Manufacturing Ecosystem In Perlis Still In Early Stages - MB

KANGAR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The industrial ecosystem in Perlis, particularly within the manufacturing sector, is still in its early stages, prompting the state government to adopt a gradual, supply-and-demand-driven approach to ensure that growth takes place organically and sustainably.

Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the presence of suppliers and vendors largely depends on the types of industries introduced and the scale of demand within the manufacturing sector, noting that Perlis already has a natural supply base to support industries that align with local strengths, such as the halal food sector and agro-product processing.

“However, for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, the vendor ecosystem is highly specialised, involving precision tooling, cleanroom services and specific materials, and Perlis does not yet have this supply chain. In such cases, the development of a supply chain typically follows only after the arrival of anchor investors, which is a normal progression in industry development,” he said.

“For example, in Penang, the semiconductor ecosystem developed only after anchor companies began operating, which then attracted vendors, subcontractors, component suppliers and technical service providers to grow around them.

“The state government expects a similar progression in the Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA) as industrial activities increase, although this will not happen overnight, as Penang itself began its development in the 1970s,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the State Assembly sitting at the Seri Putra Complex here today.

He said this in response to a question from Gan Ay Ling (Indera Kayangan-PH), who had asked about the mechanisms implemented by the Perlis government to ensure that local companies, particularly small-scale entrepreneurs, can participate in the supply chain of major projects such as the CVIA and the Perlis Inland Port (PIP), which are expected to be key drivers of the state’s economic growth.

Mohd Shukri said that in the logistics sector, the PIP is intended to serve as an ‘economic catalyst’, but its success depends on the development of a proper supply-and-demand ecosystem, as the logistics industry cannot grow without consistent cargo movement.

“Cargo traffic will not materialise without industrial activity and production in the surrounding areas, and logistics operators will not relocate to new sites without clear business prospects,” he said.

He said the state government recognises the importance of ensuring that Perlis-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs can participate in the supply chain of major state projects such as the CVIA and the PIP, and is adopting a realistic approach to gradually strengthen their involvement.

-- BERNAMA