
NCER records RM20.38 billion in realised investments in Kedah last year
ALOR STAR: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) recorded RM20.38 billion in realised investments in Kedah in 2024, a significant increase from RM11.6 billion the previous year.
Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive, Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan, attributed this achievement to close collaboration between the Kedah state government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).
He said the positive investment trend had continued into 2025, with RM9.11 billion in realised investments recorded as of May 31, creating nearly 2,000 job opportunities.
"This strong performance reflects the high level of confidence investors and industry players have in the future potential of Kedah and the northern region as a whole.
"NCIA will continue to play a vital role, strengthening collaboration with the Kedah state government and relevant agencies to ensure investment realisation in the state meets the expectations of investors," he said in a statement issued after attending the Kedah NCER Steering Committee meeting, chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Meanwhile, Sanusi said that the NCIA had secured five investors for Phase 1 of the Kedah Rubber City (KRC) project, located in the Padang Terap district.
He added that Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) had completed the electricity infrastructure for KRC.
"The state government will apply for funding from the Economy Ministry to upgrade the road connecting Pokok Sena to Padang Terap," he told reporters following the meeting.
Sanusi also announced that the NCIA has attracted a potential investor for the Kedah Science and Technology Park in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
In addition, the NCIA has completed the Integrated Community and Economic Centre (iCON) project in Yan, while the Baling iCON facility has reached 90 per cent completion.
iCON is an extension of NCER's empowerNCER entrepreneurship development programme, aimed at improving community livelihoods and economic participation.
Sanusi expressed his gratitude to the federal government for facilitating the smooth implementation of NCIA-led projects across the state.

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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
NCER records RM20.38 billion in realised investments in Kedah last year
ALOR STAR: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) recorded RM20.38 billion in realised investments in Kedah in 2024, a significant increase from RM11.6 billion the previous year. Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive, Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan, attributed this achievement to close collaboration between the Kedah state government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). He said the positive investment trend had continued into 2025, with RM9.11 billion in realised investments recorded as of May 31, creating nearly 2,000 job opportunities. "This strong performance reflects the high level of confidence investors and industry players have in the future potential of Kedah and the northern region as a whole. "NCIA will continue to play a vital role, strengthening collaboration with the Kedah state government and relevant agencies to ensure investment realisation in the state meets the expectations of investors," he said in a statement issued after attending the Kedah NCER Steering Committee meeting, chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Meanwhile, Sanusi said that the NCIA had secured five investors for Phase 1 of the Kedah Rubber City (KRC) project, located in the Padang Terap district. He added that Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) had completed the electricity infrastructure for KRC. "The state government will apply for funding from the Economy Ministry to upgrade the road connecting Pokok Sena to Padang Terap," he told reporters following the meeting. Sanusi also announced that the NCIA has attracted a potential investor for the Kedah Science and Technology Park in Bukit Kayu Hitam. In addition, the NCIA has completed the Integrated Community and Economic Centre (iCON) project in Yan, while the Baling iCON facility has reached 90 per cent completion. iCON is an extension of NCER's empowerNCER entrepreneurship development programme, aimed at improving community livelihoods and economic participation. Sanusi expressed his gratitude to the federal government for facilitating the smooth implementation of NCIA-led projects across the state.


The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Kedah sees RM20.38b in realised investments
ALOR SETAR: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), through collaboration with the Kedah state government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), has realised investments totalling RM20.38 billion in 2024, up from RM11.6 billion recorded the previous year. NCER chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said this positive momentum has continued into this year, with RM9.11 billion in realised investments recorded as of May 31, creating nearly 2,000 jobs. 'This strong performance reflects investors' and industry players' confidence in Kedah's long-term prospects, and in the northern region as a whole. 'NCER will continue to play a key role while strengthening its cooperation with the state government and relevant agencies to ensure that the realisation of investments in Kedah is enhanced further and meets the standards expected by investors,' he said at the NCER Aidiladha Get-Together event here today. Prior to the event, the NCER presented its investment performance to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during the Kedah State Steering Committee Meeting. He was also given updates on strategic projects such as the Kedah Rubber City and the Kedah Science and Technology Park, as well as plans to boost Kedah's tourism sector. These include the implementation of the Integrated Economic and Community Centre (iCON), upgrades to tourism facilities in Mong Gajah and Tasik Pedu, and the development of Dataran Bukit Kayu Hitam. 'The iCON project is a continuation of NCER's entrepreneurship development programme, empowerNCER. 'Previously, entrepreneurs received training and support to start their businesses — now they are being provided with physical business premises to help accelerate their growth,' said Mohamad Haris. He added that the iCON Yan development is fully completed and will begin operations soon, while iCON Baling has reached 90 per cent completion. 'Demand for business space at both locations has been very encouraging due to rental rates being significantly lower than market value,' he said. Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said the state government is grateful and fully supports NCER's efforts to develop the iCON projects in Kedah, calling it a meaningful initiative to bridge the urban–rural development gap by unlocking the potential of less-developed areas. 'I hope NCER will continue to play its role in supporting the Kedah state government's socio-economic development efforts. 'I am confident there is still considerable potential in Kedah to be tapped, particularly in the investment, tourism, and agriculture sectors,' he said.


The Sun
29-05-2025
- The Sun
Winstar Capital to expand production capacity with 4 lines at new RM14.5m plant
KUALA LUMPUR: Winstar Capital Bhd's new facility, currently under construction in Ijok, Selangor, will boost annual manufacturing capacity to 15,285 tonnes from 6,705 tonnes. The target will be achieved through the acquisition of four additional aluminium extrusion lines. 'The new facility and the acquisition of four additional aluminium extrusion lines are part of our growth strategy, which will significantly boost our production capacity. This expansion is a key step in meeting rising demand and strengthening our market position,' Winstar Capital CEO Chua Boon Hong told reporters after the company's annual general meeting today. Winstar Capital has commenced construction of a manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing plant in Ijok, aiming to support its growth ambitions and meet rising demand. Known as the Lot 903 Facility, the new site, with an estimated cost of RM14.50 million, spans some 80,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate four aluminium extrusion lines along with expanded storage space. Chua said the expansion is progressing well under the original schedule, despite the current tariff episode created by the US government, which has disrupted the global supply chain. 'We anticipate stronger demand coming from our customers towards the end of 2025. We are likely to bring forward the installation of another two new aluminium extrusion lines by the first quarter of 2026, instead of only installing them in the second quarter of 2026,' he added. The new facility is financed through a combination of bank borrowings and internally generated funds, of which RM11.6 million in loans have been secured. In its presentation, Winstar Capital noted that the strategic expansion will boost the group's operational efficiency. Construction began in April 2024 with operations expected to commence by the third quarter of this year. The estimated cost of acquiring the new extrusion lines is RM9.55 million, which will be funded primarily with the proceeds from its public issue. Should there be any shortfall, the group intends to cover the additional costs using bank borrowings and internally generated funds. Chua said, 'With this expansion, we will be able to offer a broader range of extruded aluminium profiles to meet the diverse needs of our customers. As of Dec 31, 2024, we had a total of approximately 5,954 stock-keeping units for our aluminium extrusion segment and the trading and distribution of building materials segment.' He said that with higher tariffs imposed on Chinese aluminium product manufacturers by the US government, Winstar Capital has received a growing number of inquiries from potential European and US customers considering purchasing aluminium products from Malaysian manufacturers. 'Many of them are actively looking for alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia to reduce their overreliance on Chinese manufacturers. This shift in global sourcing is creating new opportunities for us,' Chua stated. Winstar Capital recorded revenue of RM203.39 million for FY24, marking an increase of RM49.7 million or 32.3% compared to RM153.69 million in FY23. The increase was mainly attributable to higher revenue from the aluminium extrusion segment, which rose by RM32.84 million, mainly due to greater demand from customers in the construction and property development industries. In tandem with the revenue growth, the group's gross profit increased by RM6 million, or 19.8%, from RM30.35 million in FY23 to RM36.35 million in FY24. Despite the increase in gross profit, Winstar Capital reported a decrease in profit before tax (PBT) by RM2.09 million, or 17.8%, from RM11.72 million in FY23 to RM9.63 million in FY24. The PBT margin decreased from 7.6% in FY23 to 4.7% in FY24.