The government has cut its job creation target for the country’s economic corridors by 71% for next year, even as it aims to draw more investment into these regions.
According to the economy ministry’s budget estimates released on Oct 9, the target for new jobs falls from 150,100 this year to 43,000 in 2027, while the target for realised investments rises from RM91 billion to RM94 billion over the same period.
MPs for Kubang Pasu, Langkawi and Rantau Panjang, among others, questioned the sharp drop during the committee stage debate on the ministry’s allocation in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Winding up the debate, economy minister Akmal Nasir did not give reasons for the lower target but said the number of jobs created depended on the type of investment. “Technology-intensive projects generally use automation and require fewer workers, but need more skilled and semi-skilled workers,” he said.
Akmal said Kedah Rubber City had attracted five investors with combined investment commitments of RM3.344 billion as of September, while three more potential investors with an estimated RM450 million were in talks with the authorities.
He said the ministry’s development allocation for Sabah would more than double, rising 100.7% from RM87.1 million this year to RM174.85 million in 2027, including RM150 million to expand Sepanggar port. A further RM236.6 million has been set aside for 38 projects by the 13 state development corporations next year.