NCIA launches Yan and Baling iCON projects

ALOR SETAR, Oct 28  -- The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has launched the Yan and Baling Integrated Economic and Community Centres (iCONs) -- a new holistic development project to drive potential in the two districts.

The NCIA, in a statement, said the project, which was undertaken in collaboration with the Kedah government, State Secretary Kedah (Incorporation) (SSK), and Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), was aimed at reducing the development gap between urban and rural areas.

“Under Budget 2021, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) approved two iCON pilot projects, namely iCON Yan in Guar Chempedak and iCON Baling in Baling, Kedah. Both iCON development locations are located in underdeveloped areas and facing high levels of hardcore poverty incidence,” it said.

The launching ceremony of both iCONs was held online today witnessed by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and NCIA chief executive Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John.

At the ceremony, the NCIA also signed a cooperation agreement with SSK and KEDA to strengthen strategic cooperation in realising the aspirations of the iCON development project in the state.

According to the NCIA, iCON Yan and iCON Baling will be developed on sites measuring 9.4 acres (3.80 hectares) and nine acres (3.64 hectares), respectively, with infrastructure construction work for the two iCON sites to begin in the second quarter of next year and they are expected to be opened to the public in early 2024.

Besides Yan and Baling, similar projects will also be developed in Sik, Kedah, as well as in Pengkalan Hulu and on Pangkor island, both in Perak.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said as a catalyst for economic activity, iCON Yan and iCON Baling would provide a platform for entrepreneurs and rural communities with a wider urban market besides being able to empower the entrepreneurial culture among the local community.

"This project is expected to benefit 600 local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and create more than 1,000 jobs in Kedah," he said.

Jebasingam said the NCIA would continue to lead the implementation of people-centered strategic projects and develop new economic initiatives such as iCON, as well as contribute towards the socio-economic well-being of the people during the COVID-19 National Recovery Plan phase.

-- BERNAMA