JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 28): The development of infrastructure and facilities within industrial parks should be given priority to ensure that Malaysia will continue to attract investors and pursue the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0).
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming (pictured) cited Johor as one of the states that could be used as an example by developers in developing industrial parks that met the needs of investors.
"We need to ensure that our industrial areas are equipped with infrastructure and facilities that meet the standards and requirements of investors if we want to continue to attract foreign direct investment.
"Johor is a good example because of the high standards and achievements of its industrial parks, as well as having good developers such as AME Group (i-Park @ Senai Airport City), besides other states like Selangor, Penang, that met the needs and requirements of foreign investors," he said.
Ong was speaking to reporters after officiating the Industrial Parks Forum organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers here today.
Developers need to meet the standards and requirements set by investors and industries by building not only factories, but also facilities such as hostels, a recreational area, an auditorium, hotels, and a high-speed Internet access which will be the features of an industrial park in the foreseeable future, he said.
In another development, he said the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) would launch the IR4.0 Masterplan in two months’ time.
He said MITI was now at the level of ensuring that every government agency involved would be ready for its implementation after having concluded the consultations and discussions.
"To ensure that we are prepared for IR4.0, high-speed Internet access plays a very important role if we want to ensure that Internet of Things, Big Data analytics, access to data centres and communications between computers and machinery are running smoothly," he said.
On the reintroduction of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on Sept 1, he said the Royal Malaysian Customs Department would publish the full list of goods and services subjected to and exempted from the SST on its website for the benefit of the public, businesses and suppliers.
“Finance Minister (Lim Guan Eng) and I will also be meeting industry players to answer their questions (on SST), especially those involved in import and export activities," he said.
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