Hutan melintang: Agro-based food manufacturer QL Resources Bhd is creating a food manufacturing hub, QL Innofood Park, through a strategic investment of RM1.3 billion. Its executive chairman, Dr Chia Song Kun, said the project, led by its wholly owned subsidiary QL Foods Sdn Bhd, represents a new phase of expansion in regional food manufacturing, extending beyond its surimi-based portfolio to include protein-based food products from various other sources, such as soy, flour, poultry, and others.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the expansion aligns with the growing demand from both domestic and international markets, as highlighted during the QL Innofood Park groundbreaking ceremony in Hutan Melintang. The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk.
Chia stated that the industrial park will be developed in phases over 10 years, consisting of 13 production plants and supporting infrastructure, including utilities, warehouse logistics, and employee facilities. An initial investment of approximately RM300 million will be made to develop the supporting infrastructure, followed by an annual investment of RM100 million over a decade to construct the production plants.
He further added that once the project is fully completed, it is expected to boost QL Foods' annual production capacity to 180,000 tonnes. This increase by an additional 130,000 tonnes represents an approximate 2.5 times surge from the existing capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
The project's design and planning are rooted in sustainability concepts and green initiatives, such as installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, rainwater harvesting systems, a solid waste sorting centre, and biomass boilers, alongside utilizing energy-efficient machinery. These efforts are aimed at supporting the transition towards a low-carbon footprint.
The modernisation of the factories incorporates Industry 4.0 readiness and operational efficiency, featuring Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) centralised cold rooms and smart warehouses for packaging materials, as well as data-based monitoring. Once the entire project is completed, it is anticipated to create 3,000 new job opportunities for the local community.
Chia emphasized that the high-impact investment is also expected to enhance the socio-economic status of the people of Perak, particularly in the Bagan Datuk district, while continuing to contribute to the national agenda of industrialisation and food security.