Greater Klang Valley should become special economic zone, says Amirudin

• Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari: I do not see why the Greater Klang Valley cannot compete and become an alternative to the city of Singapore or Greater Seoul or Greater Tokyo, and with the existence of mutual understanding and cooperation between the state and federal governments.

KLANG (Feb 5): Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pictured) said that he will meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the plan to turn the Greater Klang Valley into a special economic zone while increasing the area's potential.

He said that the initiative, involving four cities in the state, namely Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang, will boost investment and emerge as the main economic concept in Southeast Asia.

"I do not see why the Greater Klang Valley cannot compete and become an alternative to the city of Singapore or Greater Seoul or Greater Tokyo, and with the existence of mutual understanding and cooperation between the state and federal governments.

"I will discuss with the prime minister so that the Greater Klang Valley is given special economic zone status, so that the full potential of these four cities can be realised," Amirudin said in his speech at the Royal Klang City Council's (MBDK) proclamation ceremony at a hotel here on Monday.

At the ceremony, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah proclaimed the Klang Municipal Council as MBDK, effective from Nov 23 last year.

Sultan Sharafuddin also consented to appoint Datin Noraini Roslan as the mayor of MBDK, in accordance with Section 10 (1) of the Local Government Act 1976.

Meanwhile, Amirudin said that although the areas within the Greater Klang Valley are mature cities, the rejuvenation and regeneration efforts of these areas can attract investment in the digital industry and high technology.

"Among them are artificial intelligence, the placement of data centres, as well as a model for government service management systems, which remove aspects of duplication and are based on sustainable management," he said.

He said that the Greater Klang Valley had 3.4 million residents, which is almost 50% of the total population in Selangor, and more than 10% of the total population of the entire country.

He said that Klang City had continued to grow into one of the main economic centres of the country, apart from the centre of administration, industry, and tourism, which reflects the wealth of the localities and communities with multiple cultures and beliefs.

"Additionally, Klang is the 12th busiest port in the world, and the second busiest in Southeast Asia. When meeting local and foreign investors, I often mention that Selangor is the gateway to Asean and Klang, while its port is the gateway to Malaysia's economy," Amirudin said.

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!