Bandar setia fontaines: Government-linked entities and private companies must ensure their development projects create opportunities for middle- and lower-income communities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized the importance of this approach to prevent the widening of the divide between different societal groups as rapid development and increased investment continue.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stressed at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Setia Fontaines Industrial Park that every project approval, whether it involves Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, the Employees Provident Fund, or private companies, should include provisions for the middle- and lower-income groups. Without such measures, he warned, the divide in the nation could grow, and opportunities for lower-income groups may become more limited.

Anwar highlighted that economic growth and increased investment should not only be reflected in encouraging statistics but must also deliver tangible benefits to people across all levels of society. The government, he noted, has consistently urged relevant agencies to ensure that development plans are equitable and do not disproportionately favor specific groups.

Meanwhile, Anwar noted that the Setia Fontaines Industrial Park development aligns with efforts to ensure economic growth in Seberang Perai keeps pace with the rapid development occurring on the island and in the state's southern areas. He pointed out that the industrial park has the potential to create high-quality employment opportunities as Malaysia transitions from back-end manufacturing to more advanced technology sectors.

Furthermore, Anwar called for enhanced collaboration among industry players, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and universities, such as Universiti Sains Malaysia, to ensure local workers possess the skills required by the industry. He remarked on the necessity of aligning training closely with educational institutions and universities, given the rapid evolution of technology within a year or two.