KOTA BARU: Some 2,600 Kelantanese have been employed by a major Japanese electronics maker over the past 30 years, contributing to the local economy.
Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said the company is Rohm-Wako Electronics Sdn Bhd, which operates in the Pengkalan Chepa industrial area.
"The state government and the people of Kelantan are proud of the progress achieved by Rohm Wako as it has helped expand the state's economy.
"The opening of the new three storey building for Rohm-Wako in Pengkalan Chepa is a great effort not only for the company itself but also contributes greatly to the economy of Kelantan.
"With the completion of this new building, Rohm Wako has offered employment opportunities for between 350 to 400 additional workers ranging from production operators to the professional workforce which is made up of 100 per cent locals.
"To date, a total of 2,600 locals have been hired by the company," he said.
Nassuruddin said this in his speech at the launch of the company's new building here, today.
Also present were Rohm-Wako Co. Ltd. chairman Datuk Yosuke Yoshioka, Rohm Group president Isao Matsumoto and Kelantan Investment, Industrial, Human Resources, Trade and Entrepreneur committee chairman Datuk Md Anizam Ab Rahman.
Nassuruddin then said despite facing various challenges, the economic performance of Kelantan recorded an increase in its 2022 GDP of 4.3 per cent compared to only 2.4 per cent in 2021.
"The service sector remains the main contributor to the state's economy which is at 70.1 per cent, followed by the agricultural sector (20.8 per cent) and manufacturing sector (4.8 per cent)," he said.
He is confident that Rohm Wako's continued commitment in expanding the company's operations can increase the contribution to the manufacturing sector in the state's GDP as well as increase the state's economic growth in the future.
"The state government will always take proactive steps in making Kelantan a major investment hub for investors especially with the implementation of major infrastructure and utility projects including transport networks, broadband services and water supply services that will boost Kelantan's potential as a main investment destination," he added.