Developing bio-technology sector

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 -