NCER to get RM5b more

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will provide an additional RM5 billion in the mid-term review of the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi.

He said under the 9MP currently, the government had provided RM12.5 billion in financial provision for the implementation of various projects in the NCER.

“On the whole, about RM178 billion would be invested in the NCER until 2025 involving both the private and public sector,” he said in reply to points raised by MPs during their debate on the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority Bill 2007 (NCIA) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Effendi said under the 10th Malaysia Plan, RM13 billion would be allocated by the government for the NCER, with the private sector expected to invest another RM30 billion.

He said under 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan, the private sector were expected to invest another RM30 billion in the NCER.

He added a total of 179 projects would be implemented in the NCER until 2025 involving the agriculture, manufacturing and tourism economic sector. Effendi said this move would lead to the creation of 540,000 jobs.

He also said the NCIA would not usurp the powers and functions from any of the state governments or agencies which come under the corridor and this was clearly stated in the role the proposed authority would play in the corridor.

“For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Act shall be construed as reducing or limiting the rights, powers and functions of the State of Perlis, Kedah, Penang or Perak or any government entity,” he said.

Earlier in tabling the bill, Effendi said the NCIA was needed to ensure systematic development in the area. He said as the coordinating agency, NCIA would ensure the development policies for the region are commercially viable. The bill was passed by the House.

By The EDGE MALAYSIA (by B Suresh Ram)

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