SEREMBAN - Negri Sembilan is set to have a small-caliber ammunition factory built in Senaling, Kuala Pilah.
State Investment, Industry, Entrepreneurship, Education and Human Capital executive committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek said the factory will be developed on an area of 80.93 hectares by the company Myaltech Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan Corporation, which involved an initial investment value of RM80 million.
"Naziran visits have already been held at the land site in Senaling by all stakeholders including the Home Ministry and police six months ago.
"We are waiting for the final decision from the Home Ministry and I understand that it is in the process of studies. Insha Allah, there will be a final decision about it in the near future," he told Sinar Harian on Monday.
He said, Myaltech Sdn Bhd will engage expertise from a leading Swiss ammunition manufacturer that dominates most markets in Europe.
According to Mohamad Rafie, the construction of this factory is expected to reduce the country's dependence on weapons imports.
"I can say this factory is one of the most advanced in the country. If everything goes well, I expect construction to start this year and it will be able to provide about 200 skilled job opportunities for local youth, especially in Kuala Pilah," he said.
In addition, he said, the community does not need to worry about safety due to the existence of the factory because it must be one of the priorities given by the state government when it operates.