DATUK Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman is proposing an ambitious project that will encompass more than half of Terengganu at 56 per cent.
The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be divided into two conurbations, each to house various industries. The primary sector will cover 221,000ha, while the secondary sector, 508,400ha, for a total of 729,400ha.
To be modelled on the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in China, SEZ’s expansive coverage will include Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu and Marang.
Its purpose is to balance development between the state’s northern and southern regions.
For now, however, Razif said, the state government would focus on the secondary sector, covering from the south of Besut to Kenyir and a segment of Marang, where most incidents of poverty are recorded.
He said he would lead the team presenting the proposal to the prime minister soon. “Interested companies will be given tax relief.
This is to encourage investors.
“Moreover, if they want to participate, they (might) be offered incentives at the state and federal levels. But the matter is still being discussed.” He said the expansive coverage had led to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, who is in charge of economic planning, expressing concern.
“Wahid is worried because he said no one had requested for such a huge economic zone, especially one that is divided into two sectors. But our request is based on the fact that Terengganu’s population is scattered.
“For example, in Hulu Terengganu, one house is far from another. We are concentrating on the density of the population, which, in turn, will generate more economy.
“This will give 53 per cent of the (state) population a chance to benefit from SEZ. “We want to balance out the monopoly so that economic activities are not focused on the south.
“For instance, there is growth in tourism in Hulu Terengganu and we want to capitalise on this. This is why we have included Hulu Terengganu in SEZ.”
Just like its acronym namesake in China, SEZ will offer incentives to investors, including tax relief.-nst
