NS GOV'T  URGED TO LEVERAGE STRATEGIC LOCATION, ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENTS

SEREMBAN, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Rantau assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has urged the Negeri Sembilan government to act more proactively in stimulating the state’s economy at a time when the national economy remains strong with increasing inflows of international investors.

Mohamad, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rembau,  also stressed the need for the state government to facilitate all investment processes, including the provision of properly planned and clearly classified industrial sites, to ensure investors do not face bureaucratic hurdles.

The Foreign Minister said Negeri Sembilan’s strategic position within the Greater Klang Valley places the state along a regional economic growth corridor, and efforts to attract investors through the Negeri Sembilan Fast Lane initiative must be executed more efficiently and comprehensively.

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“We must facilitate investors so they can manage and establish industries in Negeri Sembilan, which in turn will create job opportunities here.

“I said in Cabinet that Negeri Sembilan is close by, making it easier for investors to come here, but we (the state government) must immediately create suitable areas for them to set up strategic industries,” he said during the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) representative also called on the state government to promptly formulate an economic stimulus plan aligned with the strong national economic conditions, while fully leveraging the state’s strategic position within the regional logistics network.

He further advised and proposed that industries with pollution risks be placed downstream to protect major rivers such as Sungai Linggi, which serves as a vital water source for residents in Seremban and Port Dickson.

“As a son of Negeri Sembilan, I want to see this state progress and enjoy economic growth and shared success,” he said.

Mohamad also expressed the view that the Negeri Sembilan Budget 2026 should ideally be balanced rather than in deficit, given the nation’s current strong economic performance.

“We must table a sound budget when we are not facing problems, except during situations such as COVID-19 or economic crises. The state government must be the main driver in managing the economy.

“I support the budget presented, but with an amendment to reduce the P50 allocation by RM30 million, thereby making the state budget balanced at RM610 million,” he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Mohd Asna Amin (BN-Lenggeng) said the state government’s introduction of the Negeri Sembilan Fast Lane, aimed at speeding up investment approval processes, is expected to enhance the state’s attractiveness to both domestic and international investors.

He also congratulated the Seremban City Council (MBS) for becoming the first local authority (PBT) to implement the system and expressed hope that other PBTs, including Port Dickson, will follow suit, especially for artificial intelligence (AI)-related projects.

Datuk Mohd Zaidy Abdul Kadir (BN-Jeram Padang) urged the state government to develop tourism related to the Orang Asli community, including the construction of traditional houses or homestays based on their customs and culture as attractions—particularly in conjunction with Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026—thus creating economic opportunities and direct benefits for the community.

Choo Ken Hwa (PH-Lukut) also expressed hope that all accommodation providers, including homestays in the state, are formally registered with the authorities to ensure operations meet minimum safety and comfort standards for visitors and local residents.

The State Assembly sitting resumes tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA