By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Nov 29 — Selangor’s investment performance this year remains encouraging, ranking higher than compared to 2020 despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said for January to June last year, the state government recorded an investment value of RM3.39 billion from both domestic and foreign investment.
“However in 2021, even with six to seven months of the movement control order, we received RM4.64 billion in investments during the same time period, of which RM4.06 is domestic investment, while RM576 million is from foreign investment.
“Foreign investment in 2020 and this year shows a major difference, caused by the impact of closed borders which has had an immediate effect on investment performance. Additionally the projects that have maintained for 2020 and this year consist of 122 projects, and job opportunities stood at 5,001 last year while this year they stand at 9,179,” he said.
Amirudin was responding to Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi’s query on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state’s investment performance, during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
He also answered an additional question by Sijangkang assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi concerning the higher premium in Selangor compared to other states. Amirudin said the state government is constantly expediting and updating the matter rather than lower the premium, as it disturbs the cycle and market’s expansion.
Amirudin added the higher premium should be an accepted fact, since the value of land in Klang Valley and not just Selangor is higher compared to other states and areas.
“The state government is always trying to expedite and update the matter, but several companies chose states in the north and East Cost due to cheaper costs were eventually forced to fork out more, due to the transportation costs.
“What should be focused on by the state government is not the value of the premium, but the value of the performance and delivery,” he said.
