Getting active: Saarani (front, centre) taking part in a fun walk programme during the launch of Hari Sukan Negara at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout in Ipoh, Perak. — Bernama
IPOH: The Perak state government will need to identify at least over 400ha of land to set up a new high-tech park in Kerian, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the state government, prior to the Budget 2024 announcement, had been looking at developing new industrial areas, including in Kerian.
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“A 40.5ha site had been identified earlier, but now with plans for a high-tech park, we need to at least look for 405ha. We will look for a suitable location, whether is in Parit Buntar or Bagan Serai.
“But all those details will be announced when the time is right. I don’t want to reveal too much as this will cause the price of land to increase,” he told reporters after launching the state-level Hari Sukan Negara at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout here yesterday.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a new high-tech industrial hub would be established in Kerian to enlarge the nation’s electrical and electronics ecosystem.
Saarani said the land must not be too expensive and if there was a need for reclamation, that cost must be taken into consideration.
He said the area chosen must also be near Penang Port, as well as close to the airport.
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He said there are two bridges heading into Penang island, where the second bridge is nearer to Kerian, and that route is also closer to the airport.
“This high-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 needs of padi farmers, but with an industrial high-tech park in the pipeline, we would require a lot (more) water.
“So I hope now there will be an effort to accelerate the setting up of the plant,” 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 under Budget 2024 to preserve and conserve potential heritage buildings and sites recognised by Unesco, including Royal Belum in Perak, Saarani said that it is a much welcome move.
He said the allocation would help beef up enforcement in Royal Belum to curb poaching activities.
“There is a well-trained team carrying out enforcement already, but a higher allocation will mean better efforts to protect endangered species,” he added.
