By Sofia Nasir
KUALA SELANGOR, Jan 20 — Selangor’s northern region has the potential to develop a silica production industry, thereby contributing to the state’s income.
Permatang state constituency coordinator Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri said they have identified potential locations in Bestari Jaya to that end, and are aiming to attract industry investors by the end of this year.
“Bestari Jaya has the largest sand-producing area in Selangor. So, we need to do something as the silica mineral derived from this sand is of high value.
“We hope this is a step forward in providing new job opportunities for locals,” he said.
Yahya was speaking at the Permatang community service centre’s Majlis Jalinan Mesra event with civil servants, held at the De Palma Resort yesterday.
In addition to developing the silica industry, he also seeks to attract internationally renowned universities to establish a presence in Bestari Jaya, to develop a knowledge village.
“The proposal is still being refined with all parties and requires a period of time to realise its implementation,” Yahya said.
Silica minerals are used in various industries, including glass production for windows, cups, and beverage bottles, and are an essential ingredient in the optical fibres of telecommunications systems.
Meanwhile, the recently concluded Unity Government Cabinet Members’ Retreat 2024 has generated new synergy among all ministries to collaborate in nation-building.
The Prime Minister’ Senior Political Secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hopes all ministries can move as one team to boost the economy.
“In Datuk Seri Anwar’s opening speech, he emphasised that 2024 is the year for us to mobilise the synergy of all ministries to work as one team.
“He also urged us to humble ourselves and listen to the people’s opinions when we are in power, as they have expectations,” he said during the Majlis Jalinan Mesra event.
Shamsul is also confident the retreat, the first after the Cabinet reshuffle in December last year, will have a positive impact on implementing the Budget 2024 agenda.
“The retreat will yield very positive results in driving the agenda outlined in Budget 2024, so every social layer can benefit from it,” he said.
The retreat with the 31-member ministerial team took place over two days, starting on Wednesday (January 17) at Cyberview Resort and Spa in Cyberjaya.
