IPOH: The state government is identifying land to establish a new high-tech industrial park in the northern part of Perak, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar said the state government had initially looked into several potential areas to develop new industrial parks, including in Kerian.
Saarani said prior to the Budget 2024 announcement, the state government had identified 40.5ha of land (100 acres) for the purpose.
“But now with the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on establishing a high-tech park, we need to have at least about 405ha (1,000 acres) of land.
“Therefore we need to now scout for a bigger piece of land and will make announcements when the time is right.
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“We will see the location whether the park will be set up in Parit Buntar or Bagan Serai, and further details will be made later, as I don’t want to reveal much because then the price of land will increase,” he told reporters after launching of Hari Sukan Negara at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout here on Saturday (Oct 14).
On Friday (Oct 13), Anwar announced that a new high-tech industrial hub would be established in Kerian, Perak to enlarge the nation’s electrical and electronics ecosystem.
Saarani added that the land to set up the park must not be too expensive, and whether any reclamation process needs to take place, and if yet, the cost must be taken into account as well.
He said the area chosen must also be near to the Penang Port, as well as nearer to the airport.
“There are two bridges heading to Penang Island, the second bridge is nearer to Kerian, and that route is also closer to the airport.
“This hi-tech project will also speed up the state government’s request to the Federal Government for the urgent need of a water treatment plant in the northern part of the state.
“The treatment plant will not only fulfil the requests of padi farmers, but with industrial high-tech in the pipeline, we would require a lot of water.
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“So I hope now the efforts to accelerate the setting up of the plant will move fast,” he added.
Saarani said the process to acquire land needs to be looked into, whether it is state land, or land belonging to individuals.
“This high-tech park in Kerian will complement the industrial park in Seberang Perai, as well as the Kulim High-Tech park,” he added.
On the announcement of the RM80mil allocation to preserve and conserve potential heritage buildings and sites recognised by Unesco, including Royal Belum in Perak, Saarani said it was a welcomed move.
He said the allocation would help beef up enforcement in Royal Belum to curb poaching.
“There are well-trained teams carrying out enforcement already, but more allocation will mean better conservation and preservation efforts to protect the endangered species,” he added.
