KEDAH RUBBER CITY TO BRING BROAD ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS – MAHDZIR

KUALA NERANG, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- The development of the Kedah Rubber City (KRC) industrial area is expected to bring broad economic benefits to local residents in the Padang Terap district, says Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid

He said residents had previously raised several matters, particularly on the opportunities that would be available once KRC became operational.

He said among the main things highlighted were employment prospects as well as improvements to basic infrastructure in tandem with the area’s growth.

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“Among the needs raised is the upgrading of the road linking Pokok Sena town to KRC into a four-lane route to support the growth of the rubber-based industry in the area. Residents are also seeking better job opportunities and improved living standards arising from the operation of KRC.

“Besides employment opportunities, the development of KRC is expected to spur improvements in public amenities, including road upgrades, the construction of mosques and toilets, as well as community economic activities such as night markets, in line with the increasing number of workers in the area,” he said after attending a briefing on the progress of the project here today.

Also present was Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir said KEDA and NCIA had also agreed to establish a coordinating team to strengthen human capital development for KRC.

He said the development of KRC was expected to expand in stages, with the number of workers increasing over time.

He cited Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kulim, which grew from about 500 workers in its early phase to over 45,000 workers after 30 years of operation.

-- BERNAMA