By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — Land may be costly in Selangor, but the state remains an attractive destination for investors due to several factors, said Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris.
These include robust infrastructure, excellent connectivity, a skilled talent pool and efficient logistics.
He dismissed the notion that Selangor has limited industrial land, pointing out that over 4,000 acres of industrial land are available for future development across the state, spanning from Kuala Langat to Klang.
"Land prices are not the only factor that investors look at when deciding (to set up a business). Other than land prices, they also look at available infrastructure, talent pool, logistics infrastructure, and connectivity," Hasan said.
He was speaking at the “CEO Insights: Investment and Facilitation, Vision and Strategies” forum in conjunction with the First Series of the Selangor International Business Summit 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
[caption id="attachment_356308" align="alignleft" width="413"]
Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Dato’ Hasan Azhari Idris speaks to the media after the Selangor Soft Landing Programme at the SUK Administrative Centre in Shah Alam on March 5, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
This was in response to a question from the floor regarding the high prices of land in Selangor and how this has posed challenges to potential investors.
Hasan added that the First Selangor Plan has nine focus sectors and three new economic development zones, including various mega projects, that offer prospective investors plenty of opportunities.
The state has also identified several sectors of focus, including aerospace, logistics and port, with the hope of positioning Selangor as the preferred investment destination.
These sectors have the potential to further boost Selangor’s economy.
With the upcoming development of the third port on Carey Island and the state’s robust logistics industry — 80 per cent of Malaysia's logistics sector is based in Selangor — it is clear that Selangor continues to play a crucial role in advancing the industry.
"Aerospace is another sector we are focusing on, with more than 60 per cent of the industry located in Selangor," he said.
To ensure a smooth transition for investors planning to expand their wings in Selangor, Hasan said the state government has appointed representatives from all 12 local authorities to assist with application processes and ensure smooth operations.
