MANJUNG: In a bid to invigorate its economic landscape, the Perak government, through the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (Perak SADC) in Malaysia, is embarking on a transformative journey with the establishment of the Perak Halal Industrial Park@Lekir (Perak HIP). This ambitious project, boasting a staggering Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM1 billion, signifies a significant shift in the state’s economic focus.
Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the Menteri Besar, enthusiastically unveiled this visionary endeavor. The Perak HIP, spanning an expansive 43 hectares, is set to unfold in three distinct phases, with full operational status expected by 2025.
Phase one, with a budget of RM100 million, primarily encompasses infrastructure development. It is slated for completion by 2024 and will be under the diligent stewardship of the Perak SADC. This transformative venture is poised to become the epicenter of the state’s burgeoning economy, simultaneously serving as a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs and halal business proprietors to showcase their products on the global stage.
Saarani Mohamad passionately articulated the project’s significance: “The Perak HIP is a natural extension of the local cattle program initiated by the Perak SADC in 2022. It promises to generate 300 employment opportunities for local residents and open doors for Bumiputera contractors in the G1 category.” He conveyed these remarks during a press conference held in Manjung.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Perak HIP project in Lekir witnessed Saarani Mohamad officiating the event, with the esteemed presence of Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun, the state’s Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture, and Food Industries Committee chairman, and Yahanis Yahya, the CEO of Perak SADC.
Saarani Mohamad emphasized that this development project would entice investors seeking strategic locations and state-of-the-art facilities, including an innovation-driven ecosystem integrated with Perak HIP. He remarked, “Perak HIP stands as a prime example of our commitment to fostering a robust halal industry by offering comprehensive facilities and infrastructure conducive to the sector’s rapid expansion.”
As a testament to this dedication, the Perak SADC has committed a total investment of RM20 million over the first two years. This allocation will encompass the construction of a vital flyover connecting the West Coast Expressway (WCE) directly to the Perak HIP, streamlining logistics.
The ceremony also featured Agrobank presenting a symbolic RM20 million check to the Perak SADC, earmarked to finance participants engaging with the Perak HIP. Furthermore, a letter of support for the proposed development was exchanged between Maybank Islamic Berhad and the Perak SADC, cementing their commitment to the project. A joint venture memorandum was also signed among Perak Agro Farm Sdn Bhd, Ladang Lekir Sdn. Bhd, and Eurofresh Sdn Bhd, highlighting their collaboration in advancing the local cattle industry.
The Perak HIP is poised to be outfitted with a comprehensive suite of amenities, including a meat processing center, a state-of-the-art slaughter and processing complex, a cutting-edge halal meat research and development center, a chicken processing hub, and an animal feed processing plant. This visionary project is set to reinvigorate Perak’s economy, create jobs, and position the state as a major player in the burgeoning halal industry.
