By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, June 2 — Selangor is the engine of Malaysia’s economy which must continue to be driven in order for the nation to achieve high income status by 2028, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
He admitted that the federal government is highly dependent on Selangor, and that there is a need for more economic-related pilot projects to be implemented in the state for Malaysia to further prosper.
“Various pilot projects and programmes that can help elevate Malaysia as an advanced nation must start in Selangor.
“That is why we must work together so that planning at the state and federal levels continue to be in line,” he said during an engagement session on the half-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) conducted by the Finance Ministry and the state government, here, yesterday.
“If we maintain this progress, by 2026 or 2027, or latest by 2028, Malaysia will be recognised as a high income nation.”
Among others present at today’s engagement session include Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim and the state leadership lineup.
Meanwhile, Rafizi said Selangor is not spared from existing challenges such as issues concerning housing, population density, job opportunities and transportation.
Despite this, the minister said Selangor must continue to set an example for others to learn on how to balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.
“If the people of Selangor can’t take the first step of segregating wastes to be processed as a source of new energy and help generate income, I don’t think Malaysia can do it,” he said.
