THE second phase of the Northern Corridor Economic Region's rollout is expected to see more investments being ploughed into the electrical and electronics sector in Perak and Penang.
Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said plans were also in place to position the Kulim High Tech Park in Kedah to meet the evolving needs of its high technology tenants.
Apart from facilitating with United States-based test and measurements device maker National Instruments to set up a RM2 million laboratory within the Penang Skills Development Centre, NCIA has also collaborated with global distributor of electronic components, World Micro Inc, to expand its presence in Penang.
"World Micro, a specialists in counterfeit detection, plans to set up a second facility to mop up the excess supply of electronic equipment and then distribute those products," he added.
In Perak, a plan by the NCIA to collaborate with the Perak government to create the Greater Kamunting Industrial Zone is poised to see the potential entry of investors from South Korea, Japan and Europe.
"They may include firms in the fabrication, food processing, electronics and automotive sectors," said Redza.
On the status of the RM1.2 billion investment by Japanese tyre manufacturer Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd, Redza said earthworks had commenced for the new plant in Kamunting.
"The new facility is due to open by April next year, and the company is set to create another 800 jobs in addition to its current pool of 1,400 workers in Taiping," he added.
"Although the second phase of the economic corridor is meant to cover the 2013-2020 time-frame, many inroads have been made already and some projects are taking off.
"Investments are rising rapidly for the northern economic region, which was at RM1.4 billion from 2008 to 2009 but leapt to RM6.08 billion in 2010 and then catapulted to RM9.91 billion last year with 26,267 jobs created along the way."
Meanwhile, Redza, whose contract as chief executive was to expire in December, has been given a contract extension untill December 2015.
-- Business Times
