ECER 2020

One-Stop Centre For Swiftlets In Terengganu

2010-11-09T01:16:00.001-08:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, March 8 (Bernama) — The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) plans to set up a RM500,000 one-stop centre for bird’s nest products in Wakaf Tapai, Hulu Terengganu, this year.

Terengganu VSD director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun said the move was aimed at luring tourists to the state.

With 316 swiftlet-breeding houses operated by bumiputeras registered so far, he said, Terengganu was the biggest player in the bird’s nest industry.

He told Bernama on Monday that the department was also planning to built a swiftlet laboratory in Wakaf Tapai, besides acquiring the halal certificate to enable bird’s nest products to be sold locally and abroad.

Meanwhile, in BACHOK, Kelantan, the Farmers Organisation Authority plans to give grants to hardcore poor farmers to breed swiftlets at home or in the padi fields.

Its director-general, Datuk Mariam Mas Yaacob, said the authority had applied for a RM50 million allocation to implement the programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan which would start next year.

“This is a drastic plan to increase the farmer’s incomes so that they can climb out of poverty,” she told reporters after opening the Seri Gunung Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) general meeting.

Mariam said bird’s nest products were in demand on the international market and could be sold for between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per kilogramme.

She said the selected farmers would be given a grant of RM10,000 each to build the houses for swiftlets.

- Bernama -

Malaysia’s ECER eyes $971m ME investment

2010-11-07T01:08:00.001-07:00

Malaysia’s ECER eyes $971m ME investment Muzaffar Rizvi

6 November 2010 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region, or ECER, has set an ambitious investment target of RM5 billion ($1.6 billion) in five economic clusters and it expects to attract up to RM3 billion ($971 milion) investment from the Middle East, a top official said.

“The Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore five economic clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education for investment in the region,” Jebasingam Issace John, CEO of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, told Khaleej Times in an interview.

He said ECER is in talks with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar to identify potential projects for investment in the region and some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.

Issace John said the ground-breaking ceremony for RM620 million project involving Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Limited to set up a multifunctional common user supply base at ECER Special Economic Zone is scheduled for end of November and the facility is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.

He said ECER has abundant land, which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme. He said investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available. Excerpts from the interview:

What is the ECER’s role in promoting the Malaysian economy?
The ECER is a focused economic development in Malaysia which began under the country’s 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), and will continue into the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) and beyond.

In line with Malaysia’s goal to become a developed country by 2020, the East Coast Economic Region Master Plan seeks to balance economic development between the West Coast states and the less developed Eastern region.

The ECER will move the economy up the value chain, raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation, address socio-economic inequalities, improve the standards and sustainability of quality of life, as well as strengthen the region’s infrastructure. The ECER also addresses the income disparity between the rural and urban areas, reduces high incidences of hard core poverty, improves accessibility to the region and enhances basic infrastructure. The main thing for us now is to strengthen the infrastructure development so that the region will be ready to receive investments, from both domestic and foreign.

ECER forms 51 per cent of the total land area of Peninsular Malaysia, hence, there are vast opportunities available here for resource-based industries. While achieving growth, the ECER also emphasises on green technology, eco-friendly solutions and sustainability which makes this region very unique. Investments within the ECER are generated domestically as well as from abroad.

The ECER is resource rich. As an example, the region has great tourism potential because of its pristine beaches, beautiful islands and eco-tourism activities. In agriculture, the ECER offers opportunities in crops, livestock and fisheries while in manufacturing investments can be made in resource base industries such as the halal parks, palm oil clusters and the Kertih Polymer Park.

The strategy is to transform the ECER into a dynamic region via five clusters, namely tourism, oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture and education. Our vision is to become a developed region by 2020, as we move the economy up the value chain.

What is the latest progress on the ECER’s target to achieve poverty eradication with zero hardcore poor by 2010?
The ECER’s target is to minimise the existence of poverty and be financially independent. This will be attained via agropolitan projects which primarily involve agricultural activities but are also accompanied with downstream activities. Under agropolitan projects, participants will be involved in core economic activities, as well as secondary and support economic activities.

The ECER has three agropolitan projects, which are in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Through the support activities, not just head of the families will benefit, but also their spouses and other members of the family.

South Kelantan agropolitan is primarily oil palm-based, while North Kelantan agropolitan is more oriented to trade and business-based activities.

For Besut-Setiu agropolitan in Terengganu, the emphasis is on agriculture and goat farming. For agropolitan Pahang, the core activities are oil palm plantation and sheep farming. The idea is that these activities will help increase the hardcore poor’s income from RM400 per month to RM1,000 per month within the first year and to RM5,000 per month within the next 10 years.

What benefits and facilities is the ECER offering to attract Middle Eastern investors?
ECER is offering an integrated package to them, comprising both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These incentives are specially tailored to investors who are venturing into the key ECER clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education.

Among others, ECER fiscal incentives include income tax exemption of up to 10 years, Investment Tax Allowance of 100 per cent on qualifying expenditure, and sales tax exemption. Customised incentives are also given to companies based on the merit of each case. Non-fiscal incentives include competitive land pricing encompassing discount rate for land premium, quit rent and land assessment, guaranteed land lease periods for a specific time period and flexibility in the employment of expatriates.

The ECER also ensures that human capital requirements are met. Training is provided to manpower which can meet the investors’ human capital needs. In addition, funds can be repatriated back to the Middle East.

What additional incentives and facilities is the ECER offering to UAE companies for establishing projects?
Incentives can be customised and decided on case-to-case basis. In addition, 85 per cent of the ECER population are Muslims, so there is synergy here. The culture and way of life here in ECER will make it easy for UAE investors to adjust. In addition, we also have abundant land here which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme.

In terms of potential investments from the Middle East, we are currently in various stages of discussion with three Middle East countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.

What have been successful JV projects at the ECER?
Most recently, the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park, a project located in ECER Special Economic Zone, has received a total investment of RM620 million from the Middle East.

Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd and Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a multifunctional common user supply base in October 2010. The ground-breaking ceremony for the supply base is scheduled for end of November and it is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.

Investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available.

Do you expect any major project from UAE companies in near future?
Recently, Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd and Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a Multifunctional common User Supply Base within the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park.

Both companies have committed a total initial investment of RM620 million ($200 million) for the development of the supply base via a newly formed joint-venture company known as Tanjong Agas Oilfield Supply Centre Sdn Bhd.

Phase one usually is the expression of commitment. Dubai OSC has the funds and necessary experience and knowledge to set up its base within the ECER.

UAE companies may also be interested in other economic cluster namely oil and gas, tourism and agriculture. We expect more positive numbers by first quarter of next year.

ECER is working closely with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Industrial Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation on investments. All approvals will be made by the National Committee for Investments under MIDA.

Which economic clusters are attractive to Middle Eastern investors?
The Middle East will find the ECER’s halal parks in Gambang (Pahang) and Pasir Mas (Kelantan) attractive.

Gambang Halal Park will be focusing on food and non-food based Halal products and it will also concentrate on high-value added industries, supplying ingredients to the cosmetics and personal health care industries.

Pasir Mas Halal Park will concentrate on crops, poultry and beef-based products. It will also focus on the production of high-value added additives and ingredients that have numerous applications, from food additives to raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, to health care components.

The development of Halal Parks in ECER Malaysia is closely linked to the development of livestock, agriculture and manufacturing projects in the region. A combination of easy access to raw materials from nearby areas, solid supporting industries and good physical infrastructure in the region provides an integrated package for investors who are keen to participate in the fast expanding Halal industry. Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also very interested in our halal sector as the halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia is very strongly recognised worldwide.

Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore Shariah-compliant tourism as well as family-oriented tourism.

Education is another new area for investments. There are already many Middle Eastern students coming to Malaysia to study. The ECER offers a Knowledge Park in Terengganu which can cater to this need and we’d like to see colleges and international universities to set up their campus here.

In addition, medical tourism is an upcoming industry. Medical facilities and services are cheaper than in Europe and Middle Easterners can tap into this while enjoying quality healthcare.

What are the ECER’s investment targets?
Our annual target for investments is RM5 billion from all over the world, of which RM2-3 billion would come from the Middle East. That is a very humble estimate from our side.

Is the ECER seeking Middle Eastern investments in oil and gas?
The ECERDC is looking at working with Middle East investors in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, particularly in the downstream activities. The ECERDC is looking forward to work with more companies currently there are over 20 companies that have expressed interest.

We have not finalised investment details, but what is important is that we already have engagement with these parties. The clusters in ECER are closely tied-up with the Middle Eastern needs.

muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com

Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh

2010-11-02T19:46:00.001-07:00

October 31, 2010 20:26 PM

Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh

TANJUNG KARANG, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- If Temerloh, Pahang is famous for the breeding of the 'ikan patin' (silver catfish), Tanjung Karang will soon become the main source for 'ikan baung' (mystus nemurus) as part of its efforts to promote agro-tourism in Malaysia.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said to implement this plan, the Fisheries Department will release 10,000 ikan baung fry in Sungai Ban Canal, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here, at the latest by December.

"We will introduce this area as the source for ikan baung and encourage fishing enthusiasts nationwide to come here and involve themselves in the agriculture sector," he told reporters after presenting prizes to winners of a fishing competition in conjunction with a programme at Sungai Ban Canal Tanjong Karang, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here Sunday.

Fisheries Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Suhaili Lee said the fry would be taken from three collection centres owned by the department, located in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.

"For a start we will release 10,000 fry, which cost five sen each, in the three-kilometre long river. If there's a positive response we will continue these efforts by increasing the number of fry," he added.

When asked why the ikan baung was chosen, Suhaili said their potential to breed in the river was high because the river has become a natural habitat for fish of the same species.

--BERNAMA

ECER Taps Into Chinese Investments

2010-11-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

THE East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) sees the second World Chinese Economic Forum as a good platform to promote the economic corridor as a globally competitive investment destination to Chinese entrepreneurs and diaspora.

Some 500 prominent business leaders from 20 countries are participating in the forum commencing here today, it said in a statement.

At a session on, "Charting a New Silk Road", ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John will be speaking about ECER as the investment gateway to the Far East and Asia Pacific Region, with a total population of four billion and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$17 trillion. (US$1=RM3.097)

The statement said ECERDC’s participation in the event follows its investment mission to Xiamen, China, in September whereby, it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Xiamen Zhong Seng Oil and Grains Company Ltd to collaborate in the development of downstream palm oil production activities in ECER.

Another project involved a joint venture between TP Silicon Metal Sdn Bhd and Chongqing Magnetic Foreign Co Ltd, for manufacturing activities in the Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park in ECER. It was also approved in October.

ECERDC is also in discussions with several other potential investors from China that have expressed an interest in the region, Jebasingam said.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China crossed US$53 billion last year, with Malaysia becoming China’s largest trading partner among Asean countries.

Trade is expected to grow further between the two countries with the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area in January. -- BERNAMA

Read more: ECER taps into Chinese investments http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101102172717/Article/index_html#ixzz14BQJTEN1

Progress in all five corridors on track – CDC

2010-10-06T20:19:00.001-07:00

Progress in all five corridors on track – CDC
by Ghaz Ghazali. Posted on October 1, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: The progress for all five development corridors in the country is on track towards materialisation by 2030, thus increasing the nation’s competitiveness within this timeframe.

ON TRACK: According to Recoda, SCORE has already gained an investment total of RM60 billion–almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that it is expected to eventually garner.

According to Corridor Development Corporation Bhd’s (CDC) group chairman Datuk Muhammed Kassim, all corridors have been gearing up towards meeting their respective short– and long–term targets.

“All corridors share one common goal: that is to contribute towards the growth of the Malaysian economy. Specifically, each is poised to become as a platform to bring in more FDIs (foreign direct investments) and PFIs (private financing initiatives) – two significant generators that should propel the nation’s economic growth in the next 10 years,” he told The Borneo Post at the four-day Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP–Eaga) Business Conference and Expo 2010 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching near here, which ended yesterday.

CDC is an agency set up to complement the government’s effort in attracting and facilitating capital injections into all five corridors.

Notably, the very first – Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia, initiated in 2006 – had managed to attract cumulative investment reaching over RM55.56 billion, the latest data from its largest shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) had shown.

Latest newsflow had also indicated that further capital injections worth billions of ringgit could flow into Iskandar Malaysia from neighbouring Singapore, by way of investment from the island republic’s own investors as well as multinationals having company bases there.

As of date, Singapore’s private sector investment holding in Iskandar Malaysia stood at RM2.64 billion, mainly in the region’s manufacturing sector.

“The corridors’ primary goal is aimed at generating most of the investment from private sector driven initiatives. Investment in the ‘youngest’ of all the corridors: your very own Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE); is almost 80 per cent to 90 per cent being private sector funded, comprising both from the country and foreign investments,” disclosed Muhammed Kassim.

SCORE had already gained an investment total of RM60 billion, according to figures given by Recoda (Regional Economic Development Authority) – a body set up by the State Planning Unit to manage and oversee the promotion of the corridor.

“The total is almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that SCORE is expected to eventually garner,” added Muhammed Kassim.

Separately, the manufacturing and industrial–oriented Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), covering the states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, had received a RM13 billion–allocation from the government in the Tenth Malaysia plan, with private investment expected to total about RM30 billion.

The other corridor in the peninsula: the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) encompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing in Johor; had raked in RM28 billion in expressed and committed investments from local and foreign sources thus far.

In his recent statement, ECER’s chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John expressed his optimism for the corridor to attract some RM30 billion worth of FDIs by the end of this year, with its sight set on attracting investments from the Middle East, China, India, Japan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, SCORE’s counterpart in Sabah: the tourism–focused Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) had gathered more than RM4 billion in private sector–funding since its launch two years ago.

Additionally, Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had announced recently that another RM20 billion worth of investments would be proposed for SDC, with some initiatives having been highlighted in the previous Budget 2010.

“Each of the corridors have their own designations and strengths. Like SCORE, it is a very attractive plan because of the variety of opportunities it has to offer, as well as its primary focus on high-powered industries and renewable energy as its niches.

“It is for this very reason that many foreign investors – from Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, for example – are anxious to know about SCORE and have expressed their interest to inject their capital into the corridor,” Muhammed Kassim pointed out.

Asked on whether there existed similar corridors in neighbouring countries, the CDC chief executive responded, “Yes, there are areas in Asean that share similar aspects as our corridors here. It is just that outside Malaysia, they do not call these (areas) as corridors.”

According to him, these ‘corridors’ were termed as Regional Growth Areas (RGAs) instead.

“For instance, there are RGAs in Sumatera, Indonesia as well as in Thailand and the Philippines, where respective governments will give grants to the private sector to develop these zones. In turn, the private sector will engage foreign investors to pump in FDIs there.

“Just like here in Malaysia, the focus on the establishment of each area depends on what is the strengths that each area has. Although CDC does not have any direct business venture or deal with them, but we go through their government agencies like their respective Economic Planning Units, or their State Planning Units,” explained Muhammed Kassim.

Pahang Aims For 100 Biotech Firms

2010-08-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

KUANTAN: The Pahang Biodiversity-Biotechnology Strategic Action Plan which will be officially unveiled on Monday will help the state government generate a RM2 billion turnover and create 30,000 jobs in 10 years.
To be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here, the plan will focus on three main areas, namely biotechnology, healthcare and the biotechnology-based industry.

State Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd (PTR) and the state Economic Development Division would be the main agencies which would help implement all the projects and initiatives under the action plan.

"We hope to create about 100 biotechnology companies by 2020 with most of them as joint-effort ventures between international and local players," he said yesterday.

PTR, which is a state government subsidiary, will also handle Pahang Biotechnology Centre which will act as a one-stop centre for the industry.

Under the plan, Sharkar said the state government would also create a biodiversity bank that would help preserve the rich fauna and flora in the state, apart from setting up a biotechnology excellence centre and education unit which would focus on research and development in the field.

- NST -

Read more: Pahang aims for 100 biotech firms http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24bio/Article/#ixzz0xVEdOVXu

Saudi Investors to Visit Malaysia After Ramadhan

2010-08-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

(Source: Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)By Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr, Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Aug. 23--RIYADH -- The Malaysian Embassy has announced that a number of Saudi investors will be traveling to Malaysia after Ramadan to explore investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

"The embassy has received a number of inquiries during the past few days from Saudi businessmen on the tax incentives offered by Malaysia to foreign investors. Some of them personally visited us," Ambassador Dato Syed Omar Al Saggaf told Arab News on Sunday.

He said that most of the inquiring Saudis were interested in investing in agriculture, manufacturing, petrochemicals, the special economic zone, and culture and heritage.

Al Saggaf said that the renewed Saudi interest in investment in Malaysia comes on the heels of a visit last month of a delegation headed by Prince Abdul Aziz Faisal Al Saud following a visit to the Kingdom in May of an ECER investment delegation led by National Corridor Development adviser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"The delegation sought investors in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downstream industry," Al Saggaf said.

In a statement, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, chief executive officer of ECER Development Council, said in a statement that firm commitments from Saudi investors are expected by the end of 2010.

Al Saggaf said tax incentives were offered in various sectors.

"In tourism, there are customized incentives based on merit, income tax exemption of 100 percent for five years for eco-tourism and an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," the envoy-professor said.

He added that other incentives offered include stamp duty exemption on land acquired for development and withholding tax exemption on royalty and technical fees for ten years; and import duty and sales tax exemption on machinery, equipment and consumables that are not produced locally but are used directly in the activity.

Incentives are also offered to Saudi companies developing infrastructure for industrial parks.

"These include 100-percent income tax exemption for ten years starting from the year the company derives its statutory income. And an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," Al Saggaf said.

The ambassador added that incentives are also offered in the areas of manufacturing, petrochemical, special economic zone, agriculture, education and culture and heritage.

-----

To see more of the Arab News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.arabnews.com.

Copyright (c) 2010, Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Terengganu Malay Chamber Proposes Kemaman Port As Trading Hub

2010-07-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government should consider making Kemaman port the trading hub for goods from the Asian region for the East Coast market.

The Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce, in making the call, said the port at Teluk Kalong was seen as the most strategic location for the purpose.

"As a state which relies on the output of crude oil, the trading hub can be seen as new source of income for Terengganu when the oil runs out," said the chamber president Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.

He said this when met at a seminar here today to promote the China-Asean Expo 2010 which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi, China, in October this year.

Also present were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) eastern regional office director Hasziah Mohd Yazid and the expo secretariat deputy secretary Gong Qijun.

Tengku Ismail said when compared to ports like Port Klang in Selangor or Pasir Gudang in Johor, Kemaman port was the closest to countries like China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

"Obviously, the goods imported from these countries can be sold cheaper due to the lower cost if send through Kemaman compared to ports in the south or the West Coast," he said, adding that the move would also benefit people in the East Coast.

Tengku Ismail, who is also on the Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU) board, said the foundation was preparing a working paper on the proposal which would be submitted to the state government for consideration soon.

"If the state government agrees, it can become the first such trading hub on the East Coast. The infrastructure cost is expected to exceed RM50 million. The warehouses and inland port can be located in an area of 200 to 300 acres," he said.

According to Tengku Ismail, the proposal is line with the development plan of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) as a catalyst for a more dynamic economic sector in the states involved.

"It will also help to produce more Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the long term," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Peluang Usahawan Lebar Perniagaan Ke India Dan Hong Kong

2010-07-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, 3 Julai (Bernama) — Usahawan tempatan yang berminat melebarkan perniagaan mereka ke India dan Hong Kong berpeluang mendengar taklimat berhubung peluang yang ada di kedua-dua negara itu pada Julai dan Ogos ini.
Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur Hasziah Mohd Yazid berkata wakil perdagangan India dan Hong Kong akan mengadakan sesi penerangan peluang perniagaan di negara masing-masing pada tempoh itu.

“Wakil India akan mengadakan taklimat pada 5 Julai ini di Tingkat Lima Bangunan Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) manakala wakil Hong Kong pula dijadual mengadakan penerangan berhubung peluang perdagangan di negara mereka pada 5 Ogos ini,” katanya kepada Bernama di sini Sabtu..

Hasziah berkata taklimat untuk peluang perniagaan di India bermula pukul 2.00 petang manakala taklimat wakil Hong Kong pula bermula pukul 9.00 pagi di tempat yang sama.

Menurutnya, kehadiran terbuka kepada peserta tempatan dan peserta dari Kelantan dan Pahang turut dialu-alukan.

“Peserta dijangka diberi taklimat meliputi semua aspek berkaitan dengan sektor-sektor perniagaan yang mempunyai prospek yang baik untuk diterokai usahawan negara ini,” katanya.

Mereka yang mempunyai sebarang pertanyaan boleh menghubungi beliau menerusi e-mel:hasziah@matrade.gov.my atau talian 09-6244778.

– BERNAMA

Matrade Organises Talks On Business Opportunities In India And Hong Kong

2010-07-03T20:43:00.001-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 3 (Bernama) -- Local entrepreneurs keen to expand their businesses to India and Hong Kong will get the opportunity to attend talks on the available business opportunities in both the countries.

Director of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) East Region, Hasziah Mohd Yazid said trade representatives from India and Hong Kong will be holding briefing sessions on business opportunities in their respective countries this July and August.

"The representative from India will hold the briefing on July 5 at the fifth floor of Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) building here while the Hong Kong representatives will hold their brief on August 5," he told Bernama here today.

Hasziah said the briefing on business opportunities in India will start at 2 pm and the briefing on Hong Kong will start at 9 pm.

Participation is open to all the locals as well as those from Kelantan and Pahang

"Participants will be briefed on all aspects related to the business sectors that offer good prospects for local entrepreneurs to venture into," he said.

He also called on those wanting further information to get in touch with him via his e-mail at hasziah@matrade.gov.my or by calling 09-6244778.

-- BERNAMA

Pelabuhan Kemaman wajar dijadikan pusat perdagangan

2010-07-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU 2 Julai - Pelabuhan Kemaman dengan lokasinya yang strategik dan kemudahan yang baik wajar dijadikan sebagai pusat perdagangan barangan yang dibawa masuk dari China dan negara dari rantau sekitar untuk pasaran Pantai Timur.

Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu (DPMMT), Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar berpendapat, pelabuhan di Teluk Kalong itu paling sesuai untuk tujuan tersebut berbanding pelabuhan-pelabuhan lain di Semenanjung.

"Sebagai negeri yang bergantung kepada hasil minyak mentah, pusat perdagangan ini boleh dilihat sebagai sumber pendapatan baru untuk Terengganu jika minyak sudah tiada nanti," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pada Seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 Ketujuh di sini semalam.

Ekspo berkenaan akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, Oktober ini.

Turut hadir dalam seminar itu ialah Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur, Hasziah Mohd. Yazid dan Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun.

Tengku Ismail yang juga Ahli Lembaga Pengarah Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) Terengganu berkata, yayasan itu kini sedang menyiapkan kertas kerja berhubung cadangan tersebut yang akan diserahkan kepada kerajaan negeri dalam masa terdekat untuk dipertimbangkan.

"Penyediaan infrastruktur asas mungkin mencecah RM50 juta. Dengan keluasan 80 hektar hingga 120 hektar, kawasan berkenaan akan ditempatkan dengan gudang-gudang dan pelabuhan pedalaman. Dalam masa sama, ia juga akan melonjakkan eksport barangan kita," katanya.

Menurutnya, cadangan itu juga selari dengan perancangan pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) dalam menjadi pemangkin sektor ekonomi yang lebih rancak di negeri-negeri terlibat.

Sementara itu ketika berucap pada majlis itu, Hasziah berkata, Matrade menyasarkan jumlah perdagangan dan pelaburan pada Ekspo CAEXPO 2010 akan meningkat 30 peratus berbanding tahun lalu.

Menurut beliau, pada tahun lalu kira-kira 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo tersebut yang merekodkan jualan sebanyak RM204.5 juta.

''Sehubungan itu Matrade mempelawa syarikat-syarikat negara ini terutama di Wilayah Timur supaya menyertai ekspo tersebut sebagai landasan ke arah memperkembangkan perniagaan serta meneroka peluang-peluang yang ditawarkan,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata, sejak ekspo itu diadakan penyertaan syarikat-syarikat daripada Wilayah Timur amat sedikit dan diharapkan pada tahun ini mereka dapat merebut peluang itu bagi mengembangkan lagi perniagaan dan meneroka peluang perniagaan yang ditawarkan.

Usahawan Pantai Timur Digesa Sertai Ekspo Perdagangan Luar Negara

2010-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, 1 Julai (Bernama) -- Usahawan di Pantai Timur perlu lebih aktif menyertai ekspo perdagangan di luar negara dalam usaha mengembangkan perniagaan masing-masing, kata Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur Hasziah Mohd Yazid.

Ini kerana, katanya penyertaan usahawan dan syarikat dari Pantai Timur, termasuk Terengganu, di dalam ekspo perdagangan di luar negara amat sedikit berbanding syarikat dari Pantai Barat.

"Ekspo seperti Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) dapat memberi pendedahan dan peluang kepada syarikat tempatan mencari rakan niaga, sekaligus mengembangkan perniagaan mereka ke luar negara," katanya kepada Bernama di sini pada Khamis.

Beliau ditemui pada seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 ke-tujuh yang akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, dari 20 hingga 24 Oktober ini.

Yang turut hadir, Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun dan Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.

Seminar berkenaan merupakan yang terakhir dari beberapa siri promosi CAEXPO 2010 yang turut diadakan di Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang Kuching, Sarawak dan Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Menurut Hasziah, ekspo yang akan diadakan itu diharap dapat dijadikan platform untuk usahawan mengembangkan perniagaan masing-masing selain meneroka peluang yang ditawarkan.

Katanya China menjadi rakan niaga Malaysia yang terbesar dengan jumlah dagangan US$36.3 bilion.

"Hubungan ekonomi di antara Malaysia dan China juga telah mencatat pertumbuhan pesat dalam perdagangan dan pelaburan dalam tempoh 10 tahun lalu," katanya.

Walau pun menghadapi cabaran ekonomi dunia, katanya eksport Malaysia ke China mencatat pertumbuhan dua angka iaitu 12.2 peratus atau US$19.1 bilion pada 2009 manakala import Malaysia dari China menurun 9.3 peratus atau US$17.2 bilion.

Antara Januari hingga Mei 2010, katanya China kekal sebagai rakan dagang terbesar Malaysia dengan jumlah eksport ke China sebanyak US$19.1 bilion, iaitu pertumbuhan 89.2 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama pada 2009.

"Dengan perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN-China (ACAFTA) mulai 1 Januari 2010, cukai untuk lebih 90 peratus barangan telah diturunkan sehingga sifar peratus. Ini diharap akan menggalakkan lagi perdagangan Malaysia dan China," katanya.

Beliau berkata Ekspo China-ASEAN juga boleh dianggap sebagai simbol kerja sama antara negara-negara ASEAN dengan China, yang tidak hanya di arena perdagangan dan pelaburan, malah juga pelancongan.

"Tahun lalu, 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo ini dalam lima kluster industri iaitu makanan dan minuman, produk SME, Jenama Malaysia serta agensi kerajaan."

"Penyertaan Malaysia ini telah merekodkan jumlah jualan RM204.5 juta. Memandangkan Malaysia kini berazam untuk mengeksport perkhidmatan ke China. Untuk ekspo yang akan diadakan ini, kluster industri perkhidmatan turut ditambah," katanya.

-- BERNAMA

East Coast Entrepreneurs Urged To Participate In Expositions Overseas

2010-07-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 1 (Bernama) -- Entrepreneurs from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia are urged to actively participate in the expositions overseas in efforts to grow their businesses.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corp Eastern Region director, Hasziah Mohd Yazid, said the participation from entrepreneurs and companies from the East Coast, including Terengganu, in the trade expos overseas was low compared with those from the West Coast.

"The expos, like the 7th China-Asean Expo 2010 (CAEXPO) will provide a good opportunity for local companies to network with others," she told Bernama here Thursday.

Hasziah said this on the sidelines of the seminar to promote CAEXPO 2010, which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China from Oct 20-24.

Also present were CAEXPO secretariat vice director-general, Gong Qijun and Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce head, Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.

The seminar is the last in the series to promote CAEXPO 2010 after Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

She said the expo would serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and explore the opportunities available.

Hasziah said China was Malaysia's largest trading partner last year with total trade amounting to US$36.3 billion (US$1=RM3.21).

"The bilateral economic relations have also seen the rapid growth in trade and investment within the last ten years.

"Malaysia's exports to China grew by 12.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion in 2009 while imports from China declined by 9.3 per cent to US$17.2 billion," she said.

She said China continued to be Malaysia largest trading partner.

"Between January and May this year, total exports to China grew by 89.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion compared with the same period last year.

"With the implementation of Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) from Jan 1 this year where the tariffs of more than 90 per cent of the products were reduced to zero, it is expected that Malaysia's trade with China will continue to grow," she said.

Hasziah said CAEXPO 2010 could be regarded as a symbol of cooperation between Asean members and China not only in trade and investment but also in tourism.

"Last year, 100 Malaysian firms participated in the expo under five industry clusters -- food, beverages, general products by small and medium industries, Malaysia brands and government agencies

"This year we have added a services industry cluster because Malaysia is focusing to promote services exports to China," she said.

She said the Malaysian exhibitors secured deals worth RM204.5 million at the expo last year.

-- BERNAMA

Angkasa To Form Consortium To Strengthen Cooperative Movement

2010-03-14T21:49:00.001-07:00

February 27, 2010 22:02 PM

Angkasa To Form Consortium To Strengthen Cooperative Movement

KUANTAN, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The National Cooperative Organisation of Malaysia (Angkasa) is planning to form a national consortium to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country.

Its deputy president, Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the consortium would enable cooperatives to work together in bigger projects.

He said if cooperatives were to move on their own, the chances of securing big projects might be lower as their capital and expertise were limited.

"Under a consortium, cooperatives stand a better chance to enter bigger markets like the East Coast Economic Region (ECER)," he told reporters after closing Angkasa's Cooperative Diversification Seminar here on Saturday.

For a start, he said Angkasa liaison offices in the east coast states would set up state-level consortia, comprising all registered cooperatives in their respective states.

So far, he said 65 per cent or 7,200 cooperatives nationwide had registered with Angkasa, with 992 cooperatives in the east coast alone.

-- BERNAMA

Terengganu To Open 'T-Brand Shop' Outlets Next Year

2010-02-02T00:08:00.000-08:00

A bit late but still applicable :)
December 22, 2008 17:43 PM

Terengganu To Open 'T-Brand Shop' Outlets Next Year

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government through its Entrepreneur Development Foundation will set up a chain of T-Brand Shop outlets operating 24 hours nationwide.

State rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the state government's intention was to position the outlets as a platform to market products from small and medium scale industries such as dried foodstuff.

"We want the T-Brand Shop outlets to market products made by people in the state," he told reporters after officiating a halal product seminar under the Nestle-Nasmec mentor programme here today.

Also present was the Nasmec project manager Chong Yoon Kee.

Mohamed said the state government was now looking for strategic areas to locate the T-Brand Shop outlets and on a trial basis will open the outlets in Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman in April next year.

He also said that the state government will revive Cakna, a subsidiary under the Entrepreneur Development Foundation, next year with the aim of helping the entrepreneur community in Terengganu.

Mohamed said the state government will spend about RM500,000 to set up product collection centres next year in Kemaman, Dungun, Besut and Kuala Terengganu.

The state government has also approved RM40 million for projects under the rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development portfolio next year, he said.

Chong said the seminar was aimed at training and guiding entrepreneurs in the food and drink industries in the East Coast to comply with international standards and procedures.

"Increasing the standard of food and drink products is important to compete in the local and international markets," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Six ECER Projects To Be Implemented In Terengganu This Year

2010-01-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2010 19:49 PM

Six ECER Projects To Be Implemented In Terengganu This Year

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- A total of six more new projects planned under the East Coast Economic Region development programme will be implemented in Terengganu this year.

Menteri Besar Terengganu, Datuk Ahmad Said, said under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, 38 projects had been approved for implementation in Terengganu including 14 cross-border projects involving other ECER states.

"From these, 17 projects were implemented in 2008, 15 projects last year, while six more projects will be implemented this year.

"On the whole, I am very satisfied with the implementation and progress of all these projects which are being actively undertaken by the ECER Development Council (ECERDC)," he said.

He was speaking to reporters here chairing the ECER Development Council's Implementation and Coordination Committees meeting here Tuesday.

He had also launched ECER's human capital development programme Tuesday.

Also present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, and State Government Secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong.

As for the six new projects, they would include a tourism programme in Teluk Bidara, Dungun and Pulau Besar, Setiu which will see the development of high quality hotels and chalets as well as homestay programmes in traditional fishing villages. The programme also covers the upgrading of the homes involved.

Apart from that, cluster projects involving the production of goat and goat meat will be also implemented as part of efforts to establish the state as the largest centre for goat and goat meat production. The project will occupy 160 hectares of land in Ulu Tersat, Kuala Berang.

"The development of the Heavy Industries Park involving a duty-free zone in Kemaman port will be also implemented this year to enable the Terengganu people to take up opportunities that would come with the main activities in the businesses of trade, logistics, fishing, oil, gas and petrochemical industries," he said.

In mid year, the Agropolitan Besut-Setiu project involving the planting of corn, kenaf as well as the cultivation of ikan keli will take off. This project is expected to help 3,000 poor people in the area.

-- BERNAMA

ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010

2010-01-23T20:08:00.001-08:00

ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will focus on bringing in more domestic and foreign investments in 2010 while increasing private sector participation within the region.

ECER Development Council chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said ECER has already attracted a total of RM26 billion in expressed and committed investments, from both local and foreign sources.

"There are several existing projects within the ECER Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that investors might find highly lucrative yet safe for investment such as Malaysia's first fully integrated plastics and polymer park, the Kertih Polymer Park (KPP) which is now ready for occupancy within its 140-hectare land area," he said in a statement here on Saturday.

Set up to promote a plug-and-play concept, Jebasingam said KPP will tap into the potential synergies from integration with the nearby Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex in Terengganu.

The park, which has drawn immediate commitments of RM565 million in investments, is expected to be fully operational in 2015.

Another area that ECER is focusing on is the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, with planned upgrades in infrastructure and landscaping as well as the setting up of a central marketing centre in 2010.

"As a whole, the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park is expected to generate over RM4 billion in investments throughout its four stages of development and create a total of 10,580 jobs," Jebasingam said.

Meanwhile, efforts have been made to attract investors to participate in key viable projects outside the SEZ, which would act as suppliers of feedstock and to support the development of projects within SEZ.

This includes projects for the tourism and agriculture clusters.

For agriculture, the Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre will be built in May 2010 to accommodate 1,300 breeders and bulls as a means to reduce dependency on imported cattle stock.

Meanwhile for tourism, ECER has designated some 106 hectares in Teluk Bidara, Dungun to be built with high-quality hotels, resorts and chalets.

To boost the city's tourism pull, Kuala Terengganu city centre's construction as an integrated waterfront heritage city will begin within the second half of 2010.

To enhance the region's natural tourism resources, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai will be developed as an eco-tourism destination, forming a part of the Lanchang - Kuala Lipis adventure trail and Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang into a world-class elephant conservation and education facility.

-- BERNAMA

ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010

2010-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

MBSB wants to further tap east coast states

2010-01-23T20:07:00.001-08:00

Tuesday January 19, 2010
MBSB wants to further tap east coast states
By ZAZALI MUSA

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB) wants a deeper market penetration in the east cost states where demand for financial products is still largely untapped.

Chief executive officer Ahmad Zaini Othman said the company would focus on two main segments – personal financing and disbursement of loans to owners of Malay reserve land.

He said unlike in the west coast states, property development activities in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu were moving at a rather slower pace.

“These two segments in the three east coast states offer good growth prospects for us, especially for Islamic financing products,’’ Ahmad Zaini said recently.

From left: MBSB regional business representantive (southern region) Abdul Halim Zainal, Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali and Ahmad Zaini Othman at the opening of the sales and service centre.

He was speaking at the opening of the MBSB Tebrau sales and service centre at Taman Mount Austin near here by company chairman Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali.

The centre was relocated from Pasir Gudang where MBSB’s Masai outlet was opened in 2000. MBSB presently has 32 sales and service centres nationwide.

Ahmad Zaini said most of the Malay reserve land remained undeveloped as financial institutions were not keen to provide loans to the land owners due to the status of their land.

“We are willing to offer financial assistance to the land owners or we could look at jointly developing the land with them,’’ he added.

Ahmad Zaini said MBSB owned several pieces of land in the country with an estimated current market value of RM300mil and had no immediate plan to dispose of or develop them.

He said the company also planned to open a regional business representative office in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) to better serve its customers and attract new ones.

It presently has four sales and service centres in the ECER – in Kuantan, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru.

Ahmad Zaini said the company would be targeting more civil servants as its potential customers and planned to introduce more products tailored to their financial capabilities.

“There are over 1.5 million civil servants in the country and the figure offers good growth potential for our personal finance business,’’ he said.

The personal finance division currently contributes about 30% of MBSB’s total business while the balance 70% comes from home mortgages.

- The Star -

Terengganu Government Makes Major Reshuffle Of Officers

2010-01-23T20:06:00.001-08:00

January 20, 2010 20:04 PM

Terengganu Government Makes Major Reshuffle Of Officers

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu government has made a major reshuffle of state administrative posts, involving the movement of 48 officers, to fill vacancies and enhance the delivery system.

Acting State Secretary Datuk Mazlan Ngah, who is the state financial officer, said the new appointments would take effect on Feb 1. Current State Secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong is on leave prior to retirement in April.

The reshuffle involved, among others, Kuala Terengganu Mayor Datuk Mat Razali Kassim and Deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Adzlan Mohd Dagang who would swap positions, he told reporters after attending the weekly meeting of the state executive council, here on Wednesday.

Mazlan said Dungun District Officer Zulkifli Mohamad had been appointed the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Terengganu East Coast Economic Region (ECER), while his former position would be filled by Syarikat Air Terengganu (SATU) CEO Mustofa Abdul Rahman.

Deputy State Secretary (Management) Husein Embong would take over as SATU CEO from Mustofa, he said.

Mazlan also announced that Kuala Terengganu District Officer Datuk Mohd Alim Muda would be replaced by Setiu District Officer Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail.

"The former has been appointed CEO of the Terengganu Skills Development Centre," he said.

The reshuffle also sees Terengganu Integrity Institute Director Mohd Akil Mat appointed as Setiu District Officer and Hulu Terengganu District Officer Aziz Mamat appointed as Yayasan Terengganu Director, leaving his position to be filled by Besut District Officer Wan Mohd Wan Ibrahim.

Mazlan said the reshuffle also involved Yayasan Terengganu Director Md Kamarul Al-Amin Ismail, who would replace Zulkifli Abu Bakar as Yayasan Islam Terengganu Director, as the latter would take up the post of deputy director (macro) of the State Economic Planning Unit.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the reshuffle was done based on the officers' capabilities and merit points.

He advised the officers involved in the reshuffle to perform their duties to the best of their ability.

For those who were not chosen today, he said: "There's always the next time."

At present, the menteri besar said, there were 40 vacancies in the state government administration.

-- BERNAMA

Government surgical facilities in Terengganu out of action

2010-01-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

My Persenol Note: I like the idea of Terengganu opening its own IJN facilities.. if they are smart enough, incorporating top notch healthcare facilities in a resort environment.. they are able to offer health tourism to rake in the dollars as well..

Wednesday January 6, 2010
Government surgical facilities in Terengganu out of action
By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: Almost all the operating theatres in government hospitals in the state are not functioning. And Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said is not amused.

Ahmad also expressed disappointment over the delay in the completion of operating theatres in several hospitals in the state, saying it was a loss to the Government and could jeopardise the lives of patients.

The operating theatre in Besut Hospital has been delayed by six years, the one in Kemaman Hospital by three to four years, while the one in Setiu Hospital has been delayed by nearly seven years.

The problems faced by other operating theatres in the state include bug infestation and leaks. It is learnt that 60 surgeons from various departments in public hospitals depended on the operating theatres.

A senior official from the Terengganu Health Department said there were six public hospitals in the state with operating theatres and one private health institution that provides surgical services.

The defective operating theatres have also affected the function of supporting units, like patient rehabilitation and post-surgical treatment.

“These hitches are a burden to medical officers,” he said.

The official said completed operating theatres could not be utilised due to some glitches, the worst-affected being the hospital in Setiu where a leaking roof — due to sloppy workmanship — had damaged the facility.

However, he said defects in the operating theatres had forced hospital authorities in other districts to refer their patients to either Kuantan, Kota Baru or Kuala Terengganu hospitals, depending on the proximity and urgency of cases.

The Metri Besar, who handed over RM5.7mil worth of multislice computerised tomography equipment to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here yesterday, said: “The people are angry with the government. Surgeons are also disappointed because they cannot do their job,”

Ahmad hoped the Public Works Department would take note of the matter.

He also said Terengganu would soon have a heart institute costing RM27mil in Kijal, Kemaman, and that the state government had bought the Strawberry Park in Kijal to house the institute.

The tomography machine is capable of capturing 64 X-ray images at each scanning session and can be configured to capture up to 128 images.

The Terengganu Public Works Department has been directed to probe the leak and submit its report to the state government as soon as possible.

State Health, Unity and Consumerism Affairs Committee chairman Dr A. Rahman Mokthar said the government would decide later whether it would bear the cost of remedial work based on the report.

ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010

2010-01-05T17:30:00.001-08:00

January 02, 2010 13:47 PM
ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will focus on bringing in more domestic and foreign investments in 2010 while increasing private sector participation within the region.

ECER Development Council chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said ECER has already attracted a total of RM26 billion in expressed and committed investments, from both local and foreign sources.

"There are several existing projects within the ECER Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that investors might find highly lucrative yet safe for investment such as Malaysia's first fully integrated plastics and polymer park, the Kertih Polymer Park (KPP) which is now ready for occupancy within its 140-hectare land area," he said in a statement here on Saturday.

Set up to promote a plug-and-play concept, Jebasingam said KPP will tap into the potential synergies from integration with the nearby Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex in Terengganu.

The park, which has drawn immediate commitments of RM565 million in investments, is expected to be fully operational in 2015.

Another area that ECER is focusing on is the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, with planned upgrades in infrastructure and landscaping as well as the setting up of a central marketing centre in 2010.

"As a whole, the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park is expected to generate over RM4 billion in investments throughout its four stages of development and create a total of 10,580 jobs," Jebasingam said.

Meanwhile, efforts have been made to attract investors to participate in key viable projects outside the SEZ, which would act as suppliers of feedstock and to support the development of projects within SEZ.

This includes projects for the tourism and agriculture clusters.

For agriculture, the Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre will be built in May 2010 to accommodate 1,300 breeders and bulls as a means to reduce dependency on imported cattle stock.

Meanwhile for tourism, ECER has designated some 106 hectares in Teluk Bidara, Dungun to be built with high-quality hotels, resorts and chalets.

To boost the city's tourism pull, Kuala Terengganu city centre's construction as an integrated waterfront heritage city will begin within the second half of 2010.

To enhance the region's natural tourism resources, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai will be developed as an eco-tourism destination, forming a part of the Lanchang - Kuala Lipis adventure trail and Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang into a world-class elephant conservation and education facility.

-- BERNAMA

Training programme to help job seekers

2009-12-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Monday December 21, 2009
Training programme to help job seekers

KUANTAN: The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development Council is hoping that at least 70% of some 2,000 participants of three human capital development programmes in Pahang will qualify for job placements with its partner companies.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the programmes were the graduate and employee placement programme, the graduate training programme and the skills training programme.

“For example, there are 610 registrations for skills training in the area of automotive engineering and design, hospitality, ICT, supervisory management and logistics and supply chain,” he said.

The participants, he said, would be exposed to on-the-job training for between one and nine months and enjoyed a minimum monthly allowance of between RM1,200 and RM1,500.

“Young people, especially unemployed graduates, should grab this opportunity,” he said, adding that the monthly allowance was quite attractive.

Adnan said to date, 15 local and multinational companies had become partners in the programme.

“We aim to get up to 60 companies and we believe that it can be achieved,” he said.

On the progress of projects in the ECER, Adnan said things were proceeding well ahead of schedule.

- Malaysia Star -

ECER Council Out To Woo Middle East Investors

2009-12-22T22:29:00.001-08:00

November 30, 2009 18:25 PM

ECER Council Out To Woo Middle East Investors

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- To create more jobs and drive business opportunities within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the ECER Development Council is aiming to attract investments from the Middle East.

Malaysia is expected to attract investments totalling RM9 billion from the Gulf states in the next 10 years, according to the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority.

As of May 2009, 28 manufacturing projects from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with investments worth US$1.215 billion were approved.

The projects were in the sectors of basic metal products, food manufacturing, wood and wood products, chemicals and chemical products, petroleum products as well as machinery and equipment.

ECER Development Council's chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the ECER has many synchronous businesses with the GCC states such as free zones, ports, petrochemical and polymer parks, real estate developments and tourism.

"Malaysia is also known as a progressive Muslim country, which will be comforting to many GCC member countries," Jebasingam said in a statement Monday.

"This, along with the vast business opportunities available, makes Malaysia an ideal place for investment for both business and leisure," he said.

Jebasingam said based on the GCC's previous investments, the ECER's projects in halal food manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and livestock, education, oil and gas as well as its by-products would be appealing.

"In addition, ECER's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with customised fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will whet the GCC's interest further," he said, adding that the SEZ would have speedy project approvals and project implementation facilitated by the ECER Development Council and the state governments.

According to Jebasingam, the SEZ is also attractive because it is located just two hours from the Klang Valley and has excellent accessibility to ports, airports, roads and railways.

"At 390,000 hectares, the integrated development at SEZ will contain new townships, international tourism sites, four ports, two airports and knowledge innovation zones," he said.

The ECER's key economic developments are in the fields of tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and human capital development.

In addition to encouraging foreign direct investment inflow, the ECER can also tap the full potential afforded by regional economic cooperation and regional market opening following Malaysia's recent liberalisation announcements.

Among the ECER's push for Middle East investments is its participation in the Malaysia Arab Business Forum being held from Nov 30 to Dec 1, 2009.

The forum is jointly organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and Malaysia Gulf Cooperation Countries Business Council.

-- BERNAMA

Study On East Coast Rail Route In Progress

2009-12-22T22:28:00.001-08:00

December 14, 2009 19:00 PM

Study On East Coast Rail Route In Progress

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development Council is conducting a study on the proposed East Coast Rail Route to improve the rail transport system in the region.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the study covers rail linking the Klang Valley to Mentakab, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baharu.

"The study's outcome will allow the government to set the track alignment and determine the type of train service for the East Coast," he said in reply to a question by Senator Fatimah Hamat in Dewan Negara here on Monday.

Fatimah wanted to know whether the government planned to conduct a study on rail service linking Terengganu to Pahang and Kelantan.

Abdul Rahim said the government had plans to improve the rail transport system in the East Coast of the peninsula.

-- BERNAMA

DRB-Hicom Needs Strategy To Face More Competitive Industry - Najib

2009-12-12T18:36:00.001-08:00

December 12, 2009 15:44 PM

DRB-Hicom Needs Strategy To Face More Competitive Industry - Najib

PEKAN, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- DRB-Hicom Berhad needs a strategy to maintain its success in an increasingly competitive industry, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Saturday.

He said the group should not be satisfied with its current strategy although it has brought success since the opening of its automotive complex in Peramu Jaya here 25 years ago.

"They should implement a strategy to face the next 25 years," Najib said at a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the automotive complex.

"We cannot just retain the strategy which has been successful for the past 25 years but also take dynamic and timely measures to ensure success for the next 25 years," he said.

Also present were the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, who officiated the event, Sultanah Pahang Sultanah Kalsom, Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah, Tengku Puan Pahang Tengku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Looking back, Najib said the automotive industry had started in Pekan 33 years ago with the opening of a factory by Tatab Industries Sdn Bhd in Peramu Jaya in 1976.

He said after three decades, the industry began to show encouraging development and progress, especially under the DRB-Hicom group which built its own automotive complex in 1984.

Najib said besides offering job opportunities to about 2,200 workers, especially those residing in Pekan, the complex has produced almost 5,000 vehicles since its opening.

"Its achievements are not only in making vehicles for well-known producers like Isuzu and Suzuki but also for Mercedes-Benz which has given an opportunity for it to assemble various models, including the S500 class which has the highest value," he said.

Najib also said that the workers' capability and the technology being used by the group are comparable with international standards.

The complex, he said, also contributed to the economy through the excise duty and road tax which increased 78 per cent to RM442 million last year from RM178 million in 2005.

The figure is expected to reach RM525 million this year, he added.

-- BERNAMA

"Bridge of Friendship" to enhance Malaysia-Thailand ties

2009-12-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

News 2009-12-08 18:47

JELI, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- The 120-metre bridge across the Golok River, linking Bukit Bunga here and Ban Buketa in Narathiwat, Thailand, is to be renamed the "Bridge of Friendship" to symbolise the deep diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Thailand.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will officiate at the renaming tomorrow in conjunction with their visit to southern Thailand as part of the annual bilateral consultation.

The RM9.2 million bridge was opened on Dec 21, 2007 and has been known as the "Bridge of Goodwill."

On the Malaysian side of the bridge is the RM37.2 million 4-storey Bukit Bunga Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex which houses the offices of the Immigration Department, Customs Department, Police, Health Department, Forestry Department and Veterinary Services Department.

The construction of the bridge came under the Joint Development Strategy of the border areas launched in 2004 to serve as a catalyst for the transformation of the poor community through benefits derived from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) development programmes.

ECER is expected to set off transformation in Kelantan and the benefits of the development are expected to spread out to the Malay Muslim community in Narathiwat as well.

Besides the physical development, the Malaysian Malay community can also extend their expertise in human capital development as there is no barrier in terms of language, culture and religion between the communities.

Intensive courses on learning methodology, opportunities to study at Malaysian institutions of higher education institutions or courses on skills could be explored here.

No obstacles stand in the way of Malaysian entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business network and partnerships as their technology is most effective in certain fields, such as agriculture.

The Bridge of Friendship brings hope for the Malay Muslim community in southern Thailand to achieve progress and development after suffering setbacks due to terrorism.

In NARATHIWAT, the Muslim community of southern Thailand is looking forward to the visit of Najib and Abhisit tomorrow, hoping that it will bring peace to the strife-torn region.

Che Hir village headman, Jali, 47, said the people were looking forward to peace and political stability.

"Every day, we hear of murders and shootings but we do not know who is responsible," he told Bernama.

At 6pm yesterday, a bomb went off at the market in Narathiwat, killing a man and his wife while a student of a religious school was shot dead by a band of armed men in a village, 70km from Narathiwat.

A villager of Kampung Ban Pa near Narathiwat, Abdul Rahman Daud, 37, said the people lived in fear and anxiety and hoped that Najib's visit would help to ease the fear.

A trader in Sungai Golok town, Mek Esah Wok, 58, said traders were unable to conduct their business safely owing to the attacks by the irresponsible people.

"We can be killed by a bomb at any time, or shot at by unidentified people, but to earn a living, we must carry on doing what we have to do," she said.

The mother of seven children, two of them girls, is hoping that Najib's visit would help to ease the crisis which has instilled fear in the people.

- Sin Chew -

Pahang Has Right To Claim Oil Royalty, Says Goverment Supporter

2009-12-12T18:31:00.001-08:00

November 19, 2009 17:33 PM

Pahang Has Right To Claim Oil Royalty, Says Goverment Supporter

KUANTAN, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- A government supporter has asked the Pahang government to claim oil royalties from the federal government, claiming that the oil extracted in Terengganu waters could also come from areas in the state.

Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad (BN-Padang Tengku), while debating the Pahang government's 2010 Budget in the State Assembly on Thursday, said a consulting firm should be appointed to study the matter in an effort to boost the state's revenue, which had suffered budget deficits for 12 consecutive years.

"Terengganu is given oil royalties, Kelantan gets compassionate payment, but why isn't Pahang given anything when it has the right (to receive royalties)," he said.

Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said told the assembly that the first phase of the upgrading and expansion project of Kuantan Port as a manufacturing hub and main logistics centre in the development of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), would start by end of 2010.

It would entail the construction of wave breakers and the widening and deepening of navigation routes.

He said the project would turn Kuantan Port into a commercial gateway between Malaysia and Asia-Pacific countries while some 50,000 job opportunities would be created by 2020.

-- BERNAMA

ECER Council Out To Woo Middle East Investors

2009-12-12T18:30:00.001-08:00

Sirim Expands Services To Support Ecer Growth

2009-08-10T02:50:00.001-07:00

August 05, 2009 19:19 PM

Sirim Expands Services To Support Ecer Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- SIRIM Bhd is expanding its services to cater to the industry needs at the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (ECER).

In a statement here today, SIRIM said it would provide the ECER technical assistance and human capital development in the areas of metal fabrication technology, packaging and labelling and post-harvest machinery in agriculture.

"These services will also be expanded to new companies which are expected to be established in ECER, it said.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, said with the development of Tanjung Agas in Pekan, Pahang as part of ECER zone to create activities in petrochemical and fabrication engineering work, the demand for these services was expected to grow significantly.

"This will provide opportunities for employment to the local community and small medium enterprises (SME) technical support services," he said.

SIRIM, he said, has been actively involved in SME development activities, which included the enhancement of product packaging and labelling in the food-related industry.

"This is in line with the objective of ECER in upgrading and improving the product presentation of companies which are operating in this region," he said.

He said SIRIM has also proposed to train and assist welders to be qualified underwater welders and inspectors under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Ongkili said this skill was in demand especially in the petrochemical (offshore), port, marine (ship maintenance and repair) and liquid-filled tanks.

For this, he said, SIRIM proposed an allocation RM6 million under the 10MP to cover infrastructure development, human capital development and equipment for the underwater welding centre in Pahang.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia Has To Change To Innovation-Based Economy, Says Najib

2009-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Has To Change To Innovation-Based Economy, Says Najib

KUANTAN, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs a paradigm shift from a knowledge-based economy to innovation-centred in order to stand in the same row with advanced nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today. "This is important especially in efforts to integrate the economy with the global economic network.

"We are determined to continue to bring changes to the economy. Now, we are working towards innovation-centred economy. The three main features are creativity, innovation value and high skills," he said when launching MSC Malaysia Pahang Initiative. Najib said the MSC Malaysia was a crucial initiative in ensuring innovation was at the highest level. So far, MSC Malaysia has set up more than 2,300 MSC-status companies which have provided 80,000 highly-skilled jobs.

On the national broadband penetration plan, the prime minister said Malaysia had achieved 26 per cent so far and aimed to increase it to 50 per cent by next year.

"The government is confident of achieving the target. If we attain the 50 per cent target, a study by the Economic Planning Unit showed it would boost the national GDP by 1.2 per cent," said Najib who is also Finance Minister.

The MSC Malaysia Pahang Initiative is part of the MSC Malaysia's overall rollout plan which aims to spread the MSC Malaysia benefits and value propositions nationwide.

It will complement the East Coast Economic Region development plan through the use of ICT.

MDeC is now the strategic advisor to the Pahang State Government and will be working closely with the Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd (PTR), the One Stop Agency for MSC Malaysia Pahang to plan and implement ICT programmes.

PTR is a company wholly-owned by the Pahang state government.

Najib said the government had approved RM12.86 million to the Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) under the second stimulus package for the implementation of MSC Malaysia ICON programme for the rivate sector.

This is in line with the government's aspiration to increase the national broadband penetration and generating demand through the enablement of online content.

MDeC was tasked to lead the private sector initiatives in the development on online contents while Malaysia Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) has been entrusted to lead the public sector initiatives.

The MSC Malaysia ICON programmes include the award of grants to small and medium enterprises to develop and re-purpose the educational and social networking based content for online enablement, development program targeted at local developers to produce mobile and online applications.

Besides supporting the effort to increase the national broadband penetration, the MSC Malaysia ICON programmes intend to open up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in the development of online contents through targeted support in the areas of project funding, skills development and infrastructural requirement.

Under MSC Malaysia ICON, among the programmes initiated are ICONedu, ICONity, ICONapps and ICONex.

-- BERNAMA

New economic zone to create 220,000 new jobs by 2020

2009-08-04T23:58:00.001-07:00

Wednesday August 5, 2009
New economic zone to create 220,000 new jobs by 2020

PEKAN: The country’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Tuesday, is expected to generate investments worth RM90bil and create 220,000 new jobs by 2020.

The Prime Minister said the SEZ was expected to contribute more job opportunities and yields compared with the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The SEZ covers an area of 3,875 sq km from Kerteh in Terengganu to Pekan and Gambang in Pahang.

Najib said the ECER SEZ was part of a new economic model designed by the Government that promises a fairer distribution of wealth and growth to be enjoyed by all.

Special zone launched: Najib looking at a map of the East Coast Economic Region’s Special Economic Zone and the Pekan Agropolitan project in Pekan Tuesday. With him are (from left) Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and ECER council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John (fourth from left).

“One of the projects identified is the Kuantan Port which will get a massive face-lift. Its current annual cargo bulk is expected to increase from 16.8 million metric tonnes to 30 million metric tonnes by 2020.

“It will involve construction of additional berths and wave breakers that will see the port becoming the main entry and exit point for the export and import of goods,” Najib said in his speech at the launch of the ECER SEZ at Runchang here yesterday.

In a move to attract investors, the Government will approve a set of special incentives for them including tax exemption for 10 years, Najib told reporters later.

“The Government has decided to offer additional incentives for those who showed merit, on top of those that have already been given. This will be on a case-by-case basis,” he added.

Najib also launched the Pekan Agropolitan Project that promotes the development of growth centres in the rural areas to provide sustainable income and eradicate hardcore poverty.

He later witnessed the exchanging of the cooperation agreement between ECER DC and Felda, which is the main implementing agency to manage participants in-volved in the agropolitan project.

The participants will be involved in oil palm plantation and sheep rearing as the primary activity.

Among the guests were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Noh Omar and ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

Najib also said the Government would consider creating SEZs in other areas in the country if they were suitable.

He said the SEZ would not affect the development of the ECER.

The STAR Online

Malaysia introduces special economic zone

2009-08-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Malaysia introduces special economic zone
09-08-04 14:51:31

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia Tuesday introduced a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to boost economic growth for its east coastal region, local media reported.

The SEZ was aimed to attract 90 billion ringgit (25.7 billion U.S. dollars) to an area covering two east coastal states of Terengganu and Pahang, said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak when he launched the zone in Pekan, his hometown in the Pahang State.

The area measuring 25 kilometers by 140 kilometers would create 220,000 jobs by 2020, he said.

He said that SEZ has special incentives for investors, including a ten-year tax exemption, 100 percent investment tax allowance, and exemptions from import and export duties.

Najib added that SEZ would attract more investments to the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

ECER was launched in 2007 by former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and it was aimed to develop the east coastal area covering four Malaysian states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang,as well as Mersing, a northern district of the Johor State.

www.chinaview.cn 2009

Hardcore-poverty reduction project ready to take off

2009-08-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

Friday July 31, 2009
Hardcore-poverty reduction project ready to take off
By NIK NAIZI HUSIN

PEKAN: It’s all systems go for the first phase of a sheep farming project here with the arrival of a batch of 649 sheep from Australia.

This agropolitan project under the East Coast Economic Region (Ecer) development programme is aimed at reducing hardcore poverty.

Sheep rearing is one of the primary activities under the Ecer masterplan. The other is oil palm plantation. The RM90mil sheep husbandry project with 3,500 sheep is spread out over 2,000ha in Kampung Runchang, an orang asli resettlement area, and Batu 8 Mukim Bebar.

Hardy animals: The herd of Dorper sheep at the Ecer station in Kampung Runchang, Pekan.

Youths from the local communities are hired as general workers and trained in the day-to-day duties of sheep farming.

The newly-arrived herd of Dorper sheep made up of 28 rams and 621 ewes reached the Kampung Runchang station after a 24-hour journey by air and road that started in Melbourne.

Thirty villagers have been hired to care for the sheep housed in six production units.

Ecer social development division general manager Zulkifli Yaakob said the orang asli workers were paid RM500 monthly for a four-hour workday.

Heavy job: Workers carrying a sheep to its hut.

He said they would have the rest of the day free to take on other jobs such as collecting rattan in the forest and working on construction sites.

“With the project, they will have permanent jobs and a fixed income.

Worker Khairil Nizam Ali, 23, said he had been searching for a permanent job for some time and was glad to be offered the job at the farm.

He said he did not earn much previously at a fruit orchard nearby.

Khairil hoped the experience and knowledge gained from the project would enable him to start his own sheep farm.

Azian Semana, whose husband works on the farm, said she was happy her husband Rizal Manaf, 24, had a permanent job.

She said that Rizal had worked in Kluang, Johor, and she had been worried about him living away from the village.

“We have a daughter and she missed him a lot when he was away.

“It is good that my husband has a job here now,” she added.

The project in Kampung Runchang is the first of its kind in this country, with Felda being appointed as the implementing agency.

Felda subsidiaries will employ the workers, provide training and technical support, monitor product quality and operate a buy-back service.

The Dorper breed was chosen because it requires minimal input of labour and is considered an economical breed. It does not need shearing or crutching and is disease-resistant. It is a South African breed developed by crossing the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian breeds.

The Dorper is the second-largest breed in South Africa with over 10 million head. In recent years, it has become popular in the Middle East, Canada, Australia, South America, Mexico and the United States.

In the Malaysian project, it is being reared for its meat.

Mohd Yusof said that pure-bred Dorper rams could reach 120kg while the ewes weighed about half of that.

“The Dorper can thrive in harsh conditions. They are a fertile breed with the potential for lambing every eight months,” he said, adding that the second phase of the project involving Mukim Bebar was expected to start in September.

- The STAR Online -

Govt Committed To Continuing With Regional Development Plan

2009-08-04T23:49:00.001-07:00

August 04, 2009 15:49 PM

Govt Committed To Continuing With Regional Development Plan

PEKAN, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Tuesday the government is committed to continuing with the regional development plan for the country.

The prime minister said that the development, which involved the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), would continue until 2020.

"Under the 9MP alone, the government has allocated an additional RM2 billion to carry out suitable projects," he said when opening the East Coast Economic Region Special Economic Zone (ECER SEZ) at the Agropolitan Town here.

He said regional development was not a new concept but had been practised by the country's second prime minsiter, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and modernised by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I want to express my aspiration, as Tun Abdullah's successor, for the corridor development concept to be enjoyed here now," he said.

Najib said the concept had a huge impact, especially in generating wealth which could be enjoyed equitably and comprehensively by all strata of the society in line with the country's development.

He also said that regional development was in keeping with the 1Malaysia concept which stressed social justice for all.

"The concept of regional development is not about a cluster which focuses on investors only but a concept centred on the people, people first, from large projects so that the ordinary folk can benefit," he said.

He said, for example, that the Agropolitan project could eradicate hardcore proverty among 45,000 households nationwide by the end of next year.

-- BERNAMA

Five growth clusters to boost ECER

2009-08-04T23:48:00.001-07:00

Tuesday August 4, 2009
Five growth clusters to boost ECER

PUTRAJAYA: Five growth clusters will be established within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) to step up development and economic growth in the area.

The clusters are petroleum, gas and petrochemical, agriculture, education, manufacturing and tourism.

Warm welcome: Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat greeting Najib before the ECER development council meeting in Putrajaya yesterday. Looking on is Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (left). — Bernama

This was among decisions made at the ECER development council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.

The meeting also discussed the establishment of a port city, a centre for automotive industry in Pekan, Pahang, a plastic manufacturing centre in Kerteh, Terengganu, and an agropolitan project, among others.

Najib will spell out details of the five clusters after launching the agropolitan project in Pekan today, which is expected to provide jobs to 5,000 locals.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

IOI Group executive chairman Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng was the private sector representative at the meeting.

The STAR Online

George Kent hot on acquisition trail

2009-07-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

George Kent hot on acquisition trail
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2009/07/15

George Kent (Malaysia) Bhd (3204), which makes water meters and brass components, is aggressively looking for acquisition targets to grow its meter and contract divisions.

In addition to regional markets like Vietnam, Singapore and China, it is looking at Europe.

George Kent chairman Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock said it was looking for companies which can complement its manufacturing facilities, add to its range of water meters or are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

"We want to buy something soon because if the market starts to recover good assets will no longer be cheap," he said.

Tan said teams have been sent out to scout for potential targets, with the latest one just back from Singapore.
Depending on the size of the acquisition, the company would even be willing to go back to its shareholders to raise funds if required.

George Kent has about RM27 million in cash.

"The important thing is getting the right target. We are not afraid of the size," Tan told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Besides sales of its own water meters, 40 per cent of revenue comes from being OEM suppliers to "friendly" competitors.

As part of its transformation initiative launched some two and a half years back, George Kent plans to further develop its general civil and structural engineering expertise to enable it to take up more turnkey contractor and project manager jobs.

The key areas of focus will be in infrastructure works related to water and waste water, healthcare and hospital facilities.

The contract division is expected to contribute between 30 and 40 per cent revenue in the next five years.

George Kent is bidding for several projects under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, including the Pahang-Selangor raw water transfer scheme - package 3A: Semantan river intake and pumping station, the Langat II water treatment plants, new hospital upgrading and extension projects, and several other water infrastructure projects in Peninsular Malaysia.

It won its first job as a turnkey contractor in February this year for the 106-bed facility at Hospital Kuala Lipis, Pahang.

"The future prospects for George Kent will be bright. The strategic plan we have in place will not deliver instant results, but we are building the foundation for long-term growth of the group," Tan said.

- Bussiness Times

MAS, Royal Brunei to extend pact STG plans second resort in ECER

2009-07-06T01:45:00.001-07:00

Saturday June 27, 2009
MAS, Royal Brunei to extend pact STG plans second resort in ECER

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Royal Brunei Airlines will code-share flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu, as well as between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuching, effective July 1.

“As Borneo is a popular destination for North American and North Asian tourists, our customers can now enjoy seamless connectivity to the three major cities,” said MAS commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan in a statement.

The code-share for Bandar Seri Begawan-Kota Kinabalu wil be twice daily and the Bandar Seri Begawan-Kuching route twice weekly.

KUALA LUMPUR: The STG Group, developer of the Gold Coast Resorts projects, will invest RM50mil in a lake holiday resort in Kenyir, its second in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The first is the RM10mil Gold Coast Kuantan resort with 99 apartment suites, with a view of the South China Sea.

“The Gold Coast Kenyir development will comprise a hotel mall with shops, longhouses and bungalows built over Kenyir Lake’s serene waters,” STG chairman Datuk Dr Alex Tan said in a statement.

The STG Group is targeting to be listed by 2012. — Bernama

ECER Projects To Spur Mersing's Development

2009-07-06T01:44:00.001-07:00

9 June 2009

ECER Projects To Spur Mersing's Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- Mersing will be developed as a tourism destination and gateway to the Mersing group of islands under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) master plan.

In a statement today, the ECER Development Council's chief executive officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said five projects had been identified under the ECER master plan and which are expected to stimulate Mersing's economy by 2020.

He said, according to the ECER master plan, Mersing had great potential for ecotourism, mainland coastal tourism and island tourism.

"To increase entrepreneurial opportunities, several social and human capital development initiatives will be introduced. These ECER projects are interrelated and will enhance the region's dynamism," he said.

Mersing's coastal area will be transformed into an integrated tourism destination through the development of coastal resorts and hotels, a new commercial business area as well as a jetty complex for island hopping activities.

The project will involve land reclamation of about 2,000 acres on the seafront side of Mersing Town, to be developed as an integrated resort featuring waterfront homes, hotels as well as a new commercial and business area.

A new jetty complex has also been proposed to house a passenger ferry jetty, a fishing jetty and a marina.

Mersing town,the established gateway for the Mersing group of islands as well as Pulau Tioman in Pahang, boasts of many attractive, unspoiled beaches along its coastline.

It is also the main ecotourism gateway for the Endau Rompin National Park.

-- BERNAMA

103 Projects Implemented At Economic Corridors, Says Najib

2009-07-06T01:43:00.001-07:00

July 02, 2009 21:16 PM

103 Projects Implemented At Economic Corridors, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- A total of 103 or 46 per cent of the 224 projects listed for implementation at the five regional development corridors have started, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told the Dewan Rakyat Thursday.

He said some of the projects were at initial stage such as environmental impact assessment, design evaluation, land surveying and site preparation.

"In terms of projects that have been started according to economic corridors, Iskandar Malaysia has recorded 100 per cent and Northern Corridor Economic Region has registered 43 per cent," he said in his written reply to Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan).

Hee wanted to know the progress of the economic corridors initiated by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and whether the government would continue with the corridor projects.

Najib said 45 per cent of the projects slated for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) have been started, Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) 28 per cent and 100 projects at Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

"As of now investments received via signing of contracts for all the five regional development corridors totalled RM155.71 billion or 7.4 per cent higher as compared to the RM145 billion targeted investment under the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue with regional development corridor initiative to address development imbalances in states and regions.

"This approach will build on the present advantage in the development areas and will be expanded to potential areas within the corridor areas and focus on optimising the available resources to the fullest," he said.

Najib said the development programmes would ensure the locals benefited from creation of jobs, business opportunities and provision of facilities to boost income and improve the people's standard of living.

"In the long-term, the government believes the spin-offs from the projects will be accepted by the people from all strata of society including people in the rural areas," he added.

-- BERNAMA

STG Group To Invest RM50 Million In Kenyir Lake Resort Project

2009-07-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

26, 2009 16:02 PM

STG Group To Invest RM50 Million In Kenyir Lake Resort Project

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The STG Group, developer of the Gold Coast Resorts projects, will be investing RM50 million in a lake holiday resort in Kenyir.

This development by the STG Group is its second in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The first is the RM10 million Gold Coast Kuantan resort with 99 apartment suites, with a view of the South China Sea.

"The Gold Coast Kenyir development will be unique. The project will comprise a hotel mall with shops, longhouses and bungalows built over Kenyir Lake's serene waters," STG chairman, Datuk Dr Alex Tan said in a statement today.

The Gold Coast Kenyir project will be rolled out in March 2010.

The STG Group is targeting to be listed by 2012.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly Starts Terengganu-Singapore Flights July 14

2009-06-10T20:24:00.001-07:00

June 10, 2009 19:43 PM

Firefly Starts Terengganu-Singapore Flights July 14

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 10 (Bernama)-- The economy and the tourist industry in the state will get a boost when low-cost carrier Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) begins flights from here to Singapore on July 14.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said there would be three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"With the flights more tourists will come to Kuala Terengganu. Before going to the islands or lakes they could spend money here and this will increase income of businesses and boost Terengganu's economy," he said at a briefing by Firefly by its managing director Eddy Leong here Wednesday.

Ahmad said each flight could carry 70 passengers, took 20 minutes and the fare was RM88 one-way.

He said the state government would provide subsidies to the carrier including passenger tax, landing tax and parking tax in efforts to encourage more outgoing flights.

"We have plans for Terengganu-Guangzhou, China flights," he said.

Leong said for the cheap fare passengers have to make bookings 30 days in advance as the normal Kuala Terengganu-Singapore fare was RM120.

Last year, Terengganu received 3.5 million tourists most of them from Singapore.

ECER Projects To Spur Mersing's Development

2009-06-10T20:21:00.001-07:00

ECER Projects To Spur Mersing's Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- Mersing will be developed as a tourism destination and gateway to the Mersing group of islands under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) master plan.

In a statement today, the ECER Development Council's chief executive officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said five projects had been identified under the ECER master plan and which are expected to stimulate Mersing's economy by 2020.

He said, according to the ECER master plan, Mersing had great potential for ecotourism, mainland coastal tourism and island tourism.

"To increase entrepreneurial opportunities, several social and human capital development initiatives will be introduced. These ECER projects are interrelated and will enhance the region's dynamism," he said.

Mersing's coastal area will be transformed into an integrated tourism destination through the development of coastal resorts and hotels, a new commercial business area as well as a jetty complex for island hopping activities.

The project will involve land reclamation of about 2,000 acres on the seafront side of Mersing Town, to be developed as an integrated resort featuring waterfront homes, hotels as well as a new commercial and business area.

A new jetty complex has also been proposed to house a passenger ferry jetty, a fishing jetty and a marina.

Mersing town,the established gateway for the Mersing group of islands as well as Pulau Tioman in Pahang, boasts of many attractive, unspoiled beaches along its coastline.

It is also the main ecotourism gateway for the Endau Rompin National Park.

-- BERNAMA

Canon Eyes 29 Percent Growth From ECER States

2009-05-31T19:37:00.001-07:00

May 29, 2009 16:02 PM

Canon Eyes 29 Percent Growth From ECER States

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Japanese imaging company, Canon, expects 29 percent growth from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) states as a measure of its confidence in the region's economic development.

"The east coast states are beginning to show economic development, reminiscent of the west coast some 20 years ago," said Canon Marketing Malaysia president/chief executive officer, Liew Sip Chon, in a statement released by ECER secretariat here today.

He said Canon expected Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan to be the next engine of growth in Peninsular Malaysia.

Canon had earlier announced it expected RM22 million in sales of its products from the east coast states this year.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysian state fund to sell 5 bln ringgit bonds

2009-05-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 1-Malaysian state fund to sell 5 bln ringgit bonds

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Reuters) - The Terengganu Investment Authority, the investment arm of a Malaysian state, is to sell 5 billion ringgit ($1.40 billion) of bonds guaranteed by the federal government this week, it said in a statement on Monday.

The fund has been set up and labelled as Malaysia's first sovereign wealth fund and is modelled on similar concepts in the Gulf with the aim of investing oil revenues for the long term.

The fund said it would invest in tourism, energy and agriculture in the state, which is one of Malaysia's poorest, and would team up with sovereign wealth funds to invest.

"This week will see the sovereign wealth fund raising 5 billion ringgit from the capital markets on the back of a government guarantee," the authority said in a statement.

The fund said that investors would be "sourced from domestic and foreign capital markets" although it did not give any details on the state's oil revenues which will be used to securitise the bond.

Goldman Sachs has been advising the fund on capital raising.

The federal government and the state had been at loggerheads over the oil revenues, paid by Malaysia's Petronas, when the opposition took the control of the poor northeastern state in elections in 1999.

The federal government only started repaying money directly to the state in 2004 after it passed back into the hands of the National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 51 years.

There is no firm data on the amount of money the state receives each year, although the state assembly was told last year that 7.364 billion ringgit was channeled to the state from the federal government in the three years to March 2007.

No one from the investment authority was immediately available for comment on the oil royalty revenues.

$1=3.566 Malaysian Ringgit)

Reporting by Razak Ahmad; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Liau Y-Sing)

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

Kenaf tipped to replace tobacco

2009-05-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday April 28, 2009
Kenaf tipped to replace tobacco
Commodities Talk - By Hanim Adnan

THE quest for Malaysia’s next golden industrial crop has been endless since the success of oil palm, rubber and to a certain extent cocoa, pepper and tobacco.

Kenaf and jatropha have been the most talked about candidates so far.

Many would agree that kenaf seems to stand out prominently in the eyes of the Government given the amount of incentives, funding and the involvement of many government agencies like the Malaysian Timber Board, the National Tobacco Board and MARDI in undertaking intensive research and development (R&D) work on the crop.

The kenaf plant ... some RM36mil has been allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for the crop's planting

Todate, some RM35mil has been allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for kenaf planting.

More recently, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation endorsed Malaysia’s initiative by agreeing to test the commercial use of kenaf via funding from the Netherlands-based Common Funds for Commodities.

Kenaf, scientifically known as hibiscus cannabinus, is a jute-like plant from the hibiscus family that can be used as a raw material to make a multitude of products like high quality paper, bicomposites for automotive door trimmings and interior shelving, bioplastics industry, building materials like medium-density fibreboards and even high protein animal feed.

In fact, kenaf planting is heavily promoted by the Government as an alternative crop for the less competitive local tobacco farmers to consider in the advent of the Afta.

The Afta, which comes into effect in 2010, could result in lower prices and a reduction in import duties for tobacco.

Afta, to a certain extent, could negatively impact the competitiveness of Malaysian tobacco planters, whose cost of production is about RM10 per kg, almost doubled compared with their peers in Thailand and Indonesia.

It is also believed that the National Tobacco Board will help tobacco farmers integrate other crops with tobacco with the eventual goal to replace tobacco if planting it is no longer viable.

The East Corridor Economic Region (ECER) which covers Kelantan, Trengganu and Pahang todate has a combined allocation of 10,000ha to be planted with kenaf.

Sabah also aims to be a leading kenaf producer in the region, with the focus on processing kenaf into animal feed and fibre. It was reported that over 2,000ha have been earmarked to plant the crop.

But even as kenaf development gains momentum, many are still uncertain about the actual market demand for kenaf compared with jatropha, which is a globally accepted feedstock for biofuel.

Can tobacco farmers actually enjoy the same if not better income from kenaf?

The great task in hand now lies on the shoulders of the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, which aims to export 50,000 tonnes or about RM15bil worth of kenaf annually from next year when Afta is enforced.

Hanim Adnan is assistant news editor at The Star. She believes kenaf cultivation can grow as big as oil palm and rubber.

ECER Projects For Terengganu On Track

2009-05-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

May 03, 2009 21:35 PM

ECER Projects For Terengganu On Track

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) projects for Terengganu spanning tourism, manufacturing, petrochemical and agriculture industries are on track with the majority of them due to commence by year end.

ECER Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said infrastructure facilities for the projects had begun and that the ECER was collaborating closely with state governments to attract investors.

He said ECERDC officials had just returned from an investment mission to Europe with state officials, which focused on high growth areas such as tourism, manufacturing and the halal industry that would create employment.

"Work on 21 projects began in 2008, 11 more will start by mid year, another 10 before year end while the two final projects will take off next year," he said in a statement here today.

He added the ECER projects in Terengganu were gaining traction.

"Kertih Plastics Park, the country's first fully integrated plastics park is expected to be fully operational in 2015, attracting RM2 billion worth of investments and creating more than 7,000 jobs," he said.

On the manufacturing sector, Issace John said Kemaman would be developed as the state's heavy industry park with integrated facilities which include designated areas for manufacturing, boat building and repairs and free zones.

ECER has also adopted a farm-to-table model for its agriculture programmes which encompass cultivating seeds to farming, processing, packaging and marketing both locally and internationally, he said.

Issace John added that ECER was collaborating with various government agencies to conduct seminars and trainings to increase Bumiputera participation in commercial and industrial initiatives.

"Among the initiatives lined up for implementation this year include a collaboration with Perbadanan Nasional Berhad to introduce a franchise development programme to cultivate at least 50 franchises in Terengganu," he said.

-- BERNAMA

ECER Enters UK Halal Market

2009-05-19T02:14:00.001-07:00

ECER Enters UK Halal Market

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Four halal product entrepreneurs from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) have successfully penetrated the fast growing United Kingdom (UK) halal market.

The companies are Muslim Best Food Industries, GTHerb Industries, Maduria Industries and RMZ Marketing.

The companies are exploring the export of food and beverage products to the UK through the Malaysia Trading House, which is operating in London, the ECER secretariat said in a statement today.

The Malaysia Trading House, initiated by Konsortium Usahawan Makanan dan Industri Asas Tani Sdn Bhd (Komita), is a one-stop trading centre displaying an array of quality halal products from Malaysia.

"The UK halal market offers huge opportunities for Malaysian entrepreneurs, as more Muslim and non-Muslim consumers here, are buying halal products from supermarket chains and other outlets," said Komita's chairman, Sheikh Ahmad Dusuki Sheikh Mohamad.

In response to the increasing demand for halal products, Sheikh Ahmad said that Malaysia Trading House provides the platform for local halal entrepreneurs to enter and explore the UK and European market.

"Through this initiative, we aim to become a leading halal supermarket in London, as well as in Europe," he added.

Located in the historic Borough district in central London, the Malaysia Trading House is promoting products from 52 Malaysian companies, ranging from halal food and beauty products, to household and craft items.

The UK halal market is worth around 2.8 billion pounds (1.00 = RM5.39).

There are two million Muslims in the UK but according to the UK Food Safety Authority, there are six million consumers of halal food nationwide.

According to Sheikh Ahmad, Komita also plans to open similar trading houses in Casablanca, Morocco, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Under the ECER master plan, Pasir Mas and Pengkalan Chepa in Kelantan, Chendering in Terengganu and Gambang in Pahang, have been identified for development as halal parks.

-- BERNAMA

M'sia East Coast Economic Region Courts German Investors

2009-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

April 27, 2009 12:37 PM

M'sia East Coast Economic Region Courts German Investors

By Manik Mehta

FRANKFURT, April 27 (Bernama) -- Representatives of Malaysia's East Coast Economic Region Development Council, who were recently part of a 70-member strong Malaysian business delegation on a visit to Germany, made a strong pitch before a large audience of potential German investors and invited them to avail of the "incredible business opportunities" available to them in Malaysia's east coast.

"We have earmarked a huge outlay of some RM15 billion (about US$4.1 billion) over the next 15 years. Half of the allocations will be spent for infrastructure development while the other half from the private sectoris to develop a number of industries," said Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, chief executive officer of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, in an interview with Bernama in Frankfurt.

"We are looking at all approaches and programmes to accelerate the region's development firom five per cent to 7 per cent of the national gross domestic product and in the process expect to create half-a-million new jobs by 2020," he said.

He listed a number of areas where the ECER was inherent with good business potential. The attractive features of Kuantan Palm Oil Industrial Park, Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, Pahang Technology Park, Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park, Halal Park, Kuantan Palm Oil Industrial Park, Kertih Plastics Park were highlighted before the investor audience.

Because of the imbalance in the development between the east and west coasts of the country, the Malaysian government's strategy is to develop logistics infrastructure, including ports, airports, roads and highways which will make shipments and distribution easier.

The private sector would concentrate on developing oil, gas and petrochemicals, resource-based manufacturing industries, tourism, agriculture and education, he said.

One of the "most important projects," according to Jebasingam, is development of the Kuantan Port which will offer connectivity to two billion people in the Asia-Pacific region.

The port recorded a throughput of 10 million tonnes in 2008 and has projected it to grow to 30 million tonnes in 2020.

"Kuantan Port is also being developed to accommodate larger vessels of the current generation. The expansion is being done to facilitate oil and gas shipments and other commodities, mainly, to Asean markets.

"We are also developing a free trade zone and a transshipment hub for the automotive cluster in the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park," he said.

Jebasingam said the ongoing global recession might take longer than a year but emphasised that Malaysia would be spared "because of our regulatory controls that are in place to manage the banks".

Malaysia's Central Bank, he said, was doing a "good job" whereas in Europe and elsewhere there was a "free for all" with little or virtually no controls.

"Thus Malaysia has a better chance of getting out of the recession ...we don't have a credit crunch," he added.

-- BERNAMA

RM130mil varsity project in Kelantan to go on

2009-05-03T18:37:00.001-07:00

Monday May 4, 2009
RM130mil varsity project in Kelantan to go on

JELI: The university and polytech-nics planned for Kelantan will be implemented as scheduled, the global economic crisis notwithstanding, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said.

The RM130mil University Malay-sia Kelantan (UMK) campus project, approved in 2007, is one of 20 universities approved nationwide.

“The Government cannot afford to stop the projects as doing so would affect the educational needs of the people,” he said yesterday, after visiting victims of a fire that razed 11 hou-ses and shoplots at Air Lanas here.

Mustapa, the Jeli MP, added that the UMK complex, to replace the temporary campus in Pangkalan Chepa, would be built on a 232ha land in Tangok, Bachok.

Infrastructure projects in rural areas for roads, village development and flood mitigation will also continue as scheduled. “These projects are important and if there is a need to increase the allocation, the Government will consider it,” said Mustapa.

He said several big projects were also underway, such as the second Sultan Yahya Petra in Kota Baru costing RM150mil and the new Kota Baru-Kuala Terengganu and Jalan Selising-Tok Bok roads.

“They are important to boost economic activities,” he added. A total of 1,500 houses were also being built in Jeli for the poor.

- The Star -

Buy Malaysia Products Campaign Helps Traders

2009-04-30T00:09:00.001-07:00

April 30, 2009 14:49 PM

Buy Malaysia Products Campaign Helps Traders

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 30 (Bernama) -- For entrepreneurs and traders of small medium enterprises (SMEs), the Buy Malaysian Campaign 2009 which took place here recently, provided an opportunity for them to introduce their respective products.

Generally, the campaign brought many new changes; in particular, encouraging consumers to buy local products, whose quality matched that of overseas brands.

Apart from hoping to dispel consumer prejudice towards local products, the campaign among others, is also aimed at boosting the local economy.

All the entrepreneurs met during the campaign, which ended on April 27, welcomed it, and hoped it could be held from time to time to enable consumers to better view local products, which are also priced more cheaply.

The five-day campaign from April 23 saw 109 booths selling various products including foodstuff, health products, clothes and stationery.

Global Factor Sdn Bhd director Nor'aini Rusmin said through the campaign, she was not only able to introduce her products but also save on costs from the aspect of advertising.

"We cannot aford to take out big advertisments and an expo such as this, helps introduce our products," she said of her company which produces stationery under the brand, Kedidi.

Nor'Aini, who runs the business with her husband Ab Razak Azhari, said they established a factory 13 years ago to produce their products.

She said the idea of opening the stationery company started when her husband realised that there were no Bumiputera traders as yet in this line of business.

She said the factory produces various products such as markers, pens, and files and these were sold by the company itself while being also distributed to suppliers.

"We began the business in Selangor. Then, we purchased about a hectare of land at Kampong Soi in Kuantan and built the factory. We have been there ever since," she explained.

According to Nor'Aini, her company frequently participates in expos held throughout the country if invited, such as at the Amanah Saham Week in Johor recently.

The public who came for the expo in Terengganu was attracted to the health products such as the first herbal health mattress in the world, produced by a local entrepreneur.

Durjaa Health Care manager, S.Siva, said his company based in Selama, Perak began producing the herbal mattress two years ago.

He said what is interesting about the mattress is that, it is made from noni, inai, betel leaves, pandan and senduduk, which helps overcome stress, internal body aches, back pain and such.

"Sleep is a time of rest and very important for a human being. So, using the herbal mattress, helps overcome the feeling of discomfort and restores a weak body to health," he said.

He said the expo had helped introduce his company's product to the people of Terengganu and the east coast in general.

"The people of Terengganu and Kelantan had previously known about the herbal mattress. So, with this expo, they were able to get to know the product better. Many visited our booth from the time we opened," he said.

Siva said his company had no branch here but those who wished to place an order for the herbal mattress can do so by contacting 016-5160400 or 1-800-88-5858.

ABB Jaya Enterprise, a company manufacturing various types of clothing and t-shirts, also participated in the programme here. The company expressed satisfaction with the response of the people towards its products.

ABB Jaya Enterprise manager, Anuar Bidin said the company was based in Taman Safiah Murni, Bukit Payong, Marang. It had a sales centre in Simpang Tok Ku here and in Kampung Durian Penjara, Marang.

He said the company, which started operations eight years ago, was prepared to receive orders for stitching and embroidery as well as fabric based products.

Anuar said that the expo held was very good as it exposed his products, which previously were not that well, known by the public.

"I am happy that the people were interested in the embroidery exhibition staged by us while viewing the corporate attire on display," he said.

Meanwhile, the director of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Terengganu, Mohd Hilmi Mohd Noor said the response to the expo was very encouraging.

"We only provided for 100 booths in the beginning, but with the good response from entrepreneurs and retailers, we increased it to 109," he said.

He also stated that the participants at the expo were not just from Terengganu but also all over the country, with no fee being imposed.

About 50,000 people thronged the expo throughout the five days it was staged and the sale of products displayed was also encouraging.

The Buy Malaysia Campaign should therefore not be ended as it is hoped that consumers would purchase local products.

While encouraging the consumers, the government should also try and find a way to enhance the patriotic spirit among entrepreneurs.

Awareness, as to the importance of the Buy Malaysia campaign, should be inculcated in them.

Don't allow consumers who have spiritedly embraced the government's call, to become victims of entrepreneurs in search of profits, by any means.

-- BERNAMA

Pahang Allocated RM808.4 Mil Under 2nd Stimulus Package - Adnan

2009-04-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Pahang Allocated RM808.4 Mil Under 2nd Stimulus Package - Adnan

KUANTAN, April 23 (Bernama) -- Pahang has been allocated RM808.4 million under the RM60 billion second stimulus package to cushion the impact of the global economic crisis, the state legislative assembly was told today.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the state government received RM256.3 million under the RM7 billion first stimulus package for the same purpose.

With the allocations, all the projects planned have been implemented, he said when replying to Ibrahim Awang Ismail (BN-Peramu Jaya) who queried the state government on pre-emptive measures taken to mitigate effects of the economic downturn.

Earlier, State Executive Councillor for Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Sharkar Shamsudin said the state government was committed to develop infrastructure facilities to woo private sector participation in biotechnology development in the state.

A 248.6-hectare site has been identified in Gambang to develop "Gambang Science Park" he said, adding the state government had also drawn up the Pahang Biodiversity-Biotechnology Masterplan.

The masterplan spells out several strategies that should be implemented by the public and private sectors to ensure success of the plan, he said when replying to Datuk Pang Tsu Ming (BN-Semambu) who asked on biotechnology development in the state.

To a supplementary question from Pang on initiatives to develop a Bio-Informatic Data Centre, Sharkar said the state government also planned to establish a database that would gather all information on research and development to be used as reference.

-- BERNAMA

Rid Loyalty To Foreign Products, Says Ismail Sabry

2009-04-25T20:38:00.001-07:00

April 25, 2009 20:00 PM

Rid Loyalty To Foreign Products, Says Ismail Sabry

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysians were today urged to stop being too loyal to foreign goods, but buy local products instead which have found acceptance throughout the world.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they should rid of their prejudice against local products as the quality was about the same as foreign goods.

He regretted the preception that imported goods were always better than locally-produced goods as this could cause problems for the country.

"We must get rid of the thinking that we've got more class if we wear imported branded items," he said after launching the trade expo in conjunction with the state-level "Buy Malaysian" campaign at the Terengganu Trade Centre, here, Saturday.

Ismail Sabri said Malaysians must have a nationalistic spirit like the Japanese and Koreans have towards their own products.

He said as Malaysians, they should be proud of local products as many Malaysian-made products had penetrated the international market and gained recognition for their quality.

"In South Korea, it's a shame for the people if one were to own a foreign-made car.

"Japan and the United States have instilled nationalistic values in their people so that they favour local products. This spirit should also be inculcated among Malaysians in support of the 'Buy Malaysian' campaign," he said.

On another development, Ismail Sabri said the government would launch a customer-friendly campaign for traders if there was a need for it.

"There have been complaints about unfriendly traders and we will discuss the matter with the traders associations whether such a campaign is necessary."

On the Buy Malaysian Campaign 2009, he said the campaign would continue nationwide to create public awareness on the importance of buying local products to spur the domestic economy.

The campaign in Terengganu from April 23 to 27 is the eighth in the series which will end in Sarawak in October.

-- BERNAMA

ECER Push For Tourism Through Malaysia's Largest Pheasant Sanctuary

2009-04-25T20:37:00.001-07:00

ECER Push For Tourism Through Malaysia's Largest Pheasant Sanctuary

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) is host to the largest pheasant sanctuary in Malaysia, as part of its efforts to promote tourism.

The 1.7-acre Ajil Pheasant Park has been certified by the Malaysian Book of Records as the country's largest pheasant sanctuary and breeding farm. It is located along the road to Kuala Berang and the Kenyir Lake.

The park has 38 pheasant species out of a known 49 in the world, including the endangered Green Peafowl, which was last spotted on the Besut coast in 1958.

The ECER secretariat said in a statement Thursday that Oh Siong Lai, the park operator, started the venture as a hobby.

"At the farm, we are breeding the Green Peafowl and currently working with the Terengganu state government, to re-introduce the birds back into their natural habitat," Oh said.

According to Oh, the pheasants which are among the most beautiful birds in the world, are attracting local and foreign tourists alike.

He explained that most of the pheasants at the park were imported from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

A school teacher, he said plans are afoot to expand the park to house several small mammals like foxes and porcupines, to complement the deer and several species of monkeys.

He also intends to create a herb garden within the park for study and research.

"However, these plans are still very preliminary as the current cost of maintaining the park, exceeds the collection from entrance fees," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Call For Systematic Approach To Community-based Tourism

2009-04-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

April 20, 2009 13:25 PM

Call For Systematic Approach To Community-based Tourism

SANDAKAN, April 20 (Bernama) -- Community-based tourism, said to be an effective poverty reduction and wealth distribution tool, requires systematic and sustainable approaches instead of ad hoc methods, Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng said today.

He said the long-term viability of community-based tourism projects, which required careful planning, commitment and perseverance, was a prime concern.

"Appropriate policy interventions and physical infrastructure should be in place to ensure community-based tourism is developed in a sustainable manner.

"Community capacity building should also be initiated and a collective vision of what the community aspires to be and how it will progress and supports itself are some of the issues that need to be resolved," he said when opening the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Conference on Community-based Tourism, here.

The four-day conference is being attended by 65 delegates, 12 of them from Indonesia, Peru, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Dr Ong said community-based tourism was gradually becoming a mainstream development tool and was extensively being used in the planning and development of Malaysia's new economic corridors such as the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Iskandar Malaysia and the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

He said community-based tourism brought direct economic benefits to local communities and helped in poverty reduction, apart from empowering local women and youths.

"Moreover, the experiential nature of community-based tourism, which contains a high level of educational elements, is becoming increasingly popular with both foreign and domestic tourists," he added.

Dr Ong said the homestay programme in Malaysia was a form of community-based tourism which aimed to encourage tourists to experience the village way of life.

He said that due to the potential of homestay programmes in providing additional income and employment, the number of providers in Malaysia had increased and, up to 2008, there were 138 homestay facilities nationwide involving 3,183 participants since the programme was launched in 1995.

"This programme has lately been given special emphasis by the Ministry of Tourism and, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, a total of RM40 million has been allocated to the ministry for upgrading infrastructure and facilities in participating villages," he added.

-- BERNAMA

RM15 Million For Hulu Kelantan From Stimulus Package

2009-04-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2009 23:12 PM

RM15 Million For Hulu Kelantan From Stimulus Package

KUALA KRAI, April 19 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM15 million from the economic stimulus package for the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) to carry out development projects in three regions in the state.

Kesedar chairman Datuk Ramzi Ab Rahman said 62 small development projects were for the Kuala Krai region, 53 for Jeli and 14 for Gua Musang.

He said some of the projects like the construction of farm and village roads, madrasah and surau in the three areas had already begun, while Kesedar was also carrying out several projects under the People's Prosperity Development Scheme.

Ramzi was met by reporters after launching an inter-department aerobics programme and sports event here today, organised by Kesedar, Federal Development Office and the district's Youth and Sports Department, involving about 800 civil servants.

He said the Kuala Krai Kesedar Region was allocated more than RM150,000 in the form of educational grants for 56 schools, including eight state-run religious schools.

-- BERNAMA

Unease over wealth funds

2009-04-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2009
Unease over wealth funds

Terengganu investment fund to be set up using borrowed money, not existing capital
By Leslie Lopez, Senior Regional Correspondent

Oil-rich Terengganu is planning to establish a multibillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, but it is causing unease among businessmen and government officials as Malaysia's economic crisis deepens.

KUALA LUMPUR - OIL-rich Terengganu is planning to establish a multibillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, but it is causing unease among businessmen and government officials as Malaysia's economic crisis deepens.

The chief bugbear is that the planned RM10 billion (S$4.1 billion) fund, which is to be managed by the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), will be created using borrowed money and not existing capital held by the Terengganu state, said bankers and government officials.

'To turn in a profit, the fund must ensure a return higher than the cost of its borrowing, and there will be the pressure to go into risky investments to get better returns,' said a chief executive of a state-controlled bank, who asked not to be named.

A senior TIA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Straits Times that governance issues and rules that will determine how the fund will invest its money are being hammered out ahead of the planned year-end launch.

'It (the fund) is still being cooked and we want to model (it) along the lines of Mudabala,' he said, referring to Abu Dhabi's highly reputable sovereign wealth fund.

Detractors of the proposed fund point out that the Mudabala investment model was not established on borrowed money.

The TIA is proposing to raise RM5 billion through a bond issue that will be guaranteed against future earnings the state will receive in royalties from national oil corporation Petronas for oil and gas extracted from Terengganu territory.

Another RM5 billion will be raised through a separate bond issue that will be guaranteed by the federal government.

'We are in the final stages of finalising the government guarantee and we are deciding on how to draw down on the facility,' said the TIA official.

Many analysts worry that the federal government's green light for TIA and its backing for the fund through financial guarantees could prompt other oil-producing states such as Sabah and Sarawak to demand funds of their own.

'With all the spending that the government has to undertake to stimulate the economy, funds like TIA's and others will only stretch the government's finances further,' said Mr Jason Chong of UOB-OSK Asset Management in Kuala Lumpur.

- Straits Times -

ECER Eyes European Core Mart

2009-04-19T17:58:00.001-07:00

ECER Eyes European Core Mart

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) is looking to enhance trade and investment among European investors during its mission to Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Led by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI), the mission will focus on the region's core business of oil, gas and petrochemicals, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

ECER in a statement said some noteworthy projects would be promoted by the investment mission from April 19-29.

Amongst the projects are the Kertih Plastics Park, the Gambang Halal Park, the Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park, the Pekan-Peramu Automotive Industrial Park, the Palm Oil Industry Park and the Intergrated Poultry Park.

According to ECER, Germany was an important source of Malaysia's foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2008, with investments of RM4.4 billion when compared with RM3.7 billion the previous year.

Meanwhile, Italy remained Malaysia's fifth largest trading partner within the European Union.Bilateral trade between both countries amounted to US$2.22 billion in the first 11 months of 2008.

The United Kingdom is also one of the largest investors in Malaysia, with over 20 billion in investments over the past 30 years.

-- BERNAMA

Political storm looks to be brewing in Terengganu

2009-04-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 15, 2009
Political storm looks to be brewing in Terengganu

KUALA TERENGGANU: A political storm is brewing in Terengganu after 10 Barisan Nasional assemblymen stayed away from the second sitting of the State Assembly yesterday.

The official reason given was that they feared for their safety after three of them claimed to have received death threats via SMS.

Unoccupied: Backbencher Nawi Mohamad (BN – Hulu Besut) sitting among the empty chairs as 10 of his colleagues decided to stay away from the State Assembly sitting yesterday. On the right are exco members Rozi Mamat (front) and Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar.

However, there were also suggestions that they were staging a boycott in apparent protest against the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.

In the past week, talk had been rife that the Barisan assemblymen would move a motion of no-confidence against Ahmad when the assembly convened on Monday.

Ahmad had earlier warned the assemblymen not to table such a motion against him as this could taint the image of the state Barisan.

He also threatened to sack those who defied his order.

State Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Rosol Wahid said the 10 assemblymen – all backbenchers – decided to stay away from the assembly because of “safety factors” after alleged death threats were received yesterday morning.

“We are not boycotting the assembly. We decided to gather at a hotel because we are very afraid,” he said at the hotel.

He claimed that all 10 had applied for leave.

The three who claimed to have received death threats, said to have originated from Ahmad’s private secretary Wan Ahamad Wan Muda, were Rosol, Paka assemblyman Zakaria Ariffin and Permaisuri assemblyman Halim Jusoh.

Wan Ahamad later denied sending the SMS and lodged a police report at the state police headquarters.

One of the assemblymen, who declined to be named, however, said that there was a boycott of the assembly.

“The Mentri Besar should resign. We do not intend to table a motion of no-confidence against him at the assembly but he should get the message that he is not favoured by Barisan assemblymen,” he said.

Besides Rosol, Zakaria and Halim, the others who stayed away were Tepoh assemblyman Muhammad Ramli Noh, Mohd Zawawi Ismail (Kuala Berang), Datuk Din Adam (Bukit Besi), Alias Abdullah (Alor Limbat), Ramlan Ali (Jabi) and Mohd Pehimi Yusof (Kota Putera).

Muhammad Ramli later said that all 10 would attend the sitting today.

There are 13 backbenchers and 10 exco members, including Ahmad, in the assembly. The Opposition has eight members, all of them from PAS.

All Opposition members, including PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, were present.

Despite the boycott, the assembly, however, continued as usual.

Ahmad, when approached by reporters during a break, said he was shocked that the assemblymen had resorted to such action.

“I will contact them to find out why they did this. As Mentri Besar, it is my duty to find out the rationale of the 10 for doing this,” he said.

When asked about the death threats sent to three representatives via SMS, Ahmad said he had no knowledge of it.

Ahmad’s appointment as Mentri Besar after the 2008 general election was controversial from the beginning as it was not the original choice of the Barisan, which had chosen former mentri besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

Ahmad was, however, sworn in and then prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi later said that the Barisan would accept him as Mentri Besar.

STAR

Terengganu plans direct flights to woo more Singaporeans

2009-04-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

Wednesday April 15, 2009
Terengganu plans direct flights to woo more Singaporeans

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government is confident about starting direct flights between here and Singapore.

State Tourism, Culture, Art and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib said talks between the Transport Ministry and its Singapore counterpart had been positive.

“It will certainly be a boom for our tourism industry as Singapore tourists are the most treasured group,” he told The Star.

He added that by having the route, Singaporeans would not be burdened by making transit stops in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaabar said low-cost carrier FireFly was interested to service the route and the state government anticipated that Singapore operators would also start flights.

“Singaporeans make up the bulk of tourists to Terengganu and direct flights could increase their numbers three-fold,” he said.

“Singapore is our traditional market and we are now intensifying our promotion to woo more people to make Terengganu their favourite holiday destination.”

Zaabar said Terengganu Fest would be promoted in Singapore in the next few months and the new Terengganu Zoo in Kemaman, dubbed the largest recreational concept zoo in the country, would form part of the package.

He said facilities at islands off Terengganu would be enhanced to attract Singaporeans.

Kertih Park on track to be hub for Asia-Pacific market

2009-04-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

2009/04/10

Kertih Park on track to be hub for Asia-Pacific market

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Kertih Plastic Park is poised to become a global benchmark under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) initiative by 2015.

ECER chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John told the New Straits Times that the country's first fully integrated plastics park, has the potential to emulate the success of the Dow Value Park in Germany.

KPP is expected to be fully operational in 2015, attracting RM2 billion worth of investments and creating more than 7,000 jobs.

An Internet search on the park states that in 1995, the Dow Chemical Company took over economic responsibility for several chemical sites that became the start of a restructuring process, which was unique in the history of the chemical industry.

The park in Germany which is a hub for the chemical, polymer and plastic industry is considered one of the world's best, in terms of industry practices, facilities, plant management, industry standards and its capacity in attracting investors.

"And that is the direction we want the KPP to head. In Germany, the park is a hub for the European market, but Kertih is well positioned to take care of the Asia-Pacific market which has two billion people.

"We are on the right track," he said after a briefing for Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said on ECER developments here.

Earlier, Ahmad had revealed that 31 projects under the initiative in the state have been approved while RM10.8 billion in investments have poured in.

The ECER team will be joining the International Trade and Industry Ministry on an investment trade mission to Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom later this month to promote among others the KPP, the Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park, the ECER handicraft industry and the Pahang Technology Park.

Pekan Sees Vast Economic Changes With Najib At Helm

2009-04-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

April 03, 2009 20:50 PM

Pekan Sees Vast Economic Changes With Najib At Helm

PEKAN, April 3 (Bernama) -- Once a small town with its economic activities limited to agriculture and small industries, Pahang's royal town of Pekan today has a growing industrial sector as well.

The town today also recorded history for having two of its Members of Parliament as the prime ministers of the country -- the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the Pekan MP who became the second Prime Minister of Malaysia and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who was sworn in as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia Friday morning.

The first time Pekan tasted fame was when Tun Abdul Razak was elected the country's prime minister in 1970.

More than three decades later, his eldest son, Najib, took oath for the same office, replacing Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Pekan, which in the past was relatively left behind in terms of development compared with other districts in Pahang, however has seen much changes in the recent years especially following the appointment of Najib as Deputy Prime Minister in 2004.

Currently, the economic activities in the fourth largest district of Pahang, with a size of 380,500 hectares and a population of 120,000, cover not only agriculture and cottage industries but also includes a growing industrial sector boosted by foreign investments.

In line with Najib's aim to establish Pekan as an automotive hub, he is said to have successfully attracted world renowned automobile assembly companies to invest in Pekan and these include the producers of Isuzu from Japan and Mercedes Benz from Germany.

The District Officer of Pekan, Datuk Mohd Basik Mohd. Ali said an industrial zone covering 1,000 hectares in size was created in Peramu Jaya here for the setting up of auto assembly plants which now provide more than 4,000 job opportunities for locals.

Mohd Basik said the existence of the factories in the zone have also helped to stop the migration of locals especially the younger generation to the urban areas.

What is something to be even more proud of is that the automobile companies have also acknowledged that the automobiles produced in Pekan are better than those produced in their own countries, he said.

"This proves that the companies involved are also acknowledging the work of the Pekan people directly involved in the production of the vehicles," he told Bernama in an interview.

Meanwhile, two automobile producers, namely Chevvy from China and Volkswagen from Germany have also expressed their interest to invest in Pekan and negotiations are now at the final stages, he said.

If these plans become a reality, they would create another 3,000 employment opportunities for the locals.

The idea to develop Pekan as an automotive hub was already on board before the launch of the East Coast Economic Region in October 2007, and under the ECER development plan, Pekan was categorised as an automotive hub in view of its vast growth in the area of vehicle assembling.

Another upcoming project in Pekan is the Oil, Gas and Maritime Industrial Park in Tanjong Agas. The project was recently launched in Kuala Lumpur by the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Mohd Basik said the project successfully attracted an investment of RM6 billion with the majority of it coming from foreign investors.

"Several investors have signed the Memorandum of Understanding and they are expected to begin the project soon," he said.

The industrial park will involve an area of 1,639 hectares.

"Todate, a total of 640 hectares to 800 hectares of land have been handed over to the investors and the whole area is expected to be leased by the investors in two years time," he said.

The project is expected to be completed in three to four years and RM2 billion has been allocated for the provision of infrastructure facilities.

A local company, Tanjong Agas Supply Base & Marine Services Sdn Bhd (TASBMS) will be operating the park.

Mohd Basik said the industrial park will become the first such modern one-stop centre for the martime, oil and gas industry in Pahang and probably in Malaysia as well.

It will be divided into several sections and will have among others designated areas for recovery and maintenance of ships, fabrication, petroleum terminal, factory sites, town centre, residential as well as commercial centres.

"This project will start to generate income for Pahang state as soon as work on the infrastructure development starts including the provision of jobs for 4,000 people in the initial stage," he said.

The mega project is expected to transform Pekan in the next five years and certainly with the appointment of Najib as Prime Minister, more development can be expected in this district.

-- BERNAMA

Tioman airport extension off

2009-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Tioman airport extension off

Sun, Mar 08, 2009
The Star/Asia News Network
By SIMON KHOO

KUANTAN, Malaysia: The proposal to build a new RM120mil ($49.99 mil) airport on Tioman Island for bigger aircraft has been called off, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

Ong said the ministry decided this recently after considering various factors, particularly the impact on the environment.

"I have personally gone through each and every report pertaining to the pros and cons of the project.

"We are instead proposing to upgrade the present airport to cater for ATR (turboprop) aircraft," he said after opening the Indera Mahkota MCA division new office here yesterday.

Ong said an allocation would be sought under the 10th Malaysia Plan for the new proposal.

"I would like to stress that the decision to cancel the project was due to the negative impact on the environment, particularly corals and marine life and not due to pressure from certain quarters."

He said a new environment impact assessment study would be carried out.

The construction of the new airport on reclaimed land in Kampung Paya, some 2km from Kampung Tekek, was supposed to have commenced in 2004.

However, the project drew strong protests from villagers and chalet operators in Kampung Paya, Kampung Genting and Kampung Mukut.

On another matter, Ong said the ministry would embark on a plan to rebrand Malaysia's many ports to enhance international competitiveness.

He said several had already make it to the top 20 international ranking such as Port Klang (West Port and North Port), Tanjung Pelepas, Penang, Kemaman-Kuantan and Bintulu.

"Port business is getting very competitive due to the emerging of many new ports in the region. We need to look at country rebranding to position our ports in the midst of international competition."

He said Kuantan Port had the potential to be listed in the top 20 and plans were in the pipeline to upgrade its facilities under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.

"To attract bigger vessels to dock, a breakwater and capital dredging project must be carried out in Kuantan Port," he said, adding that he would personally go to the ground to expedite its development.

On party matters, Ong, who is also MCA president, said he would dedicate more of his time on his work instead of getting involved in party politicking.

"My comrades and the grassroots have been sending me text messages to cheer me up over the unpleasant developments in the party of late.

"They had given their reassurance they will stand solidly behind us - the leadership - to tide over the difficulties ahead." -The Star/ANN

Vanilla Producer Signs Buy-Back Agreement With Felda

2009-03-22T00:10:00.001-07:00

March 17, 2009 15:25 PM

Vanilla Producer Signs Buy-Back Agreement With Felda

KUANTAN, March 17 (Bernama) -- Rentak Timur Sdn Bhd, a vanilla producer in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), has signed a buy-back agreement with Felda to extend its expertise in the farming of vanilla plants.

Its chief executive officer Syed Isa Syed Alwi said with the agreement, the company has the rights to buy back all the vanilla green beans from Felda settlers at a specified price before processing them into dried vanilla pods and other forms of finished products to be exported.

Syed Isa said to date, the company has established joint ventures with 150 contract farmers with more than 60 hectares of vanilla plant throughout the country.

"Under the contract farming, we will supply vanilla plants at between RM10 and RM14 each, depending on the quality and then buy back the harvest for between RM35 and RM50 per kg," he said in a statement today.

Syed Isa said with just 0.2 acre of land, 1,000 vanilla plants could be cultivated to generate an income of RM60,000 per year.

The company, he said, was targeting 3,000 to 5,000 farmers to participate in the project by next year.

The vanilla plant from Rentak Timur comes from the Vanilla Planifolia Andrews genus, which is known to be of high quality and suitable for commercial farming.

The company owns a greenhouse at Lanchang, Temerloh, that functions as a seedling and nursery centre for vanilla and can host about 200,000 plants at any one time.

Global demand for natural vanilla is estimated at 2,000 metric tonnes per year. It is a popular flavour used in desserts, cakes, confectionery, ice cream products and one of the main ingredients in perfumes, cigars and liquors.

-- BERNAMA

Kelantan's Housing Industry Still Doing Well

2009-03-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2009 19:50 PM

Kelantan's Housing Industry Still Doing Well

KOTA BAHARU, March 16 (Bernama) -- The ongoing global economic lethargy already being felt in Malaysia is not expected to affect as badly Kelantan's residential property sector, says the Real Estate and Housing Development Authority (REHDA) Kelantan.

Its chairman, Sekarnor Che Omar said they were expecting to see up 40 percent sales for residential units at the 2009 Malaysia Property Exhibition (MAPEX 2009) from a total of 1,700 units worth RM210 million offered in the state.

"We expect to sell up to 510 units, which will be an increase from only 63 units sold last year during the MAPEX 2008 where the total units offered by developers exceeded 2,000 units," he told reporters here Monday.

He said that although the economy remained uncertain, many developers were still able to reap profits even if the margins were reduced.

Meanwhile, as an incentive at this year's MAPEX, first time buyers will be exempted from ownership transfer fee.

He said the state government was also loosening its conditions where Malay civil servants who are not from the state and who meet the conditions, can buy houses without the prior approval of the State Exco.

The two-day MAPEX 2009 will take off here on March 19 at the KB Mall shopping centre here.

Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is expected to officiate the event on the second day.

-- BERNAMA

Terengganu Woos Tourist At ITB

2009-03-16T20:22:00.001-07:00

March 15, 2009 13:58 PM

Terengganu Woos Tourist At ITB

BERLIN, March 15 (Bernama) -- Though it has been participating at Berlin's International Tourism Bourse (ITB), the world's largest tourism show, for the last three years, Terengganu made a strong pitch at this year's ITB which runs from March 11 to 15.

Driven by the urgency to diversify its oil-and-gas dependent economy, Terengganu is trying to plunge headlong into the services sector, taking aim at promoting its tourism sector.

"We are striving hard to attract tourists. We have sought permission from the Ministry of Transport to allow direct flights by Firefly airline from Terengganu to Singapore effective June this year.

"Our target is to get 10 per cent of all Singaporeans going abroad to visit Terengganu," said Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib, chairman of the state committee for tourism, in an interview with Bernama here.

Zaabar said that Terengganu's attraction lies in beaches stretching a total of some 224km, as well as the islands which are clean and closely monitored for any pollution and "full of exotic and rare marine life."

"Since our resources are depleting, we need to aggressively promote Terengganu as a tourist destination. Our man-made lake Kenyir on the western part of the state is another attraction. We are offering Kenyir island hopping. We offer boat houses where entire families, including children, can spend their holidays," he added.

He said Terengganu attracted more than 3.5 million tourists last year, exceeding its self-imposed target of 3.5 million.

Zaabar said that despite the current economic downturn plaguing the world, Terengganu had received a good response at the ITB.

"Our Monsoon Cup to be held in the first week of December 2009 has been very popular here.

"In 2008, we had the World Endurance Championship, an equestrian event involving horse-riding for long distance. Many German visitors to our stand revealed a keen interest in our islands. Our major markets are the United Kingdom, Germany and other European countries.

"Although Singaporeans visit us in large numbers, they are considered as domestic tourists for statistical purpose. Indonesians also come in large numbers to Terengganu," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism

2009-03-16T20:21:00.003-07:00

March 05, 2009 16:41 PM

Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Terengganu will spend RM60 million to develop its attractions to boost tourism under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.

One such attraction is Kampung Cina or Chinatown, which has been identified to boost living heritage tourism and cultural preservation, ECER said in a statement.

There are plans to build a bridge and road, connecting the Chinatown to Pulau Warisan, a man-made island consisting of traditional-style buildings and recreational beaches.

Some of the 300 pre-war shop houses located at Chinatown and dating back three centuries, have undergone restoration.

The buildings have been repaired, repainted and upgraded, making the structures with their colourful roofs and facades, a unique photography experience.

"The project which started last month will be completed in August 2010," said the state's Trade, Industry and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw.

Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals last year, a 24 percent increase in comparison to 2007.

-- BERNAMA

Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism

2009-03-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

ECER Kuantan Office Starts Operations

2009-03-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

February 23, 2009 16:15 PM

ECER Kuantan Office Starts Operations

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (BERNAMA) -- The Pahang office of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), which is now operational, will help facilitate the progress of ECER projects.

In a statement here today, the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) secretariat said the office in Kuantan would also monitor related state-wide projects as well as provide information on ECER's core fundamentals and strategies to the residents in Pahang.

"The office will provide a greater presence in Pahang for the council and will go a long way to promote ECER projects," said ECERDC chief executive, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

He said under the 9th Malaysia Plan, 45 projects had been identified under the ECER for implementation in Pahang, of which 32 were exclusive for the state, while the balance 13 were cross-border projects involving other neighbouring states.

"In 2008, work on 24 projects has begun while 11 more will start by mid-year, another seven before year-end and the final three will commence next year," he said.

-- BERNAMA

ECER-PNS partner to create entrepreneurs

2009-03-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

ECER-PNS partner to create entrepreneurs
Written by Financial Daily
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 21:27

KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is collaborating with Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNS) to introduce the franchise development programme to the region.

The partnership will help the ECER produce more franchise entrepreneurs, in line with the Ninth Malaysia Plan’s (9MP's) projection of creating 1,000 new franchisees.

In a statement yesterday, the ECER secretariat said the collaboration was sealed in a signing ceremony between ECERDC chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John and PNS managing director Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Shahabudin. It was witnessed by PNS chairman Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

- The Edge -

Quieter hotel lobbies a worry

2009-02-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

2009/02/24

Quieter hotel lobbies a worry
Zainuddin Muhammad

KUALA TERENGGANU: All is not well with the hospitality business in the state: most hoteliers and resort operators are scrambling to prop up their sagging occupancy rate.

With this month's average room occupancy dipping to between 20 and 30 per cent, the mood is grim. Some industry players feel that without better support only the fittest will survive the economic slowdown.

Malaysian Association of Hoteliers Terengganu chapter secretary Shahril Naelis Amir said some establishments were on a marketing offensive, trying to out do each other with heavily discounted room rates to make their accommodation packages more attractive.

Shahril, who is also Kuala Terengganu Felda Residence Hotel general manager, said business had fallen after a spike last year from the Visit Terengganu Year 2008 promotion and a boost from the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election last month.

"The association plans to weather this economic storm by shifting our marketing focus to prospective tourists from Australia, the Middle East and Asia, instead of the United States and European countries where the financial crisis has hit hardest."

He said association members could use a helping hand from the government to promote the state to the rest of the world with events to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

"We are disappointed that the state government's calendar of events has yet to be finalised although it is almost two months into the new year .

"Most of us hoteliers and resort operators have had to revise our marketing plans a few times trying to anticipate coming events.

"After a splendid Visit Terengganu Year 2008, some of our members have expressed concern that some major international events, such as the Monsoon Cup, may not be held this year and this may lead to an even lower than expected number of visitors to the state."

Kuala Terengganu Seri Malaysia Hotel general manager Ab Jalil Zainal Abidin wished he could share the optimistic view of Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, who recently indicated that the number of visitors to the state this year could reach four million, about 500,000 more than the 3.5 million tourists who visited Terengganu last year.

"We would be delighted if that were to be true but judging by the limited number of occupied rooms this month, we have a valid reason to be sceptical, although I am willing to reserve my judgment until the end of the school holiday season next month.

"Should our occupancy rate during the coming school holiday week be lower than 70 per cent, in contrast to the usual 100 per cent, then we will know for sure that we are in for some lean and testing times for the rest of the year and necessary cost-cutting measures will be taken."

Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort and Spa general manager Malizan Zakaria said his five-star boutique resort had started offering special packages to lure domestic travellers as well as local residents.

"We are fairly new here and need people to get to know us better. As far as our low occupancy rate is concerned, we believe it is not really because of the global economic crisis. Come March, we will surely see some improvement."

- NST -

ECER infrastructure projects on track

2009-02-25T00:05:00.001-08:00

2009/02/24

ECER infrastructure projects on track

KUANTAN: The economic slowdown is not expected to derail the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) initiative in Pahang as the government has allocated more than RM1 billion to implement infrastructure projects to support the more than RM5.3 billion worth of investments secured.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said this yesterday after the inaugural meeting of the state ECER Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC).

He said 24 of the 45 ECER projects for Pahang got under way last year. Eighteen more will start this year and three will start next year.

The ICC has agreed on a trust fund of RM200 million to help develop Malay reserve land.

- NST -

Gold Dinar Can Improve Value Of National Reserves

2009-02-21T22:36:00.001-08:00

Gold Dinar Can Improve Value Of National Reserves

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the means to increase the value of national reserves if Bank Negara Malaysia converted its international reserves to the gold dinar instead of foreign currency.

"Malaysia can obtain as much as RM162.6 billion for this year if the reserves were in the form of gold dinars following the rise in the price of gold globally.

"If we follow the current value, one gold dinar is worth RM518 with the lowest value being one Dirham (RM5)," said the Kelantan State Exco, Datuk Husam Musa in tabling a working paper at the Gold Dinar Seminar 2009 at University Malaysia (UM) here today.

"The price of one gold dinar this year increased 11.07 percent to RM512.20 compared to RM461.15 last year," he said.

Husam said the global economy at present was too dependent on the current currency system and reports show Bank Negara's international reserves kept in the form of gold, constituted only 0.4 percent compared to foreign currency in US dollars last year.

"As such, the use of the gold dinar can be an alternative means of settling the economic crisis due to its stable nature, compared to the use of currency in international trade," he said.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of UM, Prof Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon while officiating the seminar, also said that the use of the gold dinar needs to be exposed at the early stage of university, so that the community will become aware of its alternative to the use of currency in economic activities.

"However, many things need to be done so that the global community understood its use whch can become an alternative means towards restoring economic stability arising from the global economic crisis," he said.

The Kelantan state government had introduced in 2006 the Emas Dinar Kelantan in various denominations.

-- BERNAMA

PDRM Spend RM15 Million For Kuala Terengganu By-Election

2009-02-21T22:34:00.001-08:00

February 18, 2009 14:42 PM

PDRM Spend RM15 Million For Kuala Terengganu By-Election

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) spent RM15.153 million for deployment of personnel for the recent Kuala Terengganu by-election, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the cost incurred was higher compared with that spent for the by-election in Permatang Pauh.

He said the expenses incurred for the Kuala Terengganu by-election were for travelling and living allowance (RM2.7 million), communication and utilities (RM50,000), canopy rentals (RM6 million), dried food and beverages (RM65,000), fuel and spare-parts (RM698,000), raw materials and others (RM310,000), maintenance and minor repairs (RM830,000) and food stuff and accommodation (RM4.5 million).

He said a total of 3,376 police personnel from various branches in the PDRM were deployed to maintain order and ensure smooth election of the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

No incident of rioting or other untoward incidents occurred during the by-election, he said in response to a question by Amran Ab.Ghani (PKR-Tanah Merah) who wanted to know the cost incurred by the police for the by-election and on riots that happened during the period.

To a supplementary question from Amran on whether there would be a similar strength of police deployment for the by-elections in Bukit Selambau, Kedah and Bukit Gantang in Perak, Chor said it would depend on the Election Commission (EC).

If there was instruction from the EC that the situation in areas where the by-elections would be held required tighter control so that voters could go out to exercise their rights without fear, then the police would act, he added.

However, he said, the police would analyse the situation in the affected areas first to determine the number of personnel to be deployed for the task.

In response to a supplementary question by Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat), Chor agreed that the presence of many police personnel had resulted in a smooth election for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.

-- BERNAMA

UMK Holds Entrepreneurship Lectures

2009-02-21T22:33:00.001-08:00

February 13, 2009 13:02 PM

UMK Holds Entrepreneurship Lectures

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), a centre of excellence under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), will be holding a lecture on entrepreneurship on Feb 14.

Titled, Entrepreneurship: From Dreams to Reality, the lecture is part of the university's Chairman Lecture Series (CLS) programme, aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and developing first-tier human capital, ECER said in a statement today.

Among the featured speakers are Tengku Rozidar Tengku Zainal Abidin, chief executive officer of Nineteen O One Sdn Bhd of 1901 hotdogs and Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Nawi Ab. Rahman, UMK's professor of statistics in the entrepreneurship and business faculty.

ECER said the lecture series is the brainchild of the chairman of UMK's board of directors, Tan Sri Datuk Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman.

In the line-up for the lecture series in March are AirAsia Bhd's chief executive officer, Datuk Anthony Francis Fernandes and Professor Abdul Hamid Mohamed, the senior fellow of UMK's institute of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Both will be speaking about branding and creative entrepreneurship, ECER said.

Meanwhile, Asian Finance Bank Bhd's chief executive officer Datuk Mohamed Azahari Kamil, will speak about asset management and corporate entrepreneurship in a subsequent lecture.

-- BERNAMA

BIOTECHNOLOGY is now actively pursued as a new growth sector for Malaysia.

2009-02-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

2009/02/22

Biotechnology: The advent of molecular pharming
Dr Ahmad Ibrahim

BIOTECHNOLOGY is now actively pursued as a new growth sector for Malaysia.

Under the Asean Free Trade Agreement Malaysia has to reduce duties on tobacco imports by 2010. This will negatively impact on the competitiveness of Malaysian tobacco since the cost of production is almost two times higher than Thailand and Indonesia.

The National Biotechnology Policy unveiled in 2005 is already in place. The implementation of the policy is anchored by the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (MBC). Based on their latest information, many companies have now been accorded the Bionexus Status.

Bionexus companies have to fulfil MBC's many technical and commercial criteria. With the Bionexus status, the companies are eligible for the many incentives offered under the policy, including tax breaks and some attractive research and development grants.

The focus now is on three sectors, agricultural, pharmaceutical and industrial.

In the pharmaceutical sector, there has been a growing interest in producing vaccines from plants. This is what is termed as molecular farming. Essentially it involves producing new compounds from plants through genetic engineering. The new compounds can include pharmaceutical products such as medical drugs, vaccines or antibodies.

In the European Union, genetically engineering the tobacco plant to produce vaccines has already advanced to the commercial phase. Tobacco is among the easiest plant to genetically transform.

What is needed is only to do some research to develop an economically high-yielding transformed tobacco plant designed to produce vaccines for the regional market. And this is not difficult.

In the EU, molecular pharming through tobacco is already on the verge of commercial reality. The target vaccine, of course, differs.

But why the sudden interest in plant-made pharmaceuticals? There are many reasons.

So far the commercial production of clinical-grade pharmaceuticals has relied on two major production routes; using microbial cells or animal cells.

Both use fermentation and are, therefore, very expensive to build and operate. There is also concern that animal cells can harbour human disease carrying microbes. Add that to the growing demand for halal vaccines, a plant based production system immediately becomes attractive.

This is also the reason why the plant-based production platform has attracted strong corporate interest from companies involved in pharmaceuticals as well as agrotechnology.

And among the plants, tobacco offers many technical advantages. These include the fact that tobacco already has a well-established technology for gene transfer and expression, and has potentially high biomass yield per hectare. Not to mention the existence of already available large-scale infrastructure for processing that does not come into contact with the human and animal food chains.

Most important of all, tobacco farmers can continue to grow the crop which they have amassed many years of experience and expertise. Therefore, it is time that Malaysia seriously considered investing in molecular pharming using tobacco. This also jives in well with Malaysia's call to venture aggressively into the innovation and knowledge economy. TheEast Coast Economic Region (ECER) should include this as one of their high impact projects.

Over the years, the world tobacco industry has had its fair share of controversies. In the United States, for example, many tobacco companies have lost millions in major legal settlements. But this has not stopped them from investing more.

This happens despite the advertising ban on cigarettes as well as the never ending anti-smoking campaigns launched by lobby groups everywhere. Not to mention the mandatory warning label they have to print on their packaging.

All such constraints have not deterred the industry from expanding. If at all, the tobacco industry worldwide has yet to show any sign of decline.

Can this be due to the fact that in spite of all the scientific evidences on tobacco's negative health record, the population of smokers worldwide continues to rise? Somehow, the kick that one gets from smoking appears to be worth all the risks associated with it.

In Malaysia, for many years now, tobacco farming has been the bread and butter of many rural households, especially in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu.

Tobacco farmers in the two east coast states have over the years emerged as a political force to be reckoned with.

In 2004, Malaysia recorded its highest ever tobacco production at 13 million kilogrammes dry. However, in 2006, this had declined to only six million kilogrammes dry. Most are flue-cured tobacco where China is the largest producer in the world.

The other major producers include Brazil at a distant second place with about a quarter of China's production. India, the US and Greece each produces about 12 per cent of China's production.

In Malaysia, with the advent of the Asean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), tobacco farming is expected to see a decline.

Under AFTA, Malaysia has to reduce duties on tobacco imports by 2010. This will negatively impact on the competitiveness of Malaysian tobacco since the cost of production is almost two times higher than Thailand while in Indonesia the cost is even lower. The cost in Malaysia is about RM10 per kg while in Thailand it can be as low as RM5 per kg.

Prior to AFTA, the average price of cured tobacco is between RM13-14 per kilogramme. This is considered still profitable. But with AFTA, there is talk about price declining to possibly RM7-8 per kilogramme. A recent announcement by the government to maintain price at RM14 per kilogramme until 2010 is definitely welcome news.

What happens after 2010 concern not only the farmers but also the government as well because the full effects of AFTA will be felt then. It is for this reason that the government has in recent years put into place strategic programmes to wean away farmers from tobacco and move into other alternative economic crops.

Kenaf has been promoted as one crop option. Under the recently launched ECER, the target area for kenaf growing is about 10,000 hectares. This is expected to increase the income of 10,000 marginal tobacco farmers as well as create more jobs. The only worry is that the market for kenaf is still uncertain.

One potential product outlet is natural fiber for the insulation market. The other potential area of application is as composite material for the automotive industry. The question is, will farmers enjoy the same, if not a better, income level than what they have been used to growing tobacco?

Unlike kenaf, vaccine is a high value product. And through molecular farming, where tobacco is genetically engineered to produce vaccines, there is a good chance that tobacco farmers will enjoy even better income than what they have been used to.

This article is brought to you by Technology Park Malaysia

- NST -

ECER, UDM Ink MoU To Develop Halal Products

2009-02-21T22:29:00.001-08:00

February 16, 2009 19:12 PM

ECER, UDM Ink MoU To Develop Halal Products

KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development Council Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia (UDM) to develop halal products in the region.

ECER chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the MoU would strengthen ECER's commitment to implement all the projects identified under UDM's three centres of excellence -- Regional Centre for Halal Products, Bio-Technology and Herbal Products Centre and Centre for Industrial Academic Cooperation (CIAC).

"The MoU will help ECER identify competitive advantage in the halal food industry through regional development centres for halal products and centres for biotechnology products and herbs," he said at the signing ceremony.

Jebasingam signed for ECER while UDM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Alias Daud inked for the university. Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said witnessed the signing.

Under the ECER master plan, the UDM would be turned into a centre of excellence for halal product development in the region, Jebasingam said.

"The first initiative is to introduce the services provided by UDM as a regional centre for halal products and a centre for biotechnology and herbs for small-and medium-scale companies, he said.

Dr Alias said through the Agriculture and Biotechnology Faculty, the UDM received recognition from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to set up the biotechnology and herbal research centre and ECER regional halal products centre.

"UDM adopts the principle of university expansion. This policy enables the people to have access to the university to solve their problems, especially with regard to crops, livestock, household economy and youths," he added.

-- BERNAMA

State Office Boost For Pahang ECER Projects

2009-02-21T22:28:00.001-08:00

February 19, 2009 15:38 PM

State Office Boost For Pahang ECER Projects

KUANTAN, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Projects of the East Coast Economic Region ECER) will be boosted by the presence of its new state office in Kuantan.

ECER Development Council Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the state office will coordinate and facilitate processes for potential investors and current establishments as well as provide information on ECER projects.

" Opening of the Pahang state office signifies the council's commitment in facilitating and ensuring smooth implementation of projects in the state. It will also strengthen the council's presence," he said in a statement.

The state office located at Sri Kuantan Square at Jalan Teluk Sisek here will be opened by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob on Saturday.

Jebasingam said the state office will also process applications for incentives and customised incentives before approval by the Finance Ministry, investments for high-impact projects for consideration by the Cabinet Committee for Investment while manufacturing licences and expatriate posts for projects will be approved within the ECER. Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, 45 projects have been identified under the ECER for implementation in Pahang, 32 of it are exclusive to the state, while the remaining 13 are cross-border projects involving neighbouring states.

Twenty-four projects commenced last year while 11 will begin by June, with seven projects to start before year-end.

-- BERNAMA

Terengganu Records 3.53 Million Tourists Arrivals Last Year

2009-01-31T20:44:00.001-08:00

Eastern Region News

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 30, 2009 14:27 PM

Terengganu Records 3.53 Million Tourists Arrivals Last Year

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals during the Visit Terengganu Year last year, a 24 per cent increase compared to 2.8 million in 2007.

State executive councillor for tourism, culture, arts and heritage Datuk Za'abar Mohd Adib said the increase was due to the various programmes held throughout the year, including the squid fishing competition, Royal Terengganu Endurance Race, Monsoon Cup and the Rainforest Challenge.

Of the total tourist arrivals, some 380,000 were from Singapore, China, Taiwan and Europe.

"Terengganu has already received thousands of visitors this year, mostly during the Islamic Civilisation Park opening," he told Bernama.

He said Terengganu had set the target of achieving four million arrivals this year.

Various programmes had been arranged to promote Terengganu, including a roadshow each in Penang and Singapore apart from putting up advertisements at the KL International Airport, he said.

-- BERNAMA

29-01-2009: Quail farming takes flight in ECER

2009-01-31T20:42:00.001-08:00

29-01-2009: Quail farming takes flight in ECER

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

BANDAR JENGKA: The integration of livestock in oil palm plantations is set to boost economic activity for oil palm farmers as part of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) master plan.

Quail breeders at Felda Jengka 15 in Pahang were increasing output to meet high domestic and export demand for quail meat and eggs, which has increased by 20% to 25% annually since 1995, said ECER secretariat in a statement yesterday.

It added the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) provided loans to help breeders begin farming of the game bird to supplement their income.

Crude palm oil (CPO) prices had been hovering at below RM2,000 a tonne, down from a record high of RM4,486 per tonne in 2008 with industry players estimating the break-even point for smallholders at RM1,500 per tonne.

- The Edge Daily -

RM10mil ECER Gold Coast Development In Pahang

2009-01-31T20:41:00.001-08:00

January 22, 2009 17:24 PM

RM10mil ECER Gold Coast Development In Pahang

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Gold Coast Kuantan Resort Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the STG Group, is investing RM10 million in its first property development in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

In a statement today, the company said the development consisting 99 apartment suites, has a view of the South China Sea and provides full hotel services.

STG group chairman Datuk Dr Alex Tan Siong Seng said Gold Coast Kuantan not only offers a beautiful view but also a good return on investment.

The project is expected to be completed by 2010.

Tan said owners can expect a capital appreciation of 40 percent, five years from the date of purchase.

The STG group is targeting to be listed by 2012.

-- BERNAMA

Quail Rearing Taking Roost In East Coast

2009-01-31T20:40:00.001-08:00

Eastern Region News

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 28, 2009 17:43 PM

Quail Rearing Taking Roost In East Coast

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Quail rearing is taking roost in the East Coast, with breeders at Felda Jengka 15, Bandar Jengka, Pahang, boosting output to meet high demand for the game bird.

Since 1995, the demand for quail soared by 20 to 25 percent a year, the East Coast Economic Region secretariat said in a statement today.

It said under the ECER master plan, an economic activity to increase oil palm farmers' income is through the integration of livestock in the oil palm plantations.

"Felda farmers have taken this one step further to tap into rising demand for quail meat and eggs," it said.

ECER said one of the settlers, Samad Puhalus, 56, who has been rearing quails for eight years, says quail rearing is a lucrative business, spurring him to increase his monthly output to 10,000 birds.

"I used to rear quails on a part-time basis to meet my family's needs. After a year, consumer demand prompted me to commercialise my quail rearing.

"Quail rearing is proving to be quite lucrative, equal to tending other animals. The support given by Felda is also very encouraging," he said.

Felda has loaned Samad an initial sum of RM9,000 to start the quail business and the amount was repaid in six years, ECER said.

"A ready-to-market bird can fetch between RM13 and RM15 a kilo, quail eggs are sold at 10 sen an egg while young chicks are sold between 60 sen and RM2.50 per bird," it said.

Demand for quails on the international level has also been rising. In Abu Dhabi, the Al Semman Farm in Al Ain is producing 15,000 quails per week, but says it will have to increase production by more than three times to satisfy customer demand in the Emirates alone, it said.

The farm aims at increasing production to 50,000 per week and expects to reach 200,000 quails per month by end of this year.

"In France, Italy, the United States and several countries in South America such as Brazil and Chile, as well as throughout Asia, it is the meat that is consumed.

"It is particularly delicious when charcoal-broiled. One company in Spain annually processes 20 million quails for meat," it said.

ECER said Malaysia has begun a project aimed at producing a new poultry bird, a cross between a cockerel and a hen quail.

Meanwhile, Zainal Mohd Noor from the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Services Department is creating a strain that produces eggs of good quality and meat with the flavour of both parents, it said.

The new bird is intermediate in size between chicken and quail which is convenient because it is about right for an individual helping, it added.

-- BERNAMA

One-Stop Centre In Every ECER State - PM

2009-01-31T20:39:00.001-08:00

January 13, 2009 21:06 PM

One-Stop Centre In Every ECER State - PM

BENTONG, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- An East Coast Economic Corridor one-stop centre will be set in every state and another centre in the federal capital to facilitate investors to get information on the progress of ECER projects and to enable them to make applications to invest in the economic corridors.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the one-stop centres would serve as a liaison centre for existing and potential investors to smoothen their investment procedures and ECER development.

"With the operational of the centres, investors need not go to the Treasury, the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department, the federal administrative centre in Putrajaya and other places to get information and make applications.

"The one-stop centre will be set up in Kuala Lumpur soon and in the ECER states -- Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor," he told reporters after chairing the ECER Development Council meeting here on Tuesday.

On the progress of ECER projects, the prime minister said up till the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the ECER had identified 107 projects involving investments worth RM2.6 billion.

Of the total, 48 projects started last year, 29 will begin middle of this year, 22 will be implemented before end of this year while the remaining eight projects early this year, he said.

"I am very satisfied with the progress and the running of the ECER because of the good cooperation received from all the state governments involved, including Kelantan which is under the opposition rule.

"All the states are cooperating very well," he said.

Asked whether ECER projects would be stopped in view of the current economic uncertainties, Abdullah said the projects were progressing smoothly and would not be stopped.

"The projects must be continued as they are part of the government's initiatives to eradicate abject poverty in the states concerned.

The projects will open job opportunities for the locals residing in and around the economic corridors," he said.

"The government is confident that projects under the ECER such as the agropolitan, tourism, homestay and permanent food production park will yield direct benefits to boost the income of the hardcore poor," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Syarikat Wilayah Timur Disaran Mendaftar Dengan Matrade

2009-01-18T19:37:00.001-08:00

15 Januari, 2009 20:32 PM

Syarikat Wilayah Timur Disaran Mendaftar Dengan Matrade

KUALA TERENGGANU, 15 Jan (Bernama) -- Syarikat di negara ini disaran menggunakan kemudahan yang disediakan Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) dalam usaha menembusi pasaran antarabangsa yang semakin kompetitif, kata Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Beliau berkata menerusi 39 rangkaian pejabat di bandar-bandar perdagangan utama seluruh dunia, MATRADE menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan, termasuk jaringan perdagangan dan maklumat pasaran, supaya pengeksport tempatan lebih berdaya saing dalam bidang eksport.

"Menjadi hasrat kerajaan melalui MATRADE untuk meningkatkan bilangan syarikat tempatan yang mempunyai keupayaan meneroka pasaran eksport. Oleh yang demikian, saya berharap lebih banyak penyertaan dari syarikat di Wilayah Timur berdaftar dengan MATRADE.

"Selain daripada menerima maklumat perdagangan, syarikat ini akan dibimbing menjadi pengeksport yang berwibawa di pasaran global. Sejumlah 319 syarikat dari Terengganu, Kelantan dan Pahang telah berdaftar dengan MATRADE. Bilangan itu masih kecil jika dibandingkan dengan sejumlah 14,000 syarikat yang telah berdaftar dengan perbadanan itu," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa merasmikan Pejabat MATRADE Wilayah Timur, di sini, hari ini. Teks ucapannya dibacakan Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

Muhyiddin berkata pejabat MATRADE Wilayah Timur akan membantu pengeksport Malaysia menceburi pasaran global melalui penyebaran maklumat dan risikan pasaran serta program promosi.

Muhyiddin berkata pembukaan pejabat wilayah timur itu menunjukkan komitmen kerajaan untuk membantu pengeksport tempatan, terutama dari negeri Terengganu, untuk terus memasarkan produk serta perkhidmatan mereka ke luar negara.

"Walaupun dalam keadaan ekonomi dunia yang tidak menentu, kerajaan melalui MATRADE meneruskan inisiatifnya untuk mengembangkan rangkaian di kawasan pantai timur yang merangkumi negeri Pahang, Terengganu dan Kelantan.

"Pembukaan pejabat di Terengganu ini mencerminkan potensi negeri ini dari segi industri, perdagangan, pelaburan dan pelancongan, selain kekayaan sumber aslinya," kata beliau.

Selain di Kuala Terengganu, MATRADE kini mempunyai lima cawangan di seluruh negara iaitu Pulau Pinang, Johor, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, dan Kuching, Sarawak.

Menurut beliau, beberapa kemudahan dan inisiatif akan disediakan MATRADE kepada komuniti perniagaan di wilayah timur, seperti akses kepada peluang dalam pasaran tradisional serta pasaran baru, risikan perniagaan terkini dan maklumat pasaran dalam media cetak serta elektronik serta memudahkan penyertaan syarikat di Wilayah Timur dalam aktiviti promosi perdagangan luar negara.

"Kemampuan syarikat Terengganu bukan terhad kepada sektor tradisi sahaja malah merangkumi peluang-peluang mengeksport barangan bukan tradisi dan bernilai tinggi seperti teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi serta perkhidmatan pembinaan.

"Dalam Perancangan projek Pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER), sektor yang akan dibangunkan selain minyak dan gas, termasuk sektor perkilangan, pertanian, pelancongan dan pendidikan. Kesemua sektor ini mempunyai potensi eksport yang baik," katanya.

Muhyiddin berkata dalam usaha menggalakkan syarikat Malaysia menyertai aktiviti promosi di pasaran tempatan dan antarabangsa dalam menangani kelembapan ekonomi global, MATRADE telah mengambil tindakan memperluaskan dan melonggarkan skop Geran Pembangunan Pasaran (MDG), antaranya meningkatkan kelayakan maksimum bagi penyediaan bahan promosi syarikat daripada RM30,000 kepada RM100,000.

Selain itu, MATRADE juga menaikkan kelayakan tuntutan bagi kos penginapan dan tiket penerbangan dari seorang kepada dua orang bagi syarikat dan persatuan serta dewan perniagaan serta menaikkan kelayakan tuntutan bagi kos pembinaan dan penambahbaikan gerai daripada 50 peratus kepada 100 peratus, daripada kos layak penyewaan gerai.

-- BERNAMA

Economic slowdown will not hurt ECER

2009-01-18T19:34:00.001-08:00

2009/01/14

Economic slowdown will not hurt ECER

BENTONG: Projects of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will not be affected by the economic slowdown.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government wanted the initiative to proceed smoothly as it would benefit those living within ECER, including those in remote areas.

The ECER development corridor covers Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Mersing district in Johor.

Under the midterm review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Abdullah said 107 projects worth RM2.6 billion had been identified in the ECER.

Forty-eight of the projects commenced last year while 29 would begin in June. Another 22 projects would start by the end of the year followed by eight more early next year.

Abdullah said the ECER development council had also agreed to set up a one-stop centre to fast track applications and approvals for new investments.

"The main centre will be in Kuala Lumpur with branch offices in each participating state," he said after chairing the third ECER council meeting at the district office here yesterday.

Present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and ECER development council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

- NST Online -

One-Stop Centre In Every ECER State - PM

2009-01-18T19:30:00.001-08:00

Abdullah Asks Big Agri Developers To Help The Small

2009-01-18T19:29:00.001-08:00

January 13, 2009 15:32 PM

Abdullah Asks Big Agri Developers To Help The Small

TEMERLOH, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today called on developers of large-scale and high-impact agricultural projects to assist smallholders in the same field to consolidate the food production industry in the country.

The prime minister said the conglomerates could allow the smallholders to ride on their projects to develop the industry together for greater competitiveness.

"Small entrepreneurs who own two, three or 10 hectares of land can be helped in terms of crops, fertilizer, seedlings and management, and their produce can be bought by the large farms," he said when launching the Permanent Food Production Park and Lanchang Modern Agriculture Park near here.

His wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and several Cabinet ministers and Pahang state executive councillors were also present at the event.

Abdullah said it would be difficult for the small farmers to garner better returns if they worked independently.

The Permanent Food Production Park is a high-impact project implemented on 3,600 hectares under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) development corridor, with the focus on vegetables and fruits including papaya, jackfruit, pineapple and starfruit.

Abdullah also said that fruit production efforts must give value added to the industry by diversifying the by-products.

This was one way of overcoming a glut of fruits in the market during a period of good harvest, he added.

Citing an example, he said the seeds of the jackfruit could be used to produce by-products, and called for stepping up of research in the area.

Abdullah said the government's focus on the agricultural industry was necessary as part of the government's efforts to ensure sufficient supply of food for the country.

He said that with good planning and implementation, it was not impossible for Malaysia to become a large food producer like the Netherlands.

-- BERNAMA

PM To Launch Food Production Park In Lanchang Next Month

2008-12-31T21:15:00.001-08:00

December 31, 2008 18:02 PM

PM To Launch Food Production Park In Lanchang Next Month

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will launch Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM), or permanent food production park, in Lanchang, Pahang on Jan 13, 2009.

In a statement here Wednesday, the ECER secretariat said the 3,600-hectare TKPM Lanchang was one of the three TKPMs within the East Coast Economic region (ECER) and one of 45 throughout Malaysia.

It said some 400ha were designated for individual smallholders, while the remainder would be for private sector and anchor companies to allow for modernisation and automation in agriculture practice.

"It is market-driven and will create a food chain from farm to table," ECER said.

The ECER said TKPM Lanchang was aimed at developing the country's fruit industry to reduce imports and improve the nation's balance of trade deficit for food.

"TKPM Lanchang is also expected to increase output, generate value and create more entrepreneurs and employment opportunities for the local populace.

"It will also address the growing demand arising from Malaysia's growing population and their increasing health consciousness," it said.

It said the fruits grown at TKPM Lanchang included papaya, guava, starfruit, banana, jackfruit, mangoes and melons and were produced according to international standards.

Meanwhile, the ECER said the Malaysian Agrifood Corp (MAFC) an anchor company for the development of papaya, would operate a collection, processing and packaging centre in Lanchang to buy fruits from smallholders to market.

"To date, MAFC's papayas, which adhere to international food safety standards such as Good Agriculture Practice (GAP), Hazard Analysis Critical Point and Global GAP, have reached key strategic markets including Singapore and the UK," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Chinese Investors Offer Modern Agriculture Technology

2008-12-30T01:57:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2008 16:55 PM

Chinese Investors Offer Modern Agriculture Technology

KOTA BAHARU, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Two investors from China today offered to share modern agricultural technology to increase the production of rice in Kelantan in tandem with the government's aim to increase the income of padi farmers.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the investors also offered consultation services to ensure that the farmers reach production targets.

"They are offering technology in fertiliser and seed production, of which both could increase rice production in Kelantan," he said after receiving a visit from the Chinese investors at his office, here Sunday.

Nik Aziz said the state government wass willing to accept suggestions from both the investors on the condition that they see results as promised.

Meanwhile, the group's leader, Beijing Good To Great Investment Co. Ltd president, Qiao Li, said they viewed the proposal made by the Menteri Besar seriously because Kelantan had potential in the agriculture industry.

-- BERNAMA

Developing bio-technology sector

2008-12-23T18:25:00.001-08:00

Tuesday December 23, 2008
Developing bio-technology sector

KUANTAN: The Pahang government is opening its doors to Singaporean investors to invest in developing the biotechnology sector in the state.

”In agriculture, we cannot afford to give wide area of land to investors, but we can provide land for bio-technology development,” Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Singapore’s Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Lee Boon Yang.

Adnan said both Singaporean investors and the Pahang government could also collaborate in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

He said the state government had submitted a proposal to the federal government to develop highspeed broadband in the state by sharing expertise and technology with Singapore.

”However, it all depends on the federal government,” he said.

So far, Pahang has received RM230 million worth of investment from 19 Singaporean companies involved in the chemical, timber, steel and electronic industries, which provided 2,800 job opportunities for the local people.

Apart from that, Adnan said Pahang also recorded 5.2 million tourist arrivals from Singapore for the past six years with Tioman Island, Cameron Highland and Genting Highlands being the popular destinations.

Meanwhile, Lee said he and Adnan had a good discussion during their brief meeting.

”We talked about the developments that were taking place in the state and I am very impressed by what is happening here, both in terms of technology projects and agriculture development,” he said.—Bernama.

- Malaysia Star -

www.matradewilayahtimur.blogspot.com

2008-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

This past few weeks I have been experiancing the saying "Too much to do.. soo little time". Hmmm... a rightly busy weeks past and ahead, with me hoping that after 15 Jan 09 things would be a little clearer..

A bit of my programme for next year:-
i) First and foremost - the launching of MATRADE Wilayah Timur on 15 Jan 09. Lots of things keeping me occupied up till that time.
ii) 60 factory visits
iii) 1 Bussiness and Consultation Session with Exporters, Pahang & Terengganu sometime in October
iv) 5 briefings and clinics in the meantime.
v) Ad hoc thingy - will cropped up once in a while, of that I am very sure.

I have also created another webpage specially for MATRADE Wilayah Timur activities, www.matradewilayahtimur.blogspot.com

This webpage would not only contributed by me, but also my staffs as well as the practical students who would be joining us.. first batch in January and second in April. I think the move is timely especially it is hard, even for me to have information on companies in the East Coast. Well, the content might be similar from time to time, but I think both websites will complement each others.

Well, cherios! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Malaysia to unveil more econ measures in Feb-report

2008-12-22T02:19:00.001-08:00

Malaysia to unveil more econ measures in Feb-report
Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:04am GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Malaysia will announce more measures in February to boost its economy, as falling tech sales and an expected rise in job cuts raise the spectre of a recession next year, an influential news website reported on Monday.

Malaysia has banked on strong Asian and domestic demand to shore up its economy but a deepening global slowdown is triggering doubts about how well it will weather the U.S.-led economic crisis.

The Southeast Asian economy will unveil a series of measures next year and is ready to announce another multi-billion ringgit stimulus package if necessary, the Malaysian Insider said without citing sources.

An aide to Finance Minister Najib Razak said he was unaware of plans for an economic package.

The government has announced a 7 billion ringgit ($2.02 billion) package to stabilise its economy.

Government data shows that 30,000 Malaysians have lost their jobs so far and the Human Resources Ministry -- which expects a jump in unemployment in the first quarter of 2009 -- has asked the cabinet for 100 million ringgit to retrain retrenched workers, the report said.

Government officials have been asked to come up with initiatives to help middle-level management who could lose their jobs by next year and find work for 120,000 new graduates, it said.

Falling demand for the country's key tech exports is hitting the economy.

Western Digital (WDC.N), the world's second-largest maker of computer disk drives, has shut its operations in Malaysia's Sarawak state on Borneo island and laid off all its 1,500 employees.

Malaysia has forecast economic growth of 3.5 percent in 2009, the lowest in eight years.

"We still think that Malaysia will avoid going into a recession next year but nothing is being discounted," the report said quoting an unnamed government official.

"Much will depend on whether our trading partners sink further and the level of confidence in Malaysia." ($1=3.468 Malaysian Ringgit) (Reporting by Liau Y-Sing; Editing by Kazunori Takada)

© Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved.

Pahang Offers Investment Opportunities For Singaporean Investors

2008-12-22T00:45:00.000-08:00

December 20, 2008 22:06 PM

Pahang Offers Investment Opportunities For Singaporean Investors

KUANTAN, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Pahang government is opening its doors to Singaporean investors to invest in developing the biotechnology sector in the state.

"In agriculture, we cannot afford to give wide area of land to investors, but we can provide land for biotechnology development," Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Singapore's Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Dr Lee Boon Yang.

Adnan said both Singaporean investors and the Pahang government could also collaborate in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

He said the state government had submitted a proposal to the federal government to develop high-speed broadband in the state by sharing expertise and technology with Singapore.

"However, it all depends on the federal government," he said.

So far, Pahang has received RM230 million worth of investment from 19 Singaporean companies involved in the chemical, timber, steel and electronic industries, which provided 2,800 job opportunities to the local people.

Apart from that, Adnan said Pahang also recorded 5.2 million tourist arrivals from Singapore for the past six years with Tioman Island, Cameron Highland and Genting Highlands being the popular destinations.

Meanwhile, Dr Lee, said he and Adnan had a good discussion during their brief meeting.

"We talked about the developments that were taking place in the state and I, myself am very impressed by what is happening here, both in terms of technology projects and agriculture development," he said.

-- BERNAMA

20,000 Hectare ladang Rakyat For The Poor In Terengganu

2008-12-22T00:44:00.001-08:00

December 20, 2008 15:02 PM

20,000 Hectare ladang Rakyat For The Poor In Terengganu

HULU TERENGGANU, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu government is setting up a 20,000 hectare "Ladang Rakyat" (People's Estate) for oil palm planting next year to help the hardcore poor in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the project, costing RM100 million, would benefit 6,000 hardcore poor, including single mothers, in Terengganu.

He said the project would be carried out in stages, with the first, covering 8,000 hectare to be set up in Dungun and another 6,000 hectare in Setiu.

"If we can't get a suitable site in Terengganu, we may buy land in other states so that we can get 20,000 hectares for the project," he said after launching a programme to increase family household income and planting of oil palm in housing compound at Kampung Payang Kayu here, Friday.

In another development, Ahmad said the state government had approved a RM20 million allocation for repair of houses belonging to the poor in the state.

-- BERNAMA

Abdullah: Speed Up Implementation Of ECER Projects

2008-12-22T00:43:00.001-08:00

December 02, 2008 13:30 PM

Abdullah: Speed Up Implementation Of ECER Projects

KEMAMAN, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the projects in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) to be speeded up.

Abdullah said cooperation among the public, private sectors and banking institutions was important to ensure the projects were realised fast so that the rakyat would benefit.

"Focus on the opportunities available, find out what programmes that could be implemented, reduce the implementation time and build the infrastructure to improve the agro, technology, tourism and maritime sectors," he said at the opening of the seminar on "Making ECER a reality -- A Joint Commitment" here Tuesday.

Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar of Pahang Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, representative of Kelantan Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Husam Musa, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.

Abdullah said efforts must also be made to develop human resources and conduct effective training programmes to ensure there were enough skilled manpower for the needs of the projects in the ECER.

He said related government agencies also needed to ensure there was no delay in the launch of the ECER projects because it would affect the costs later.

"The private sector is a catalyst of economic growth while the public sector still has a role to play.

"So implement the policy properly and if the projects need quick approval get it done fast. If there is a delay the costs will increase," he said.

Meanwhile, Abdullah wanted the seminar participants to come up with ideas which could help in the implementation of ECER projects.

Over 400 participants from the public and private sectors, academicians, non-governmental organisations attended the two-day seminar.

The seminar aims to examine critically the various aspects of the implementation of the ECER and offer constructive proposals.

-- BERNAMA

Exports to drive Malaysia's plastics growth

2008-12-14T00:53:00.001-08:00

Exports to drive Malaysia's plastics growth
By Jeeva Arulampalam
Published: 2008/11/05

MALAYSIA'S plastics industry is expected to grow between five and eight per cent this year, driven by export sales.

Last year, it posted revenue of RM15.7 billion.

In the six months ended June 30 2008, revenue increased 8.3 per cent to RM7.96 billion compared with RM7.35 billion in the previous corresponding period.

"A lot of our subsequent growth will depend on the next two months and how fast it will drop because of the current global economic slowdown," Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) president Lim Kok Boon told reporters after the launch of the Fourth MPMA International Plastics Conference by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Export revenue was up 18 per cent to RM4.6 billion in the first six months of this year compared with RM3.9 billion a year ago.

With exports accounting for some 57 per cent of total revenue, demand for plastics will hold as producers need cost-efficient and cheaper products, Lim said.

"For instance, plastics can be used to make car parts, which will result in the car being lighter and having improved fuel efficiency."

Less fuel consumption also means that carbon emission is reduced, Lim added.

Key export markets for Malaysia's plastics industry include Japan, the US, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Lim also urged plastics manufacturers to move from being just original equipment manufacturers to designing and branding their own products.

"When you create your own design and brand, you can compete overseas and enjoy higher margins," he said.

Lim called on local manufacturers to work with foreign partners to produce complete products and build successful brand names.

There is also the Malaysian Plastic Design Centre, a unit of the MPMA, which provides training on how to design and purchase the software needed for designing.

The MPMA has some 900 members in the country.

- Business Time -

Tax perks, dedicated facilities may draw plastics makers

2008-12-14T00:34:00.000-08:00

Tax perks, dedicated facilities may draw plastics makers
By Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2008/12/01

THE Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) expects some of its members to set up factories at the Kertih Plastics Park (KPP) in Terengganu, in view of attractive tax incentives and dedicated infrastructure to export plastics.

"Plastic manufacturers have long been scattered throughout the country," said MPMA president Lim Kok Boon.

"Now, there is this opportunity to be vertically integrated with just-in-time delivery and warehousing in KPP," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur recently.

While MPMA has yet to embark on a roadshow for KPP among its members throughout the country, Lim foresees greenfield investment and new product expansions there.

"We've actually been wanting for a more systematic cluster development for our industry and now the opportunity has presented itself in Kertih. Therefore, new investments and expansions are likely to be in this dedicated cluster," he said.

Investors at KPP stand to benefit from tax holiday for 10 years from the year the company derives profit. The government will also waive stamp duty when investors buy or lease properties in KPP.

To top it off, investors can also claim investment tax allowance up to five years of capital expenditure in buildings and amenities.

MPMA represents some 900 plastic manufacturers, which collectively contribute to 80 per cent of the country's plastic output.

Lim expects members to make new investments and expansion next year because resin - the raw material to make plastic - has fallen by about 20 per cent from an all-time high in July.

"Resin or polyethylene is a derivative of crude oil. With falling oil prices, resin prices too have come down. Therefore, this is an opportune time to invest in new capacity and new product variants," he said.

By tapping the Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex, Lim said plastic manufacturers can benefit from reliable and just-in-time feedstock supply of plastic resin and savings in warehousing and logistics costs.

"Also, plastic exports can be shipped out from Kuantan Port via a dedicated railway line," he said.

The 140ha KPP, a project under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan, is the country's first fully integrated plastics hub. By 2020, it is expected to draw RM2 billion investments and create new job opportunities for about 7,000 people in the manufacturing, support and ancillary services.

Malaysia's plastics industry is expected to grow by eight per cent to RM17 billion this year, driven by export sales of shopping bags, bottles and containers, film and sheets, excluding household wares.

- Business Time -

RM2b to pour into state with 'carrot'

2008-12-14T00:20:00.000-08:00

2008/12/03

RM2b to pour into state with 'carrot'
By : Rosli Zakaria and Sean Augustin

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says 7,000 jobs will be created.

KERTEH: The East Coast Economic Region is expected to attract up to RM2 billion in private investment following the approval of incentives by the ECER Development Council.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said investors who start their operations at the Kerteh Plastic Park (KPP) before Dec 31, 2015 will be eligible for the incentives.

"With the incentive package, KPP is expected to attract RM2 billion worth of investments that could create 7,000 jobs.

"KPP will also be able to generate development in the manufacturing industry and those related to packaging, medical equipment, building materials, composite and automotive materials.

"In addition, it will encourage the growth of local small- and medium-scale industries," he said at the opening of the Kerteh Plastic Park yesterday.

Abdullah also noted that KPP had attracted five investors, including Hi-Essence Cable Sdn Bhd, which is investing RM85 million, Latenfield Pipe Industries Sdn Bhd (RM40 million) and FMD Polypipes Industry Sdn Bhd (RM20 million).

He said of the 106 projects planned under the initiative, 77 have begun or were in the process of being implemented by next year.

In the next 12 years, he added, the ECER was expected to attract RM112 billion in investments, of which 47 per cent would come from the private sector.

Earlier, when launching the ECER seminar at the Public Service Department Institute in Kemaman, Abdullah said those involved in the implementation of the ECER must look at the initiative seriously.

"We don't want those who are not focused. That is why the training must be of high quality. We need to be serious."

- NST Online -

Kertih Plastic Park Attracts RM145 Million In Investments

2008-12-13T23:58:00.000-08:00

December 02, 2008 15:04 PM

Kertih Plastic Park Attracts RM145 Million In Investments

KERTIH, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first fully- integrated 140-hectare Kertih Plastic Park (KPP), which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Tuesday, has already attracted RM145 million in investments.

Hi-Essence Cable Sdn Bhd, manufacturer of wire and cable, is investing RM85 million, Latenfield Pipe Industries Sdn Bhd, RM40 million, while FMD Polypipes Industry Sdn Bhd will invest RM20 million to manufacture plastic pipes.

The park, located within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), aims to promote further downstream investments in the plastics and plastic-related industries by tapping into the potential synergies with the nearby Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex (KIPC).

The park expects the industrial lots to be fully taken up by 2015. It also targets to attract RM2 billion worth of investment and creating more than 7,000 jobs.

"This project is in response to the need to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysia's plastics industry. The KPP will provide focused development to cater to the specific needs of the plastics industry," said ECER Development Council chief executive officer, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John Tuesday.

He said Kertih was uniquely positioned to become an important hub for plastics conversion with ready access to raw materials and export routes.

The other plastics parks in the world are Dow Olefinverbund GmbH Value Park in Germany, Jain Plastics Park in India and Abu Dhabi Polymer Park in United Arab Emirates, he said.

"By building this park, we plan to extend the local value chain for the country's petrochemical industry and encourage innovation in end-product plastic manufacturing," he said.

Jebasingam said the KPP would also serve as a haven for developing and enhancing capability in the local plastics industry by providing technical and vocational training to complement the work of the local educational institutions.

Malaysia is already one of the largest plastic producers in Asia with the industry increasingly dominant in Malaysia's export mix.

It registered a growth of 8.3 percent in the first half of this year with a turnover of RM7.96 billion compared with the same period last year.

He said over the last 35 years, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has laid the foundation by developing the oil, gas petrochemical and supporting facilities within the Petronas Petroleum Industry Complex, with investments worth RM70 billion.

"Now it is up to the private sector, especially small and medium enterprises to seize the opportunity to establish their plastics and plastic-related factories in KPP.

"The success of KPP is based on the easy access to feedstock and availability of existing infrastructure and support services in KIPC.

"This access to reliable and just-in-time feedstock supply translates into savings in logistics and warehousing cost," he said.

At the launch, Hi-Essence received its certification as an ECER investor.

The company also exchanged documents with Taiwan Stock Exchange-listed Hua Eng Wire and Cable Ltd for transfer of technology and technical collaboration, as well as with Petronas Polymer Technology Centre for technology collaboration on wire and cable products.

Latenfield Pipes also exchanged documents with Vinyl Chloride (M) Sdn Bhd for the latter to supply modified polyvinyl chloride (MPVC) dry blend compound as well as for technical support on the production and application of MPCV pipes.

Also present at the launching ceremony were Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Petronas president/chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Merican.

-- BERNAMA

PTK : Branding

2008-12-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

Branding can help Malaysian companies to improve its market position and international profile. Elaborate your answer.

SENARIO
East Coast Exporters Briefing Session.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Globalization is today’s buzzword. Coca-Cola is selling beverages in almost 200 countries worldwide while McDonald has over 30,000 restaurants in 118 countries. Brand names such as Microsoft, Disney etc are instantly recognizable internationally and consumer are willing to fork up premium prices as the brands spell quality, satisfaction and quality for money.

Nowadays, millions of packaged good producers, food and beverages, hardware and software as well as services providers are competing for consumers globally. In this regard, branding is vital to distinguish Malaysia’s good and services, provides market positioning as well as the edge for venturing the global market.

1.0 INTRODUCTION ON BRANDING

PROJECT

A brand can be defined as an asset that does not have physical existence and the value of which cannot be determined exactly unless it becomes the subject of a specific business transaction of sales and acquisition (Seetheraman, A et all, 2001).
The importance of branding is well captured by the Chairman of Interbrand: “He who owns the brands, owns the wealth” (Cass Creative Report, 2004). For 2007, the 100 top global brands recorded worth of USD 1,156.7 billion.

According to Interbrand.com, Coca-Cola remains the best global brand valued at USD 65.32 billion while Hertz, occupying the 100th spot was valued at USD 3.02 billion. No Malaysian brand has ever been included at the top 100 global brand. According to Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysa (4As), Malaysia’s top five most valuable brands in 2007 were Maybank (USD 2.8 billion), Public Bank (USD 2.0 billion), Maxis (USD 1.5 billion), Genting (USD 1.3 billion) and Celcom (USD 1.2 billion).

Branding is the fundamental aspects of successful business which Malaysian companies especially SMEs must seriously adopt and integrate in their current business practices. To gain market positioning, companies must undergo transition form price competition to branding in the domestic market. Over time, the brand will be able to undergo the routes towards globalization of the brands.

2.0 BRANDING AND MARKET POSITIONING

Even with Malaysia’s expanding economy and premier position in global trade, there is very little number of truly world class and internationally recognized Malaysia brands. The majority of the brands in Malaysia today are no more than well-known names, without the key attribute to real brands. By establishing a brand, firm’s reputation could be enhanced as well as foster brand loyalty. This leads to greater marketing advantages such as lower marketing costs, news customers as well as greater trade leverage (Calderon et al, 1997; Ewing et all, 2001).

To ensure their share in the market as well as product and services positioning, Malaysian products and services needs to have the three main components of brand awareness, loyalty and quality perception.

2.1 Brand Awareness
Brand awareness is a very important element in the branding process. Firms should make customers become aware of the products thus prompting them to choose the recognized brand among similar products. Demand of the brand will increase when more awareness and acceptances are created among customers.

Case Study: Madura Industries Sdn. Bhd., a Terengganu based producer of soft drinks can more effectively compete within Malaysia by effectively positioning it’s brand “Maduria” as totally halal, competitive pricing with same delicious taste of similar segmentation of medium priced soft drink market such as Cheers, F&N and Yeo’s.

2.2 Brand Loyalty

Brands add value to customer’s loyalty. To ensure continuous and growing share market, Malaysia firms need customer to pledge loyalty to their products which is recognizable via the use of branding.

Case Study: In the stretch of Kampung Losong, there are abundance of Keropok Lekor (Fish Sausage) stalls which was collectively branded as T’Lekor under the Terengganu Government initiatives. However, people who know that Kak Yah branded T’Lekor would only buy their keropok from her stall as it was the best. This highlights loyalty to a brand ensures it’s continuity as well as increased

2.3 Brand Quality

To ensure market positioning as well as stable pricing, brand may also be used to put perceived quality on a firm’s offering. Customers are more willing to pay price premium for products they perceive of higher quality.

Case Study: There are abundance of Batik materials all around Terengganu especially in Pasar Payang with prices starting from RM120 upwards. However, with branding, Noor Arfa Batek commanded higher prices doubling or even tripling the current prices due to the perception that Noor Arfa offers better quality and exclusive design.

3.0 BRANDING AND INTERNATIONAL PROFILE

Brand is the only one passport for companies to get into another country and go global. With branding, Malaysian products and services have tremendous potential for conquering the international market. International marketing strategy could enhance a firm's reputation and build strong brand awareness. It can also foster brand loyalty that leads to certain marketing advantages, such as lower marketing costs, new customers, and greater trade leverage (Calderon et al., 1997; Ewing et al., 2001).

International marketing strategy can also create brand loyalty and awareness that can reduce marketing costs and generate a price premium. Keller (2000) advocates that consistent marketing support is necessary in order for brands to be successful. All these studies suggest that international marketing strategy can influence directly a firm's performance.

3.1 GLOBAL STRATEGY FORMULATION

In order to ensure successful foray in the global market, brands venturing outside should first formulate their international marketing strategy which could be summarized into four steps;

3.1.1 Assessment and Adjustment of Core Strategy

Firstly, the firm should do their internal analyses which also include assessment of it strength, current market positioning as well as potential market for global penetration. Competitive analysis should also be done in ensuring the viability of the new global venture. Core strength could include visionary leader, dedicated team, good product as well as effective branding.

3.1.2 Formulation of Target Countries, Segments and Competitive Strategies

The company must first understand the structure of the global market industry which includes potential customer requirements, choices of target countries, product selection, market segments as well as competitive strategies. The firm needs also to decide in series of strategic decision which includes competitive strategy choices whether to offer cost leadership, product differentiation or selective focus. Country market choices need to be analyzed on to concentrate in specific country or diversified over several countries or within certain region.

3.1.3 Development of Global Marketing Strategy

The firms also need to determine their product offering such as degree of standardization or adaptation. The firms should include the marketing mix of the product offering as well as advertising and promotion programmed that could be implemented.

3.1.4 Implementation

After all factors are taken into consideration as well as implementation, periodic review needed to be done in ensure that all steps are taken into consideration. Objectives such as set Key Performance Indexes (KPIs), sales figure target as well number of countries penetration within a set time limit. Monitoring as well as constant corrective action should be taken to ensure the goals are met.

3.2 ASSISTANCE BY MATRADE

In this regard, assistant from the Malaysian government via MATRADE can be utilized by firms in order to secure it branding position as well as secure international market profile via grants such as Brand Promotion Grant (BPG), Market Development Grant (MDG) and Services Export Fund (SEF).

4.0 CASE STUDY: PENSONIC GROUP

To highlight the path of transition of Malaysian firm using branding to established market share as well as penetrate the global market, PENSONIC Group is chosen as a case study.

4.1 BACKGROUND

The PENSONIC Group had a legacy since 1965 since it’s started as a small retailer cum workshop for electrical home appliances, Keat Radio and Electrical Co. 1982 saw the birth of PENSONIC brand as the Group venture into importation of audio and visual products under the PENSONIC brand. The core businesses of the PENSONIC Group are now in manufacturing, distribution, import and export of electrical home appliances for the domestic and export markets.

4.2 MARKET POSITIONING

1982 also saw the birth of the PENSONIC brand. The PENSONIC brand was first registered as a trademark in Malaysia in 1984 and till now it has registered trademarks in more than 20 countries. By 1995, PENSONIC core businesses are now in manufacturing, distribution, import and export of electrical home appliances for the domestic and export markets. The domestic distribution activities of the PENSONIC Group now span across 10 branches and more the 800 dealers countrywide. PENSONIC products are now exported to many countries in ASEAN, East Asia, West Asia and Middle-East.

The Strategy

Through its strong distribution-channel network, the PENSONIC Group adopts a multi-brand platform to cater for different product categories and different market segments. Through many years of focused brand-building efforts, competitive pricing, high quality and wide-ranging products, the PENSONIC brand is now well recognized as the premier Malaysian brand for electrical home appliances in the country.

4.3 INTERNATIONAL PROFILE

Facing globalization, PENSONIC formulated a master brand strategy clearly defined brand vision and values to drive it to greater heights. Aggressive brand building activities are now planned and executed to transform the PENSONIC brand into an Asian brand at the first stage and a global brand in the future. It is also continually strengthening its capability in product innovation, design and development to support its next wave of growth. PENSONIC now has a vibrant, energetic and charismatic personality raring to forge ahead.

4.4 RESULT

The continual efforts in building the PENSONIC brand have been well rewarded with positive results. The PENSONIC Group has grown tremendously over these last few years, doubling the mere turnover of RM93 Million in 2001 to RM187 Million in 2006.

5.0 RECOMMENDATION: BRANDING OF TERENGGANU BATIK

Terengganu is famous for its excellent batik, making it a potential sector to consider as one of the state’s main exports. The noted brand for Terengganu batik is Noor Arfa Batik with its ready capacity and capability for global market. However, the majority of the other batik producers are from small, backyard cottage industries which are more inclined to just sell their products via middleman instead of selling it or branding it themselves. There are even less possibly of them exporting the batik themselves as each could only supply small number of batik material each month as opposed to the overseas importers who would normally demand large consignments for distribution in their area of coverage.

In order to ensure that Terengganu batik could be exported effectively, cooperation between the Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) Terengganu and the batik producers are vital. YPU could established a batik clearing house where all the micro batik producers could send their finished product for rebranding, further added value such as repackaging as well as quality control and design direction. Promotional activities as well as local and global marketing strategy could also be established in order to ensure “Terengganu Batik”’s brand awareness, brand loyalty and brand quality. Noor Arfa Batik could also act as a mentor or anchor to the project in giving the benefit of their experience and expertise in guiding the successful implementation of the state branding.

MATRADE will act in the advisory and monitoring capacity in the branding and exporting of Terengganu Batik. With the help of 38 MATRADE overseas offices, market intelligence could be done to identify the countries that are interested in importing batik along with the challenges that need to be conquered in ensuring successful export. MATRADE could also provide assistance in term of identifying the best trade promotions options such as specific international trade fairs or specialized visit to fashion houses. Monetary assistance such as Market Development Grant (MDG) as well as Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) could also be utilized to defray the cost of branding Batik Terengganu as well as established their presence globally.

6.0 CONCLUSION

Branding can be used to enhance the global reach and standing of Malaysian products and services as shown by successful Malaysian brand both locally and globally such as PENSONIC, Royal Selangor Pewter, Lewre and Petronas.

According to the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents (4As), Malaysia’s top 30 brands value has risen nine per cent to RM 61.8 billion in 2008 from RM 56.6 billion in 2007. This shows that the usage of branding do provide brand names good and services market preference.

It must be noted that most of Malaysian top enterprises were barely in existence 20 years ago. The potential and opportunities for these enterprises to become a global player in the future is highly possible especially with clear market positioning and international marketing strategy in place.