GEORGE TOWN: More than four million people in Peninsular Malaysia's four northern states are expected to reap the benefits of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Development Blueprint 2016-2025 (Blueprint 2.0), launched by Datuk Seri Najib Razak today.
The prime minister said Blueprint 2.0 comprised comprehensive development plans to further improve the standard of living for those in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, as well as to bridge the gap and ensure no one is left behind.
"Each of the four states in the northern region have their own strengths and uniqueness. When combined, this will lead to greater development to those in the NCER.
"As such, the numerous components in the Blueprint 2.0 are set to benefit more than four million people in the northern states and ensure they share in the wealth creation of the nation," he said when launching the Blueprint 2.0 at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (SPICE) Arena here.
Najib said the Blueprint 2.0 is set to transform the four northern states into a world-class economic region with an economy worth RM300 billion by 2025.
He said it would also increase the median household income to RM12,964 and that of the the B40 household income to RM6,043.
He added that focusing on seven catalytic growth node projects, 28 transcending border projects and 45 localised high-impact projects, would create 161,197 jobs across the four states.
"The four northern states will also enjoy a cumulative investment of RM146.5 billion in the three main sectors of manufacturing, agriculture and bio-industries and services.
"All these will set the course of the northern region's socioeconomic development and propel opportunities in the region," he said.
To mark the launch, Najib also announced a special tax incentive package for companies undertaking approved activities in the stipulated sectors.
"Companies focusing on manufacturing, agriculture and bio-industries as well as services will be prioritised compared with others," he added.
Meanwhile, Najib said strategies lined up in the Blueprint 2.0 could only be achieved with cooperation from the four northern states.
"Different regions have different economic growth. This gap must be closed to ensure they each achieve their potentials.
"With the dedication shown by the NCIA, and the close cooperation at Federal and state level, I am confident that our vision in bringing the NCER as a world-class destination can be realised.
Najib noted that the Blueprint 2.0 would also serve as a reference point for all ministries, government departments and agencies and the private sector in further developing the NCER.
Present were Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, as the host.
Also present were special adviser to the prime minister on the NCER, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman, and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq.
Meanwhile, Redza said these are exciting times for the NCER.
He said unlike the top-down approach previously, the Blueprint 2.0 was derived following inputs from all states' stakeholders, the government sector, the private sector and academia.
"The achievement in the NCER thus far, is a testament of the government's success in the country's economic growth," he added.
Redza also welcomed the special tax incentive package announced by Najib and said eligible companies would be given tax exemption under the new incentive structure being worked out.