Port Dickson: The Negeri Sembilan government, particularly the local authority concerned, has been urged to expedite the processing of the Planning Approval application for the construction of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven container port in Port Dickson (PD).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anthony Loke (PH-Chennah) emphasized the project’s significance as a crucial catalyst for the development of Negeri Sembilan, particularly in advancing the Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) 2.0 initiative and strengthening the state’s industrial sector. He mentioned that the investment for the project from a private company has been secured and the funding to build the port is already available. Loke expressed hope that the State Executive Council and the Port Dickson Municipal Council will prioritize this development.
Loke humorously noted that while Port Dickson includes the word ‘Port’ in its name, it currently lacks an actual port, only having a jetty. He highlighted the importance of realizing this container port as it would be the first within the state’s maritime boundary. As Transport Minister and Seremban MP, Loke also expressed his desire for the state government to prioritize semiconductor investments under the MVV 2.0 project, given the current demand for semiconductors.
He further suggested that Negeri Sembilan could develop an industrial park through collaboration under the ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ project between China and Malaysia, supported by a recently signed memorandum of understanding.
Meanwhile, Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN-Johol) proposed forming a special state investment team to explore alternative markets, including the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. He emphasized the importance of enhancing facilities for investors in green technology and automation, aligning with the digitalization agenda. Saiful also urged government-linked companies to become more aggressive in driving the state’s economy, moving beyond conventional business models.
Opposition Leader Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (PN-Labu) expressed concern over the increasing use of vape among the younger generation in the state, citing it as a public health threat. A brief tension arose when Mohamad Hanifah questioned his allocated debate time of only 20 minutes, compared to other states’ opposition leaders who receive up to 45 minutes. Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman clarified that the speaking time was the same for all State Assembly members (ADUNs).