One-stop centre for investors

Centre to fast-track applications and approvals for the ECER projects. -The Star

Wed, Jan 14, 2009, The Star, Roslina Mohamad

BENTONG, MALAYSIA: A one-stop centre will be set up to fast-track applications and approvals for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) projects.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the one-stop centre would be a single point of contact to process applications before approval by the Finance Ministry.

'Potential investors do not have to run around to get their applications done.'

'They will obtain the necessary information and understanding on essential matters involving their interests in one place,' he told a press conference after attending an ECER development council board meeting here yesterday.

The one-stop centre will have its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. An office will be set up in every state.

Abdullah also said that an allocation of RM2.6bil had been identified for 107 projects under the ECER with 48 already commenced last year.

'Twenty-nine more will begin by the middle of this year, with 22 projects to start before end of 2009. A further eight will be implemented by early of 2010,' he added.

On an agropolitan programme in Besut and Setiu, Abdullah said it would involve 3,000 poor households and would commence by the middle of this year.

He added that the infrastructure to support the various economic clusters, such as the Kuala Terengganu International Airport had been completed, while other projects such as Phase Two of the East Coast Expressway was expected to be completed by 2011.

To a question, he said projects under the ECER would continue and there would be no delay in spite of the current economic situation.

On whether there would be a second stimulus economic package, Abdullah said it would be announced if the need arose.