Perak Can Lead In Biotechnology Promotion

IPOH, April 13 (Bernama) -- Perak, rich in biodiversity, can be the prime mover in the push towards the development of the country's biotechnology industry.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said with its existing resources and the infrastructure well in place, Perak would be able to compete with other states in Malaysia to attract local and foreign investors.
The Perak government had identified three main areas in Belum, Manjung and Kampar to be turned into research and development (R&D) centres to boost the development of the industry in the state, he said in reply to Datuk Dr Ho Wai Cheong (BN-Teja) at the State Legislative Assembly here Thursday.
Tajol Rosli said several areas for biotechnology-based industries like the Perak High-Tech Park in Sungkai and the Bio-Valley in Kampar had been developed complete with the required infrastructure in view of the availability of the raw materials needed for the industry there.
Besides, a Biotechnology Development Committee had been set up to draw up the strategies for the industry's development in Perak, he said.
"The state government also gives various incentives like low premium on land provided and rental for R&D premises and allow the capitalisation of industrial lands or factories for potential and viable bio-technology projects," he said.