THE state government, through Penang Development Corporation (PDC), is committed to ensure that industrial lands are sufficient while providing world-class infrastructure to attract potential investors from global technology giants to expand their businesses in Penang.
State Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Commitee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said he expected that the existing PDC industrial lands would be able to meet the investors’ demand for another 10 years.
“This is based on the selling trends of industrial land in previous years.
“As of October this year, the industrial land supply that we have is about 481 acres. It consists of Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) (258 acres), Penang Science Park (26 acres) and Penang Science Park North (197 acres).
“Apart from that, BKIP-2 in Byram Estate, with 1,156 acres, also has been identified as the new PDC industrial area to attract local and foreign investors.
“Through the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project as well, we will be able to provide another 800 acres of land on Island A.
“Thus, we believe the industrial lands in Penang will be sufficient to cater for new investors,” said Abdul Halim (PH-Batu Maung) during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang yesterday.
According to Abdul Halim, the state government also would continue to promote BKIP-2 industrial area that is located in Byram Estate as an ‘extension’ to the current BKIP to lure potential investors.
“This is important to boost the industry development in the state and make Penang as the destination of choice for local and international companies to set up their plants here,” he added.
Apart from the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industry, Abdul Halim said
the Penang government also would be focusing on the high growth potential sector such as the medical devices, automotive, aerospace, machinery and equipment.
“This includes the services sector such as global business services, research & development, software development and others.
“All of these sectors would be able to create high-value jobs for Penangites,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud