior state executive councillor for investment, industry and entrepreneur development Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the rise in capital expenditure translates to a total investment of about RM1bil from the company since it started operations in Melaka about 50 years.
He was speaking to the media after a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Koa Denko Malaysia and PDG Asset Sdn Bhd involving the rental of the new Ayer Keroh Industrial Zone workers’ dormitory.
He said 20% of Koa Denko Malaysia’s global microchip output helped support the development of new technology, which were exported to the United States, Hong Kong, China, Germany, Singapore and Vietnam, among other countries.
“Demand and supply for this industry is so good that it has decided to expand operations by building a new factory and workers’ dormitory in Ayer Keroh.
“We expect the production value of this factory, currently RM180mil a year, to increase to RM1bil in the next five years after the new factory is completed,” he said.
Ab Rauf said the new factory is also expected to generate about 2,000 job opportunities, particularly among the Melaka community. So far, its Batu Berendam factory has 823 workers including 565 locals.
He said local companies also have the opportunity to become vendors, supplying equipment or machinery to the factories.
“I was informed that Koa Denko Malaysia is expected to establish a logistics centre in the state as a distribution hub for microchips produced by this factory, especially for use in electric vehicles,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said Melaka aims to attract investments, particularly from foreign investors, in the automotive, glass and data centre sectors amounting to RM6bil next year.
“We are optimistic about achieving our investment target of RM6bil next year since we have almost reached our RM5bil target this year.
“The foreign investors expected to confirm their investments are from Taiwan, Germany and South Korea,” he said. — Bernama
