Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is calling for a request for proposal (RFP) to invite industry players to participate in the development of the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 (BKIP2) (Phase One).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the 559.64-acre parcel of land would undergo development through a ‘strategic partnership’ with PDC.

“The area in question does not involve any area owned by Sime Darby Plantation.

“This is the same parcel of land involved in the termination of a joint venture agreement by PDC with Umech Land Sdn Bhd, back in October last year (2023),” he told a media conference in Komtar yesterday.

PDC, in its statement on Oct 17 last year, announced the termination of a joint venture agreement with Umech Land Sdn Bhd for the development of BKIP2 (Phase One).

Chow said the pre-qualification tender for the RFP was advertised on Feb 8 this year.

“The relevant tender has been published in the main press and the PDC website. The advertisement period extends for six weeks, concluding on March 21 this year. The pre-qualification document is priced at RM1,000,” Chow added.

PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar said PDC would be directly involved in the development of BKIP2.

“PDC will ensure that the BKIP2 development plan meets the direction of the state government, including the selection of investors.

“Besides that, the corporation will also ensure that all development plans comply with the policies of the state government and local authorities, as well as other technical agencies.

“Thirdly, we will ensure the development of BKIP2 meets the set schedule,” he said.

Aziz emphasised that PDC remains steadfast in its commitment to fuelling the state’s economic growth, thereby generating job opportunities, fostering business prospects, and elevating the living standards of the people.

Meanwhile, Chow said PDC has, so far, developed nine industrial parks in Penang, totalling some 6,100 acres.

“These industrial parks are home to about 350 multinational and local corporations, as well as some 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“PDC is now actively developing three more new industrial parks – the Bandar Cassia Technology Park (382 acres), Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (622 acres) and Penang Science Park South (174 acres).

“The development of the three industrial parks, initiated in 2022, is anticipated to reach full completion by the year 2031,” Chow said.

Also present at the media conference were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo and Penang State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa.

Source: Buletin Mutiara