15-10-2008: RM30m allocated for ECER this year

15-10-2008: RM30m allocated for ECER this year
by Sharon Tan
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KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM30 million has been allocated for the implementation of East Coast Economic Region (ECER) projects this year, and 78 out of the 106 programmes identified for the zone under the Ninth Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review are on track to take off this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz told Parliament that a few of the projects, especially those which provide the basic infrastructure to attract investments, are being rolled out. They include the Gambang Industrial Park, Kertih Plastic Industry Cluster Project and Kenaf Industry in Bachok.

Amirshan said the projects would bring benefits to the locals and help elevate poverty.

“The government believes that with many jobs and business opportunities created through the programmes and projects, the people’s income and quality of life would improve,” he said.

Petronas plans to build a supply base in Kelantan to facilitate the extraction of oil and gas offshore, Amirsham said. The national oil corporation is in the process of getting investors into the region, including some from the chemical industry.

He said that RM141.9 million has been committed by various companies, including Petronas, which will launch its Polymer Technology Centre at a cost of RM50 million.

Source: The Edge Daily