Melaka eyes investments worth RM8.5 billion this year

MELAKA: Melaka expects to attract local and foreign investments including from Taiwan and Japan worth RM8.5 billion this year, says Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

He said the investments are expected to provide 3,925 job opportunities mainly for residents of the state in the electrical and electronics, logistics services, printing and packaging sectors, among others.

He said out of the total, about RM78 million is from two companies from Japan and RM900 million from a Taiwanese company following his recent working visit together with state officials and executive councillors to the two countries.

“Some of the discussions have been finalised and some are still ongoing. We hope all discussions regarding investments worth a total of RM8.5 billion can be finalised this year.

“If finalised, they are expected to give a great impact on Melaka including on its economy, development, and job opportunities,” he told reporters after the state government’s monthly assembly yesterday.

He said the working visits to the two countries focused on investment, tourism and volunteerism.

Following the visit to Taiwan, one of its companies now plans to move its regional data centre from the US to Melaka involving an investment of RM3.5 billion amid the US-China trade tensions, he said.

“This company produces components for vehicles including Proton cars, but although the factory is in China, the research and consultation are done in the US.

“They are facing difficulties as a result of the trade war, and the Asian region is their best destination to relocate to,” he said.

Following the visit to Japan, he said, a Smart Industrial Centre (SIC) equipped with modern and comprehensive infrastructure is expected to be set up at Bukit Rambai in June.

Its main company, Konica Minolta, is expected to bring together eight local and foreignowned support industries including manufacturing and packaging, he noted.

Melaka was chosen by the Taiwanese and Japanese companies for its strategic location between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, political stability and a skilled and experienced workforce, he pointed out. — Bernama