KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 4): The Kedah Rubber City (KRC) project has attracted RM3.344 billion in committed investments from five key investors as of September 2026, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
In addition to the investments already secured, the government is currently in discussions with several potential investors interested in investing in the rubber industrial hub, he said.
“Three additional potential investors are currently in discussions with an estimated investment of RM450 million,” he said.
He was winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 and the motion on the development expenditure estimates 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Akmal Nasrullah said 41 corridor development projects — comprising five new and 36 ongoing projects — are being implemented under the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Sarawak), and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority.
“For NCIA, an allocation of RM194.75 million has been provided for 2027 to implement 20 projects, comprising four new projects and 16 ongoing projects,” he said.
The ministry is also placing special emphasis on the sustainable development goals agenda, technology and the empowerment of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through development expenditure allocations for 2027.
Akmal Nasrullah said the effort is being driven by the implementation of various physical projects and high-impact initiatives — including the development of a framework for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), the blue economy, and the construction of industrial facilities — to enable local supply chains to adapt to global standards.
“There are several programmes or projects that we have identified and will be prioritising next year,” he said.
The ministry will also channel development allocations through State Economic Development Corporations to provide modern premises and dedicated industrial sites for SME entrepreneurs.
Initiatives include constructing a new SME factory in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan at a projected cost of RM10.2 million and developing Phase 5 of Kedah’s Kulim Hi-Tech Park at RM47 million.
Other initiatives include an industrial site development in Gebeng, Pahang and a programme to develop micro, small and medium-sized bumiputera entrepreneurs in Selangor of RM5.77 million.
The Dewan Rakyat subsequently approved the 2027 operating (OE) and development expenditure (DE) estimates, comprising RM645.42 million for OE and RM2.12 billion for DE under Budget 2027.
The approval was granted via a majority voice vote in favour, following debate by 17 members of Parliament.
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