JASIN: The Melaka government proposes the creation of a new economic corridor in the southern part of the country, involving neighbouring states, Johor and Negri Sembilan.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the corridor, known as the Anjung Selatan Corridor Economic, is expected to benefit all three states, particularly in terms of economic growth and infrastructure development, given the interconnected borders of these states.

He said the establishment of this new corridor could pave the way for economic development in the southern region of Malaysia, further advancing national development efforts.

"This proposal was among the topics discussed during the recent 'Intellectual and Leadership Development retreat', which involved heads of agencies and state-owned companies, as well as the Melaka State Revenue Collection and Proposal for New Revenue Workshop for 2024.

"I believe this corridor economic could attract the attention of the federal government to address the needs between the states.

"We plan to organise a seminar on the economic corridor inviting the governments of both neighbouring states, led by their respective Chief Ministers," he said after attending the monthly state assembly and Rakyat's open day at the Alamanda Jasin hall today.

Rauf said a special committee will be established to facilitate negotiations with the three state governments to establish the corridor.

He added that the committee will conduct a detailed study on the proposed development collaboration before presenting the proposal to the Federal level.

"In the tourism industry, we can collaborate to provide substantial returns to the people of all three states through a well-integrated tourism ecosystem.

"From an economic perspective, we can discuss the industrial sector to ensure that the border ecosystem benefits the residents living in the areas.

"If there are proposals for constructing a new road connecting Banting (the Negri Sembilan border) to Gelang Patah, known as the West Coast Expressway, this will also be discussed with every decision submitted to the Federal Government for immediate study.

"We believe this expressway could help reduce congestion on the North-South Expressway, which is often crowded during festive seasons or weekends," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1081602/melaka-proposes-southern-economic-corridor