PERAK RECORDS RM6.25 BLN INVESTMENTS INVOLVING 203 PROJECTS AS OF JUNE – MB

KUALA KANGSAR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The state of Perak recorded investments worth RM6.25 billion involving 203 projects as of June this year, potentially generating over 5,000 job opportunities, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

He said the figure represents a 105 per cent increase in investment value and a 224 per cent rise in job creation compared with the same period in 2024.

“This clearly reflects investors’ confidence in the state’s strengthening investment ecosystem – firmly anchored like a ship’s anchor at sea, unwavering even amidst turbulent waves,” he said.

Saarani made the remarks during his royal address at the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the 69th birthday celebration of the Sultan of Perak at Istana Iskandariah here today.

Earlier, Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the ceremony.

Saarani said that along with the state’s growth, the labour force participation rate rose to 67.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year from 65.6 per cent in the same period last year.

The state’s unemployment rate, he added, declined to 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year from 3.4 per cent a year earlier.

Under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan, Saarani said a total of 466 projects worth RM1.84 billion have been approved across the state, covering basic infrastructure, social facilities, education, healthcare and industrial development.

“Key projects include the upgrading of the PLUS Expressway from Slim River to South Ipoh, the development of the Perak Halal Industrial Park in Manjung, and the construction of the Tanjung Rambutan Health Clinic, all expected to deliver direct benefits to the people’s well-being.

“At the same time, Perak will also benefit from the 2026 Budget through the continuation of high-impact projects, including the expansion of the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP), which will strengthen the northern region’s green industry ecosystem, and the development of the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) as a catalyst for the regional maritime sector,” he said.

Saarani said Perak’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 4.4 per cent in 2024 from 2.7 per cent in 2023, with its value increasing to RM86.2 billion from RM82.6 billion.

“This growth was driven by the strength of the services and manufacturing sectors, which contributed 63.3 per cent and 19.4 per cent respectively, followed by agriculture at 14 per cent. The construction and mining sectors also recorded growth of 2.6 and 0.6 per cent respectively, clear signs of the state’s prosperity and the people’s determination to improve their livelihoods.

“As we approach the final stretch of 2025, I am pleased to report that the state’s financial position continues to strengthen, with revenue collection reaching RM1.1 billion as of 7 November, a reflection that the government under His Royal Highness’ reign is on the right course to achieve the RM1.4 billion target,” he said.

He added that the figure is expected to offset the projected deficit of RM81.8 million under the 2025 Budget, allowing the state to record another surplus for the fourth consecutive year.

-- BERNAMA