By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 — Selangor stands to gain from a burgeoning civil aviation industry, which is projected to offer high-skill, lucrative jobs to residents, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In his opening address at the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2023, Amirudin emphasised the state government’s commitment to further develop the civil aviation sector within Selangor.
The plan includes enhancing the current infrastructure and collaborating with key industry stakeholders to cultivate a proficient aviation workforce, he said.
“We are not content with having the highest gross domestic product contribution numbers of any state in Malaysia.
“We are not content with being the most advanced state in Malaysia and we are certainly not content with having the best and brightest minds.
“Our challenge is in how to harness and tap the vast potential by empowering workers and communities, specifically in the aerospace domain,’’ he said at Skypark Regional Aviation Centre (RAC) in Bukit Jelutong here today.
Those who were also present at the event include Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Selangor state executive councillor for trade, investment and mobility Ng Sze Han, his predecessor Datuk Teng Chang Khim, and other high-ranking state government officials.
Meanwhile, Amirudin recognised the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the civil aviation sector, which is still in the midst of a recovery, grappling with economic challenges and a subdued demand for air travel.
He also noted that data from Boeing has shown that due to the recent increase in air traffic following the reopening of economies globally, there is a projected demand for approximately 790,000 pilots and 754,000 technicians over the coming two decades.
This projection, he said, does not encompass roles such as air traffic controllers, (maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) personnel, ground staff, and baggage handlers.
In the face of these industry challenges, Amirudin said his administration’s principal goal is to guarantee sustainable, well-paying jobs for the people of Selangor.
Tackling these considerable problems, particularly by way of offering dignified employment opportunities, is paramount, he added.
The menteri besar also shed light on the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), which includes efforts to transform a 2,000-acre land into Selangor Aero Park.
This aerospace nexus will focus on MRO tasks, aircraft retrofitting, innovation hubs, state-of-the-art smart hangars, and testing facilities, cohesively integrated with existing runways for efficient aircraft movement, said Amirudin.
“Moreover, Selangor is well-positioned to capitalise on the drone sector through the Selangor Drone Centre of Excellence, which will specialise in light aircrafts, seaplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, and even sports aviation.
“All of these initiatives aren’t mere whims; they’re integral components of RS-1 and the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan, aiming to bolster growth, investments and offer superior remuneration for Selangor’s populace.’
Amirudin said Selangor’s expanding population, which encapsulates a significant portion of the Malaysian diaspora, poses another challenge to the state government in its bid to ensure better-paying jobs for its residents.
He pointed out that the state constituency is not just limited to Selangorians, and that Selangor also hosts individuals from Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Terengganu, Sabah, Perlis and Sarawak, among others.
“Seven million individuals identify Selangor as their home, and I’m confident we’ll surpass the 10 million mark before the close of 2030.
“As the population burgeons alongside urban expansion, the challenge of sustaining demand via better-paying jobs will be this administration’s primary focus in the upcoming term,’’ he added.
SAS 2023, which runs from today until Saturday, is anticipated to draw over 24,000 visitors, more than double that of the previous year.
The event’s organiser, Invest Selangor Bhd, has also projected a potential transaction value of RM700 million to take place in this year’s edition.
