SIC Melaka Attracts Early Investments Of US$58.2 Mln

MELAKA (Malaysia), Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The Smart Industrial Centre (SIC), located at the Bukit Rambai Industrial Park, has attracted early investments of about US$58.23 million (RM250 million), said Chief Minister, Idris Haron. He said the investments are expected to increase to around US$232.92 million (RM1 billion) when the Konica Minolta company, the key investor in the SIC, together with its business partners bring in equipment, as well as the latest technology to it. (US$1 = RM4.29) “Melaka is a pioneer in the expansion of the smart industry in Malaysia with the advent of the SIC which offers technological services brought by Konica Minolta,” he told reporters after officiating the ground breaking ceremony for the SIC here Thursday. Also present was the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy Of Japan in Malaysia, Hiroyuki Orikasa, the Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Hideyuki Yoshida, Senior Executive Officer, Konica Minolta Incorporation, Japan, Dr Shingo Asai and Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Executive Director, Zabidi Mahbar. Idris said he believed Konica Minolta, MIDA and the Japanese Embassy will not disappoint as they are not only investing in the state, but also involved in the transfer of the latest and most innovative technology. He said the huge company first came to Melaka more than 40 years ago, starting on a small scale, and had now expanded its business through investments in the country. “The Konica Minolta company has also made available more than 2,000 job opportunities in Melaka with the opening of a plant in Ayer Keroh four years ago," he added. Idris said foreign investors chose Melaka as they are confident and believe in the harmonious politics and stability of the Malaysian and Melaka state governments. -- BERNAMA