MELAKA, 20 December – Investment activities in Melaka continue to attract attention following various initiatives and plans spearheaded by the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Chief Minister’s target of achieving RM10 billion in investments this year is seen as a realistic benchmark that must be met.
This ambitious target reflects Melaka’s aggressive phase in attracting more investors, both domestic and international, especially to invest in the historic state.
In his speech at the Melaka Industrial Night last February, the Chief Minister said the State Government has outlined several strategies to stimulate long-term economic development up to 2035 under Flagship 1 of the Melakaku Maju Jaya Strategic Plan 2035 (PSMJ2035).
According to him, the plan outlines 25 initiatives for holistic economic development, covering the manufacturing sector, investments, finance, development of the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), and TVET development to support human capital needs.
As such, he remains optimistic that this focus will further enhance investment potential and position Melaka as a leading investment destination in the region.
MCORP TO DEVELOP THREE NEW INDUSTRIAL ZONES
The Chief Minister announced that to realise this vision, Melaka Corporation (MCORP) will develop three new industrial areas:
- MCORP Hi-Tech Park (5,000 acres)
- German Technology Park (460 acres)
- Elkay 2.0 (601 acres)
“The State Government has obtained approval from the Ministry of Economy, through MCORP, to implement three projects this year involving preliminary physical works for agencies under the ministry, with a total development allocation of RM4.4 million.
“These high-tech industrial developments are expected to meet the demands of investors and foster partnerships that can elevate Melaka’s industrial growth to a global level,” he added.
This move is also part of the effort to empower Invest Melaka, a subsidiary under MCORP, to act as a facilitation and investment development centre.
“Invest Melaka will lead the state’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) in collaboration with local authorities (PBT), departments, and technical agencies, sparking the formation of the Melaka Industrial Booster (MIB) Secretariat Committee,” he said.
Ab Rauf explained that MIB will act as the First Point of Contact for managing investment facilitation in Melaka, ensuring that application and investment processes are handled more systematically and efficiently.
“This will open up opportunities for both local and international investors to invest in various economic sectors in Melaka,” he said.
The State Government will also establish the Melaka Center of Excellence to support industry needs and strengthen human capital development in employment opportunities.
GERMAN TECHNOLOGY PARK – A NEW INVESTMENT CATALYST IN MELAKA
The German Technology Park, to be jointly developed by Teladan Setia Sdn Bhd, Melaka Corporation (MCORP), and Jakel Capital, is designed to attract leading technology and manufacturing companies from Germany. The park aims to become a hub for innovation and sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
According to MIDF Research, there are currently over 700 German companies in Malaysia, providing more than 70,000 jobs for locals.
Teladan Setia, MCORP, and Jakel Capital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore and develop energy solutions for the German Technology Park in Melaka.
The MoU outlines a shared goal to manage the planning, generation, and distribution of at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) of power to the park over the next five to seven years.
The consortium structure allocates 51% equity to Jakel Capital, 29% to Cypark Resources, and 20% to MCORP, with a projected capital expenditure of RM4 billion.
The project will integrate renewable energy sources and modern energy management systems, including battery storage solutions, to ensure a reliable and cost-effective power supply to the park. It also includes ongoing discussions with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and the Energy Commission through the Corporate Green Power Programme (CRESS).
TARGETING HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURING INVESTORS
In May, Deputy State EXCO for Investment, Industry, and TVET Development, Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, stated that various aggressive measures are being implemented to attract more investors, especially in the high-tech manufacturing sector, to establish operations in Melaka.
She highlighted that, in addition to Melaka’s investor-friendly status, the proposal to establish several new industrial areas has gained attention and boosted investor confidence, including among multinational corporations.
“Melaka will remain active and aggressive in attracting investors to the state, especially with the development of new industrial sites such as the German Technology Park, MCORP High Tech Park, and Elkay Industrial Park, which will provide comprehensive facilities for them to operate here.
“We guarantee that, with cooperation from agencies such as MIDA, local authorities (PBT), and other relevant bodies, investors will find the process smooth and efficient.
“The State Government is committed to providing the best opportunities for them through the provision of comprehensive infrastructure and support services,” she said.
Source: Melaka Hari Ini
