Kamunting: The Perak government has expressed its hope that the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) development can be completed within the stipulated timeframe, by the end of 2028. Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad highlighted the challenges facing the implementation of the project, particularly regarding the need to reclaim swampy land in the area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani mentioned that the developers would collaborate with Gamuda Berhad, which has expertise in land reclamation techniques, including water drainage methods similar to those used in the Netherlands. This collaboration is expected to resolve the swamp issue and accelerate the land reclamation process for the project.

Saarani stated that the KIGIP project is under the supervision and monitoring of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). The state government has facilitated the process in terms of land and the approval of Planning Permission (KM). It is now up to SD Guthrie Berhad to expedite the project’s progress, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized its completion by the end of 2028.

“This means they need to expedite the process, regardless of the challenges, they must move quickly. By 2028, the project should be completed, and in 2029, it will open to investors,” Saarani stated.

In another development, he expressed hope that the water transfer from Perak River would involve a northern water treatment plant. The transferred water is not only for agriculture and supplying Penang but is also crucial for KIGIP, especially for factories related to the electrical and electronic sector that require water resources.