KUANTAN: Pahang State Development Corporation (PKNP) is in the midst of identifying new industrial areas to boost the economic growth in the western part of Pahang and in the vicinity of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
State investment, industries, science, technology and innovation committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said based on the land utilised near the ECRL stations, PKNP was studying potential areas that can be developed.
"These areas are especially in Gebeng (Kuantan), Bentong Industrial Area and the Gambang Halal Food Complex (Paya Besar). Development near the ECRL station can indirectly contribute to the economic growth of the state.
"New industrial areas are being identified, especially in the western side of the state, and we hope to capitalise on the Central Spine Road project which is built in stages.
"These (industrial) areas will help create a balanced economic development in the regions across the state.
"PKNP is planning to develop a new site for small and medium-sized enterprises adopting the concept of 'park management' at the Gebeng industrial area to provide opportunities for local and foreign investors to jointly stimulate growth in the respective area," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Rodzuan Zaaba (BN-Jenderak) on the state government's initiative to boost the industry sector.
Nizar said PKNP, which serves as a one-stop agency for the manufacturing sector, was always prepared to assist potential investors to set foot in Pahang.
"PKNP helps to coordinate technical requirements with the respective technical agencies and local authorities. It takes up the role as a facilitator and mediator for investors in Pahang," he said.
Meanwhile, Nizar said the state government had set a target of achieving a five per cent increase in investments every year for the industrial zones across the state namely in Gebeng, Pekan, Bentong and Malaysia China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) to drive Pahang's economic growth.
Replying to a supplementary question by Thomas Su Keong Siong (DAP-Ketari) on efforts to develop the industrial estate in Bentong, which is located close to Kuala Lumpur, Nizar said the State Economic Planning Division was studying several proposals.
"Development can be planned within a 20km or 30km radius from the ECRL station in Bentong and its strategic location near Kuala Lumpur will be able to attract investors. I have received some proposals for investment in Bentong, but it is not suitable.
"A company dealing with explosives for the oil and gas industry expressed interest, but we cannot accept them to operate within the industrial complex and instead find a suitable location with a buffer zone."