Various digitalisation initiatives implemented to make Selangor a smart state in the Asean region by 2025 have successfully attracted investments to the state, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Menteri Besar said the booming services sector made Selangor a potential investment destination that attracted investors.
“Investors are drawn because of the thriving services sector and our readiness for digitalisation.
“In recent months, we have secured several significant investments, including RM3 billion from an Australian data centre and RM2 billion (for an international logistics hub project in Shah Alam),” he said during a public town hall session at Kumpulan Media Karangkraf in Section 15 here last night.
On June 9, leading Australian data centre provider NEXTDC Ltd (NEXTDC) announced its plan to invest approximately RM3 billion in Malaysia over the next five to 10 years through the development of Kuala Lumpur 1 (KL1), a Tier IV-certified data centre in Petaling Jaya.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state’s economy has been steadily expanding and created about 89,000 job opportunities in five years, which has encouraged more people to relocate to the state.
“Even though last year (in terms of investment) we were ranked second after Johor, (which ranked first) with RM70 billion, in terms of job opportunities, Selangor would record the highest.
“Within five years, 89,000 job opportunities were offered in the state, and I believe it has drawn people from other states and countries (to Selangor),” he said.
In 2022, Selangor recorded RM60 billion in total investments, offering 19,000 new job opportunities.
Amirudin had previously said that from January to March of this year, the state recorded a total investment value of RM7.4 billion.
He said Selangor’s success in achieving high revenue collection and attracting significant investments allows the state administration to implement various initiatives for the people.
The Menteri Besar stated that Selangor stands out compared with other states as a result of the various initiatives introduced by the state government.
Citing the Skim Mesra Usia Emas as an example, Amirudin said the programme was improved by providing a RM150 cash aid to the elderly and disbursing RM500 to their heirs when beneficiaries pass away.
“We will continue to make improvements and rectify the shortcomings. I think this should be done continuously,” he said.
In addition to implementing various programmes, Amirudin said the state administration must pay attention to the complaints and criticisms of the people to improve existing policies, according to Selangor Journal.
“Of course, in a democratic country, it is impossible to be able to please all. If we receive a 60 to 70 per cent support, it represents good democracy.
“Therefore, it is important for us to listen to complaints, objections, and criticism because it can help us improve the policies and decisions made by the state government,” he said.
