A TOTAL of RM150 million was allocated to improve the facilities at more than 600 industrial areas nationwide, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said although industrial areas were under the purview of the states, the Federal Government provided the allocation to help stimulate industrial activities in the respective areas.
“Last year, the Federal Government allocated RM100 million and RM50 million this year for the same purpose. The allocation was provided to improve facilities and infrastructure at more than 600 industrial areas around the country,” he said during the winding up speech at the second reading of the Promotion of Investment (Amendment) Bill 2014.
Mustapa also told the House that during a meeting last week, several entrepreneurs in Selangor had raised the issue of water supply. He said the entrepreneurs were considering reviewing their position in the state should the water crisis recur.
“With the latest steps (by the Selangor state government), there is a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.”
He also refuted claims by Rafizi Ramli (PKR-Pandan) that the government only provided investment incentives to five major companies.
“This is not true. The incentives benefited 714 companies.”
When presenting the bill for a second reading, Mustapa said it needed to be amended to stimulate economic growth, strengthen national resilience and create a dynamic trade and investment environment.
The amendment was also aimed at strengthening and streamlining legislation so that its implementation and enforcement would be more effective. The bill was passed after the second reading.
Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Supplementary Supply (2014) Bill 2014.
It was reported last week that the government was seeking an additional RM4.112 billion to pay civil servants’ wages and fuel subsidies.