Pahang: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, announced that Malaysia’s first highly automated ammunition factory, set to become fully operational next month, is expected to significantly boost the local economy and create job opportunities for residents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the factory, managed by Ketech Asia Sdn Bhd (Ketech Asia), has the capacity to produce 60 million rounds of ammunition annually for various calibres. This development is anticipated to enhance Malaysia’s standing on the international stage, particularly highlighting Pahang’s prominence.

During the factory’s opening ceremony, His Royal Highness emphasized the importance of providing excellent facilities for the workers, who in turn should deliver their best efforts. He also noted the potential for the ammunition to be exported, thereby elevating both Pahang and Lipis on a global scale. The event was attended by notable figures such as Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, and Pahang Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also toured the 40.4-hectare facility, where he received a detailed briefing from the factory’s management. He expressed a warm welcome to any company capable of bringing substantial benefits to invest in the state.

Ketech Asia Operations General Manager A M Maharis Abdul Wahab shared that the factory will initially produce 9-millimetre (mm) and 5.56mm ammunition for the domestic market by mid-year. Interest in their products has already been shown by Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, and several Middle Eastern countries.

The establishment of this factory has already resulted in job creation for over 100 locals, with plans to employ an additional 100 workers when the factory transitions to a continuous operation schedule next year.