The Federal Government through the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and the Kelantan State Government have continued to implement holistic transformation strategies that have successfully attracted RM12.7 billion in private investments between 2007 and May 2017.
These high impact projects, supported by investment promotions as well as inclusive human capital development programmes have generated over 13,880 new job opportunities and elevated the livelihoods of more than 25,000 people, especially those under the B40 category in both the urban and rural areas.
Bumiputera entrepreneurs are among key enablers to Kelantan’s socio-economic growth. To date, 48 projects by Bumiputera companies have received incentives from either ECER Incentive Package or Facilitation Fund under TERAJU@ECER or both, garnering investments worth RM4.59 billion which in turn helps to create 5,980 jobs.
Between 2012 to May 2017, TERAJU@ECER has approved facilitation funds amounting to RM85.6 million to 37 recipients in the state, involving investments of up to RM711.7 million. This is in line with the Federal Government’s Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda.
“The Federal Government’s transformation agenda in Kelantan is essentially focused on driving high-impact projects and investments to spur the socio-economic growth in the state through the creation of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. ECERDC will continue to ensure that effective mechanisms are put in place to empower local entrepreneurs to be core enablers of the socio-economic transformation in Kelantan,” said Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC after the ECER Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) Kelantan meeting which was chaired by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Haji Ahmad Bin Yakob yesterday.
Among completed projects that will be growth catalysts for Kelantan are the Pasir Mas Halal Park (PMHP) which will strengthen the state’s position as a halal industry hub and the Tok Bali Integrated Fisheries Park (TBIFP), as well as the Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) in Pengkalan Kubor – both of which are key in developing Kelantan as the hub for fish and marine-based activities.
Tapping on the growing global demand for halal products and services, PMHP, which is jointly developed by ECERDC and the Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation (PKINK) across 108 acres of land has to date received RM22 million in committed investments and created 100 new job opportunities. Currently, 84% of Phase 1 of the PMHP has been taken up and it is expected to be fully occupied by end of 2017.
Meanwhile, the 225-acre TBIFP in Pasir Puteh is targeted to generate economic activities and increase fish landings in Kelantan, by focusing on processed fish-based products, otoshimi, fishmeal and supporting industries such as ice-making factories. Added with the integration of marine eco-tourism and hospitality sectors, TBIFP is expected to attract more private investments in the near future.
Also in the pipeline is ECERDC’s plan to preserve and promote local village tradition by developing Kampung Laut as “Kampung Warisan”. This development is expected to boost socio-economic activities in the village by offering entrepreneurial opportunities in promoting local delicacies and handicrafts.
Another key project is Plaza IMT-GT in Bukit Bunga, which is strategically located along the border area of Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok and Pengkalan Kubor-Tak Bai. The Plaza is expected to boost economic activities in the region by providing a more conducive and strategic commercial centre for local entrepreneurs to promote and market their products.
Development in Kelantan is also set to intensify with the construction of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project. The 600km InfraRakyat project will enhance connectivity and mobility across the state including in the districts of Tumpat, Kota Bharu, and Tok Bali.
These areas will also be linked to other logistics hubs including Kuantan Port in Pahang and Port Klang in Selangor through Kuala Lumpur. As a result, more growth centres will be created and this will boost the state’s economy, generating more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the local communities.