ALOR STAR: Kedah must look into the commercial and residential development in the establishment of a new economic zone in Bukit Kayu Hitam, says a state leader.

Kedah Industrial and Investment Committee chairman Haim Hilman Abdullah said the state government must avoid repeating the mistake made in the development of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park.

He said while the Kulim Hi-Tech Park was home to "extraordinary plants", it did not take into account the commercial and residential needs of those working there including expatriates.

"Now is a highly critical time to develop SBEZ," he said in the state assembly today.

"My concern is that if we don't act fast, the Thais will develop Danok and expatriates working in SBEZ will end up residing there.

"If that happens it will be bad for us," he said in response to a question from Abdul Ghafar Saad (PN-Guar Chempedak).

Haim, who is also the state Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman said the development of strategic infrastructure for SBEZ should be treated as a high priority.

"The investors are not keen to know about our internal sentiments, they just want to know if strategic infrastructures are ready.

"An elevated flyover in Changlun should be developed immediately," he said, adding there was also a need for cooperation with the federal government.

Haim added that SBEZ, which covers 4.70 ha is divided into two main components, namely the Kedah Science & Technology Park (KSTP) and the Delapan SBEZ.

The latter includes 2.13 ha of industrial land earmarked.

Haim said the SBEZ can serve as a gateway for a number of countries including China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives.

He said Phase 1 of KSTP was ready to welcome investors while the development of the next phase will begin next month and be ready by 2026.

Meanwhile, Phase 1 of Delapan SBEZ (inland container depot) is ongoing and Phase 2 (free commercial warehousing zone complex) is 98 per cent complete.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1096444/dont-miss-expat-opportunity-sbez-says-kedah-exco