NCER PROJECTS TO BEAR FRUIT BY 2012, SAYS IMPLEMENTATION AUTHORITY

ALOR SETAR (Kedah, Malaysia), Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Four states in the Northern
Corridor Economic Region (NCER) are expected to start enjoying the results of
projects implemented by 2012, and at the same time shape the people's economy
toward high income.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) Chief Executive Redza Rafiq
said five agreements which involved investments worth RM835 million, signed on
July 26, would begin in October.

This figure did not include preliminary investment, particularly the provision
of infrastructure by the government totalling RM1.4 billion in northern states
of Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak over the last four years, he said.

"The latest investment involving a foreign direct investment of almost RM770
million reflects the confidence of foreign investors in the New Economic Model
and 10th Malaysia Plan as well the private sector's in the economy.

"The people should grab this opportunity to achieve the high income goal," he
said during the breaking of fast with journalists and 68 poor and orphaned
students from Rumah Yakin Al-Wadi in Baling at Telekom Tower Restaurant here
Thursday night.

Redza said he was proud with commitment and support given by the four state
governments to NCIA in carrying out NCER projects.

In terms of numbers, agriculture had the most projects but manufacturing
involved the biggest costs, he said.

What's more important, he said, the investors would use more local content in
their products and this would give better income for the country and the people.

He said NCIA's effort to get investors involved in new technologies to come to
NCER was positive and this would become a reality soon.

"This second round challenges our ability to expand the chain in services,
supply, logistics and spur the gateways in northern areas of Padang Besar, Bukit
Kayu Hitam, Durian Burong and Pengkalan Hulu.

"This is important because the platform planned through various sustainable
socio-economic programmes until 2025 to enhance the economic chain
comprehensively can create thousands of jobs and economic spillovers," he said.

Redza said NCIA was trying hard to develop the Malaysia-Thailand crossing points
as it would boost bilateral trade and support the double-tracking rail project
from Padang Besar to southern city of Johor Baharu. (US$1=RM3.13)
-- BERNAMA



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