SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan has the potential to be developed into an industrial state, which could significantly boost its revenue, says Chennah assemblyman Anthony Loke. The Transport Minister noted that Malaysia was increasingly attracting foreign investors, with major corporations expressing interest in investing, and states should capitalise on this opportunity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized the need for Negeri Sembilan to intensify efforts in attracting investors by identifying suitable areas for industrial development. He highlighted that Nilai and Enstek were previously identified as the nation’s logistics hubs, and expressed confidence in establishing more industrial zones to transform Negeri Sembilan into an industrial state. This was stated during the debate on the 2025 Supply Bill at the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly in Wisma Negeri.
Loke also proposed the development of a container port in Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson, along with large-scale industrial areas in the district to
enhance operational efficiency. He pointed out that developing Port Dickson into a competitive industrial zone could increase state revenue through land premiums and assessment taxes, which would enable reinvestment into community initiatives.
In his speech, Loke praised Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s balanced RM590 million 2025 State Budget, which emphasized economic resilience, food security, and education. Meanwhile, Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN-Johol) advocated for increased allocations for the Orang Asli community in Negeri Sembilan to ensure the 4,000 residents from 43 registered villages are not left behind.
Saiful urged improvements in infrastructure and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes for the Orang Asli community’s benefit. Datuk Mohd Zaidy Abdul Kadir (BN-Jeram Padang) supported this call, advocating for TVET expansion in rural areas and better dissemination of programme information to reach students effectively.
The state assembly sessi
on will continue tomorrow.