KUALA TERENGGANU, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government will
add another 1,000 hectares to the Kerteh BioPolymer Park in Kemaman.
"In three to five years, the area will be another drawcard for biotechnology
investors, with foreign companies expected to invest RM7 billion," state
Industry, Trade and Environment committee chairman Datuk Toh Chin Yaw told
Bernama after launching the Cycling Charity Marathon here today.
Toh said two companies -- one Korean and one French, with total investments
valued at RM2 billion -- have been given some land, while US-based Gevo Inc has
just signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government to invest
RM1.65 billion in a bio-isobutanol manufacturing plant.
This does not include investment in research of at least RM60 million and by
support industries, he said, adding the park will create some 3,500 skilled jobs
including for local engineers and researchers.
Toh said the state government has had talks with the investors on the
relevant courses that the state''s institutions of higher learning will need to
provide, and will introduce a scheme similar to Felda or Felcra for poor farmers
to plant fast-growing species such as ''petai belalang'' (Leucaena leucocephala)
and acacia as feedstock.
"We may give five or six acres (2 to 2.4 ha.) per person, and we can help
market their production," he said, describing it as another way for people in
the state to supplement their incomes.
-- BERNAMA
IB SHI WGM