ALOR STAR: The Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, which was announced in the 2018 Budget, is a much-awaited project that will help to transform the border town.
Touted as the next big project after Iskandar Malaysia, the state government had said it expects SBEZ to boost the livelihoods of Bukit Kayu Hitam residents by creating more jobs and business opportunities.
Economic expert Prof Datuk Dr Amir Hussin Baharuddin, from Universiti Utara Malaysia, said SBEZ must be specially tailored to suit Bukit Kayu Hitam’s geographical, social and economic needs.
He also said as the northernmost town in the country, the SBEZ development project must cater to the needs of local residents.
“Even if the government decides to bring in major companies to open their factories or businesses there, the government must take into account the locals’ livelihoods.
“The government must also take measures to help the local community sustain themselves and grow together with SBEZ,” he said when contacted today.
Amir Hussin said SBEZ will create a spillover effect that will not only be enjoyed by the people of Kedah, but also those living in Perlis and Perak.
“It is high time for such a development to be carried out in Bukit Kayu Hitam. Besides boosting the local tourism industry, it can also contribute to the digital industry and education sector.”
He said besides bringing mega projects to Kedah, the federal government needs to allocate at least RM100 million to carry other development projects in the state.
“The amount will be beneficial to the state as it waits for spillover effect from the SBEZ mega project,” he added.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that the development of the SBEZ will serve as a new attraction for domestic and foreign investors and further boost the economic activities in the northern region.
Amir Hussin said UUM could contribute to the project by carrying out researches and studies to make ensure SBEZ meets the needs of both the state government and local residents.