Loke urges Negeri Sembilan to fast-track planning approval for AI-driven port in PD
SEREMBAN, April 28 — The Negeri Sembilan government, particularly the local authority concerned, has been urged to expedite the processing of the Planning Approval application for the construction of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven container port in Port Dickson (PD).
Anthony Loke (PH-Chennah) said the project is a crucial catalyst for the development of Negeri Sembilan, particularly in advancing the Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) 2.0 initiative, and in strengthening the state's industrial sector.
'I have been informed that the investment for the project from a private company has been secured and the funding to build the port is already available. Therefore, I hope the State Executive Council and the Port Dickson Municipal Council, will give serious attention to the development of this project.
'I jokingly told the Prime Minister that Port Dickson has the word 'Port' in its name but there is no actual port, only a jetty. We hope this container port will be realised, as it will be the first container port development within the state's maritime boundary,' he said when debating the motion of thanks for the Royal Address at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Loke, who is also Transport Minister and Seremban MP, further expressed hope that the state government would prioritise approval of semiconductor investments under the MVV 2.0 project, to ensure the sector continues to grow, especially given the current high demand for semiconductors.
He added that Negeri Sembilan could also seize the opportunity to develop an industrial park through the collaboration under the 'Two Countries, Twin Parks' project between China and Malaysia, for which a memorandum of understanding was recently signed.
Meanwhile, Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN-Johol) proposed the establishment of a special state investment team to explore alternative markets such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, while enhancing facilities for investors in green technology and automation in line with the digitalisation agenda.
He also suggested that government-linked companies should become more aggressive in driving the state's economy, rather than relying solely on conventional business models, as the world is rapidly moving towards AI and data-driven economies.
Opposition Leader Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (PN–Labu) voiced concern over the rising use of vape among the younger generation in the state, viewing it as a serious threat to public health.
Tensions rose briefly when Mohamad Hanifah questioned the allocation of only 20 minutes for his debate speech, compared to other states where opposition leaders are given up to 45 minutes.
Following this, Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman reprimanded Mohamad Hanifah and clarified that the speaking time allotted was the same for all State Assembly members (ADUNs). — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
PH defends Anwar amid civil suit: No grounds for gardening leave
FOR years, Malaysians heard the call from PH for prime ministers and ministers to go on 'gardening' leave or to simply quit their posts in the event of investigations against them. However, with a PH leader now leading the country, the party of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has seemingly made a U-turn on such policies. Bryan Ng Yih Miin, Strategic Director of Angkatan Muda KEADILAN (AMK) Malaysia, dismissed opposition calls for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take leave over a civil lawsuit, calling them legally baseless and contrary to parliamentary norms. He emphasised that in the Westminster system, taking leave is only appropriate in cases of criminal misconduct or serious conflicts of interest, not civil disputes. Bryan warned that applying such a standard broadly would destabilise governance, as many leaders face civil suits that do not imply guilt or criminal wrongdoing. 'In the Westminster system, only when a leader is being investigated for serious misconduct, or if there is a serious conflict of interest, would taking leave or resigning be considered appropriate or ethical,' he said. 'A civil suit, such as a defamation case, is a dispute between individuals or private parties and does not involve criminal investigations, corruption, or abuse of power in an official capacity,' he explained when contacted by Suara Keadilan. Meanwhile, Hanani Dhamirah, a member of Angkatan Muda Keadilan Malaysia, rejected the call by Srikandi Muda Bersatu for Anwar Ibrahim to go on leave, calling it baseless and a misuse of legal processes. She argued that it does not warrant taking leave, as civil cases are personal legal disputes, not evidence of wrongdoing or prosecution. Mohamad Shahrul Adnan, Chief of Angkatan Muda Keadilan Klang added that the call is a political distraction, not grounded in legal facts. Shahrul also emphasised that there is no legal basis requiring Anwar to take leave and that he continues to perform his duties with integrity. He further accused PAS of misusing legal issues for political gain and attempting to divert attention from their own failures in state governance and lack of constructive national opposition. Shahrul urged all parties, especially PAS, to respect the ongoing legal process and avoid politicising court matters for short-term political advantage. —June 8, 2025 Main image: Media Madani
BusinessToday
a day ago
- BusinessToday
Negeri Sembilan's Bold Plans As Malaysia's Next Smart Economic Hub
Negeri Sembilan is stepping confidently into the national spotlight with bold plans to become Malaysia's next smart and sustainable economic hub, according to a new report by MIDF Research. The 'Negeri Sembilan – The Next Smart Frontier' , outlined the state's ambitions through Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0), a megaproject spanning 153,000 hectares across Seremban and Port Dickson, designed to anchor growth in high-value industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, biotechnology, and halal manufacturing. Driving Growth with MVV 2.0 MVV 2.0 aims to transform Negeri Sembilan into a high-tech investment hub through a series of strategic zones: Negeri Sembilan High-Tech Industrial Park Aerospace Valley Port Dickson Free Zone and Smart AI Container Port Semiconductor Valley in Senawang Integrated Maritime Hub and Tourism Waterfront Each of these parcels is designed to draw foreign direct investments (FDI), enhance logistics infrastructure, and create high-skilled jobs. Strong FDI Momentum Negeri Sembilan has already attracted RM24.1 billion in foreign investments since 2019, with South Korea, Singapore, France, China, and Taiwan leading the pack. Major projects include: F&N's RM1.8 billion AgriValley in Gemas France's Safran Landing Systems expansion (RM650 million) Semiconductor ventures from Taiwan and South Korea Fast Lane for Investors To accelerate project implementation, Negeri Sembilan launched the 'Fast Lane' initiative, which cuts approval times from 24 to just 14 months. This proactive approach has helped the state become a top FDI destination post-pandemic. Human Capital as a Growth Engine The state is also investing in talent through partnerships between industries and institutions like UiTM and polytechnics. A standout example includes EV companies collaborating with local universities to train job-ready graduates. Negeri Sembilan consistently ranks among the top performers in national education metrics. Digital and Green Development The Negeri Sembilan Digital Economy Blueprint 2027 aims to transition the state into a digital powerhouse. Key plans include: Establishment of Tech Valley in Sendayan Smart agriculture initiatives N9PAY for digital government services Collaboration with Amazon, TikTok, and Tooying for e-commerce On the sustainability front, a 1,400MW gas power plant by Malakoff and numerous solar EPCC projects are set to power the state's green transition. Solar players such as Samaiden, Pekat, and Sunview are expected to benefit from rising demand. Sectoral Growth and Key Beneficiaries Industrial Property & Construction: Developers like Matrix Concepts, Eco World, and Sime Darby Property are positioned to gain from massive industrial developments within MVV 2.0. Gamuda, IJM Corp, and Sunway Construction are also seen as prime beneficiaries of infrastructure and data centre contracts worth up to RM18 billion. Consumer & Halal Sectors: The growth of halal manufacturing zones and logistics hubs directly benefits consumer brands like F&N, Dutch Lady, Farm Fresh, and Tyson Foods. The state's vision to lead Malaysia's halal and dairy supply chains further reinforces this trajectory. Technology: With RM2.75 billion in E&E investments since 2019, the creation of Semiconductor Valley in Senawang is a key pillar under the National Semiconductor Strategy. Samsung SDI's presence affirms the state's role in the global semiconductor supply chain. Logistics & Transportation: Tanco Holdings' AI Smart Port and Port Dickson Free Zone aim to ease congestion at Port Klang and attract maritime traffic. Logistics players such as Tasco and Swift Haulage are expected to benefit from enhanced connectivity and warehousing demand. Plantation: With 36,000+ hectares of oil palm estates, SD Guthrie stands to gain the most from potential land monetisation within MVV zones, offering windfall gains amid the expanding development footprint. Ambitious Long-Term Vision The state's medium-term Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (2021–2025) and long-term Negeri Sembilan Maju 2045 blueprint align with national goals like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and SDGs. The goal is to grow GDP by a robust 8.1% CAGR through 2045, backed by urbanisation and industrialisation. Related
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Boycott PKR in GE16 greets Nurul Izzah's victory; grassroots foresee rot from prevalent family ties
WHAT an anti-climax! Instead of being jubilant, many Reformasi diehards who have been vital lynchpins to PKR's very existence have vowed to disassociate themselves from the party which they claimed have switched to self-destruction mode following Nurul Izzah Anwar's victory against incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in the PKR deputy presidency race. This came about as Malaysiakini broke the news citing party election committee chairperson Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa as having announced that Nurul Izzah has toppled the Economy Minister with 9,803 votes. Tak rasmi: Rafizi kalah pemilihan PKR — Malaysiakini (BM) (@mkini_bm) May 23, 2025 Although Dr Zaliha did not state the number of votes polled by Rafizi, it was revealed in the party's Borang Keputusan (Borang 14) that the Pandan MP garnered only 3,866 votes which means the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won by an overwhelming majority of 5,937 votes or 60.6% margin. Sarcasm of sorts filled the news portal's comments section with the most popular being 'hopefully later, Nurul Izzah's other sisters will contest for the party's vice-presidency'. Another insinuated that her younger siblings may even vie for head of PKR's youth wing or even PMX's son-in-law (Nurul Izzah's husband) as a member of the party's Central Leadership Council (MPP). On a more serious note, many anticipated the party to languish from nepotism, hence wanting to disassociate themselves from PKR come the 16th General Election (GE16). Boycotting the party or abstain from voting in GE16 which means turning their back to the PKR-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition would point to PMX being a one-term premier, insinuated one disgruntled grassroot member. One commenter expressed disbelief at how PMX used to hit out at twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for promoting his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as his successor yet he (PMX) himself is doing the exact same thing now. Another contended that it has become clear why prominent leaders like Datuk Ezam Mohd Nor (a founding PJR member) or Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (former deputy president) eventually left the party to join the opposition while one is bracing for PKR/ruling PH coalition to come under fire from their own supporters. 'There's no need to await the official results for the writing was already on the wall … I wish PH a happy return to being an opposition … confirm you shall be a flop in GE16; you've lost my vote,' fumed one supposedly staunch PKR backer. While it may be too soon to gauge the anticipated devastation, one 'overseas-stationed' commenter summed up that his entire family members who are still residing in Malaysia will no longer vote for Nurul Izzah, her father, her mother 'or the party now gasping under the weight of your entitlement!' – May 24, 2025
