ALOR STAR: Kedah is attracting huge investments in manufacturing, but these are not reflected in its gross domestic product (GDP) growth, says the menteri besar.
This is because goods produced in Kedah are exported from seaports and cargo airports in other states, said Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
"The calculation of GDP considers where the products are exported from. Products manufactured in Kedah (and exported from other places) are not included.
"The states with seaports and cargo airports are reaping the benefits" from products made in Kedah, he said.
Sanusi said Kedah is missing out on additional allocations from the federal government due to the absence of such critical infrastructure.
He is referring to funds given to states based on the taxes they send to the federal government.
"That is why we have been pressing for the development of a seaport and cargo airport," he told a press conference after launching the Greater Kedah blueprint at Seri Mentaloon here today.
In June last year, Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah asked that all parties put aside personal differences to realise the development of Kulim International Airport (KXP).
Sultan Sallehuddin said KXP was vital for the state's and country's economic growth.
In 2022, the then prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government was studying a proposal to build a port in Sanglang, Kubang Pasu to handle cargo shipments.