13MP Allocates RM93.9 Bln For Development In Less Developed States

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) sets the direction for the country's economic development by focusing on reducing regional disparities and driving strategic investments.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said an estimated RM93.9 billion would be channelled into the development of six less developed states, namely Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak.

The allocation will fund the construction of basic infrastructure such as roads, clean water supply, electricity and internet access, which are capable of boosting local economic activities.

"A total of 2,800 kilometres of rural roads will be built under the 13MP, and 70 per cent of them will be constructed in less developed states," he said when winding up of the 13MP motion in the Dewan Negara today.

He said regional development would also be strengthened through high-impact projects such as the Kedah Rubber City, the Special Border Economic Zones (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, the Perlis Inland Port, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, and the Maritime Industrial City.

On the east coast, Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu are targeted as the main food production hub, while Sarawak has been tasked with driving hydro-based energy development and hydrogen technology.

"During the 13MP, the target investment value to be realised by the corridor authorities is RM75 billion,  with 50,000 skilled job opportunities to be created,” Amir Hamzah said.

He added that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has so far attracted investment commitments totalling RM1.34 billion, with an additional RM75 million in negotiations involving 70 companies from the Netherlands, China, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and local investors. 

-- BERNAMA