THE Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has never allocated land to private entities for the development of industrial park, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told the Penang Legislative Assembly today.
He said that PDC’s industrial land in its landbank is strategically located and could be marketed to promoted industry investors.
“PDC has successfully developed nine industrial parks in Penang to ensure the sustainable ecosystem of the industrial sector.
“With over 50 years of experience and expertise, PDC is confident that the industrial areas it develops will remain a focus for both local and foreign investors,” he replied to a question by Lim Guan Eng (PH – Air Putih).
Chow said that PDC would continue to play a leading role in the development of the industrial sector in Penang, although the field has now garnered the interest of several private developers.
He acknowledged that PDC was now facing constraints in developing new industrial areas, particularly in the case of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 (BKIP2), due to unfavourable location factors and environment.
“Despite these challenges, PDC aims to collaborate with private entities to develop a portion of BKIP2, which can reduce risks and costs for PDC.
“PDC will independently develop strategic areas without private involvement. Collaboration with private entities will be considered only in less strategic areas, characterised by high risk and non-competitive costs,” he explained.
Chow added that PDC was currently focusing its attention on the Bandar Cassia Technology Park and East Batu Kawan (BKIP3).
“The construction in Bandar Cassia Technology Park can commence from now until 2025. The earthwork and foundational infrastructure have begun, and land has been offered to investors.
“Meanwhile, earthwork at BKIP3 has just started in the middle of this year. It will take some time for PDC to prepare the land and provide the necessary facilities before the respective land can be offered to investors,” he said.
Chow added that PDC is committed to a policy ensuring the annual availability of at least 200 acres for offerings to investors, implementing a phased strategy for the careful preparation of identified land.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat