PORT DICKSON: The Federal Government remains committed to supporting the development of the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) plan, which has to date seen the signing of agreements totalling RM15.6bil, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the Transport; Works; Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change; and Investment, Trade and Industry ministries would examine the investment initiatives by the Negri Sembilan government to help realise the objectives of MVV 2.0.

“As a former Port Dickson MP, I have been closely monitoring the development of MVV 2.0 and have been briefed multiple times by the state exco member in charge.“As of the fourth quarter of last year, some 3,500 acres (1,416ha) of land within the development have been identified, and I hope that the groundwork for the projects such as the NS Smart Park spanning 1,300 acres (526ha), the NS Semiconductor Valley covering 841 acres (340ha), and the residential area spanning 1,350 acres (546ha) within the Smart County can take off,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Catalyst Projects for MVV 2.0.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof read his speech.

MVV 2.0, launched in December 2018, is an integrated economic region and a state-led, private-sector-driven development.

The development spans 153,411 ha, covering Seremban and Port Dickson.

Anwar said the various development concepts that have been proposed under MVV 2.0, including the creation of a Smart County, a High-Tech Industrial Park, an Unmanned Vehicle Valley and the NS Semiconductor Valley, should be developed in a targeted and sustainable manner and be holistic in terms of economic, social, and environmental aspects.

He added that the strategically located MVV 2.0, also a part of the Greater Klang Valley, was one of the country’s important economic corridors and would play a significant role in developing the national economy.

“The plan to develop the NS Aerospace Valley as a hub for the aircraft manufacturing industry, targeting the complete ecosystem for a final assembly line that lies right next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, may improve Malaysia’s contribution to this industry, which currently lingers at around 5%.

“Malaysia is not that far behind in the aerospace industry, as various foreign and local companies operate in the country. Local companies such as Composites Technology Research Malaysia, which produces composite materials for aircraft manufacturing, are internationally recognised because their products are supplied to leading companies such as Airbus and Boeing,” he said.

Anwar said efforts to develop Port Dickson into a maritime hub while preserving its coastal beauty as a tourist destination would also significantly affect the country’s economy.

“Looking at the Malacca Strait, we find one of the busiest shipping routes in the world with more than 100,000 cargo vessels passing through every year.

“With 300 cargo vessels transiting the strait each day, it makes sense for us to strive towards developing the maritime trading economy,” he added.

He said the MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) industry in the shipping sector, bunkering services, the supply of water and food, and shipbuilding should also be pursued.

Anwar said that although many jobs would be created in MVV 2.0, it was important that local entrepreneurs be allowed to participate in the industry ecosystem and that there be technology transfer to local companies.

“I am confident that these efforts will make Seremban and Port Dickson on par with or better than cities like Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and other urban areas,” he added.