M'SIAN STATE GOVT TO FOCUS ON OVERCOMING ECONOMIC CRUNCH

MELAKA (Malaysia), April 22 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government would
focus on stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment caused by the
recent global economic crunch, the Melaka legislative assembly was told here
Tuesday.

Melaka chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam said to overcome the two
main areas of concern, the state government would implement strategic programmes
to enhance growth.

"A number of initiatives will be put in place to provide an innovative,
competitive and sustainable approach towards stimulating the economy," said Mohd
Ali during a motion to thank Ruler of Melaka Mohd Khalil Yaakob who
officially opened the second state legislative assembly sitting at Seri Negeri,
Ayer Keroh here Monday.

Mohd Ali said in line with the concept of promoting "green economy" that was
mooted by Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak, aimed at focusing on
green technology, the Melaka government would also focus on implementing such
policies to accelerate the economy.

As for tourism, the government would adopt the "Smart Tourism" as a new
product that can compliment the existing ones, he said.

He said by end 2009, the manufacturing sector would generate about 6,500 new
job opportunities as the government had last year approved RM3.64 billion
investments.

Earlier, Industry, Trade, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development committee
chairman Md Yunos Husin told the state assembly that from 2000 to 2008, a total
of 70 projects worth RM12 billion was approved.

He added that the state government had taken a number of positive steps to
encourage foreign investment, especially in areas of approving business and
manufacturing licences, providing service centres and to resolve problems that
may arise, quickly.

The State Assembly resumes Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA