Establish SEZ in Seberang Perai, here are six reasons to do so

A Penang backbencher has called for the Special Economic Zone to be established in Seberang Perai.

Kumaran Krishnan (PH-Bagan Dalam) put forth six arguments to back his call for a SEZ in Seberang Perai during the Penang state assembly seating yesterday.

“First, allow me to stress that the SEZ is a long term strategy to ensure Penang remains competitive as a key economic force in ASEAN.

“While other states are beginning to introduce new economic models, Penang needs to move faster so that it does not lose its competitiveness.

“Second, Seberang Perai is the most suitable location as it has larger available land, higher competitive operation costs, strategic locations to support high value industries.

He pointed out that developing a SEZ on the mainland would be a catalyst to a new phase of economic growth for Penang.

“Third, Seberang Perang has the most complete logistics advantage in the north of Malaysia.

“Fourth, having a SEZ would support and strengthen the E&E industries supply chain that has become Penang’s economic pulse.”

He said that Seberang Perai can house Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers as well as R&D centres that would boost the state’s innovation.

The fifth reason is having a SEZ in Seberang Perai would ensure the state’s development is more even between the island and mainland.

The final reason for a SEZ in Seberang Perai is that it will create high income job opportunities for young people in Penang, especially for those who reside in Bagan, Permatang Pauh and Batu Kawan.