Rapid Development, Investment Make Negeri Sembilan A Dynamic Economic Hub

 SEREMBAN, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Rapid development and a steady influx of new investments have positioned Negeri Sembilan as one of the most dynamic investment destinations in the peninsula, further strengthening its role as a growing economic hub.

Chennah Assemblyman Anthony Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said this investment momentum is evident from the construction of new factories and increased land purchases, the rise in land acquisitions, which in turn contributes to the increase in the state government's land premium collection.

“This can be clearly seen in the non-tax revenue for 2026, projected at RM372 million, driven largely by land premiums, similar to the trend over the past two years.

“To sustain this level of revenue, the state government’s goal of reaching RM1 billion in revenue by 2030 is achievable, provided efforts continue to be made to maintain a consistently positive investment climate,” he said during a debate session at the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly today.

Loke said the state government's target to achieve revenue collection of RM1 billion by 2030, given the current investment trajectory, but emphasised the need for continuous initiatives to ensure the state remains conducive and attractive to investors.

He said the Seremban Sentral project is a key catalyst in the city’s transformation into a modern, sustainable economic centre and will become a new landmark for Seremban.

The Seremban Member of Parliament said the development includes a shopping mall, a private medical centre and an office tower, all integrated with the Seremban Railway Station, a design that will strengthen the area’s role as a strategic transport hub.

Loke added that Seremban’s importance as a mobility hub is set to rise with the construction of a new station and the launch this week of the Southern ETS (Kuala Lumpur–Johor Bahru) service.

According to him, the federal government is upgrading and redeveloping the double track between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur, a project expected to be completed within one to two years.

Meanwhile, Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN-Johol) said the state has recorded stable economic performance and is forecast to grow by 3.7 to 4.0 per cent next year, in line with national projections.

“This shows the state is on a strong trajectory despite global economic uncertainties. The unemployment rate has been kept low at about 2.9 per cent, while inflation is under control at around 1.7 per cent.

“This performance not only boosts investor confidence but also eases the burden on the public. It reflects the state’s economic fundamentals supported by manufacturing, modern agriculture, tourism and rising workforce productivity,” he said.

Saiful Yazan also praised the state’s success in attracting investments, noting RM7.2 billion in 2024 and RM6.2 billion as of the third quarter this year, with a projected RM8 billion next year.

In another development, Opposition Leader Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (PN-Labu) urged the state government to install landmarks at the state’s main entrances in conjunction with Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 to accelerate and broaden promotional efforts.

Mohamad Hanifah welcomed the state’s decision to increase bonus payment to state civil servants between two and three months’ salary based on performance, but asked for a detailed explanation of the evaluation method to ensure the results are transparent and objective, with clear performance indicators.

The State Assembly sitting continues tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA