KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): Advancencon Holdings Bhd is collaborating with the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) to initiate a pilot project for the development of centralised labour quarters (CLQ) in Perak, with the aim of supporting the growth rate of the state’s industrialisation and economic development.

Located in Asrama Murni in Jelapang, near Ipoh, the pilot project is a public-private partnership in which Advancecon will contribute the necessary technical expertise to reduce the risk of CLQ implementation. It is currently expected to house up to 368 workers.

“One of the understandings in the collaboration agreement between PKNPk and Advancecon is for this pilot project to be a benchmark to continue the development of CLQ throughout Asrama Murni and other potential locations,” said PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak.

“The CLQ development aims to have the capacity to accommodate 12,000 workers within five years to support Perak’s rapidly developing industrial sector,” Redza said in a statement.

Advancecon managing director Phum Ang Ka said he hopes that the success of the pilot project would pave the way for the state’s ongoing development.

“Advancecon’s expertise in undertaking construction works for reputable public and private-sector projects for more than two decades shows that we understand the importance of timeliness and work quality for this CLQ pilot project, and are equally committed to ensuring its success together with PKNPk,” Phum added.  

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad sees positive developments with the pilot project, which has already begun to accommodate employees from major multinational corporations such as Carsem.

“The state government, through PKNPk, is already in discussions with more international and domestic companies to advocate the benefits of CLQ, and is confident of securing more tenants for future phases,” said Saarani.

Advancecon shares price closed up 0.5 sen or 2% to 25.5 sen on Thursday (Dec 1), giving the group a market capitalisation of RM126 million.