PANGKOR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin today unveiled the Northern Corridor Economic Region's (NCER) Strategic Development Plan 2021-2025 (SDP) with a forecasted cumulative investment of up to RM146.5 billion.
The robust plans and strategies to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on the socio-economic needs of the people were disclosed during the 23rd Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) Council Meeting, chaired by Muhyiddin at the AVI Beach Resort here, today.
Present were Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow and Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
NCIA in a statement today said SDP was envisioned to transform into a RM300 billion economy by 2025, however, due to the pandemic, the target would need to be protracted by two years.
"However, up to July this year, NCIA has already achieved RM115.9 billion in cumulative realised investments and over 140,000 jobs created in the NCER.
"Through the initiatives outlined in the SDP, NCER is projected to create more than 160,000 new jobs and over 42,000 entrepreneurs, while the cumulative investment is forecast to grow to RM146.5 billion.
"SDP is a dynamic and strategic framework that incorporates the actual situation on the ground of the NCER states of Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic," it said.
During the event, Muhyiddin also handed over the SDP Book to Ahmad Faizal, Muhammad Sanusi, Chow and Azlan as a guide to map out economic development plans for each state.
The statement said strategic projects, high-impact investments and human capital programmes were designed to address the immediate needs of the people as well as businesses and industries to narrow the rural-urban development gap.
"The SDP is aligned with the government's aspirations and will be vital in supporting and accelerating the revival of the region's economy through the implementation of strategic projects and human capital programmes to create and retain jobs for the rakyat.
"Ongoing Human Capital Programmes, specifically the empowerNCER, entrepreneurNCER, NCER Talent Enhancement Programme (NTEP) and Dana Usahawan Bumiputera (DUB) have been enhanced to focus on target groups affected by the pandemic especially in the B40 category by providing opportunities for job placement or entrepreneurship which to date, have benefitted over 15,500 participants," the statement said.
The statement added that as part of the mitigation efforts to counter the effects of the pandemic, NCIA has customised two fast track programmes known as JomKerja@NCER and JomNiaga@NCER that are anchored on reskilling and upskilling followed by soft skills training to enable immediate marketability of job seekers and competitiveness of micro businesses.
"Over 8,000 participants are expected to benefit from these fast track programmes. NCIA has swiftly mobilised its post-Covid plans as outlined in the SDP. Efforts are already underway to create jobs and boost economic activities in NCER.
"To further drive the recovery of the NCER state's economy for the benefit of the people, NCIA will implement catalytic infrastructure projects such as the Northern Corridor Highway (NCH) spanning approximately 140 kilometres connecting Sungai Petani, Kedah; Batu Kawan, Penang; Changkat Jering in Perak and provide connectivity to the West Coast Expressway (WCE).
"This alternative highway network is a catalyst for development in the NCER by providing connectivity and accessibility especially in rural and underdeveloped areas," the statement said.
The statement said another integral component for regional growth was the development of logistical capabilities.
"This is exemplified in the expansion of Penang Port, as its increased capacity will ensure that Penang continues to be the nexus for both local and international logistics and trade within the region.
"NCIA is seen as relentless in its efforts and strategies to help those impacted by the pandemic, as the wellbeing of those affected is its utmost priority.
"NCIA is fully committed to ensure that the rakyat, businesses and industries in NCER remain resilient in adapting to the new normal." it said.