The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) has successfully attracted cumulative investments exceeding RM31 billion across 21 projects, with plans to create more than 14,000 employment opportunities, according to Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Liew Chin Tong.
Out of the total investment of RM31 billion, RM14.6 billion has already been realized. To meet the increasing demand, the industrial area of MCKIP has been significantly expanded, nearly tripling in size from 1,200 acres to 3,500 acres.
Liew stated in Dewan Rakyat that MCKIP has become a pivotal driver of economic growth in the East Coast Region of Malaysia, contributing to the creation of job opportunities for local residents.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks in response to a query raised by Machang Member of Parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal regarding the government’s stance on Chinese investments in Malaysia, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Wan Ahmad Fayhsal raised concerns about potential risks, loan prospects, long-term implications, environmental costs, “debt traps,” and threats to national sovereignty.
Liew emphasized that Malaysia and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on May 13, 2017, to promote joint economic development within the framework of the Silk Road and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, officially marking Malaysia’s participation as a member of the BRI.
He highlighted that since the signing of the BRI MOU, Malaysia and China have jointly announced two BRI cooperation projects: MCKIP in Pahang and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP) in Guangxi Province.
Liew clarified that the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), responsible for implementing and monitoring the BRI in Malaysia, is committed to identifying new opportunities under the BRI to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
He added that MCKIP is the sole official collaboration under the BRI at present and emphasized that the National Investment Council (NIC) and the National Committee on Investment (NCI) play crucial roles in approving foreign investments aligned with Malaysia’s investment direction.
MCKIP serves as a testament to the positive impact of Chinese investment in Malaysia and contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
