China-Malaysia investment projects starting later this year

KUALA LUMPUR - Projects involving Chinese investments to Malaysia are expected to start late this year.

However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim informed two automotive industry companies are prepared to launch programmes as early as next month.

"The initial company Geely will be present at the beginning of next month and this was confirmed by Proton, they are to implement the programme in Tanjung Malim along with existing (programmes).

"Geely would only expand the original project to electric vehicles (EVs) and such.

"What has been decided (Investment projects) involves companies monitored by the International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Chinese government which are companies that will implement it (starting) at the end of the year or latest by next year," he said during the minister's question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

Anwar was answering an additional question from Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) who wanted to know when the investment would be implemented and how much job opportunities it would be able to create.

The Tambun MP explained 35,000 job opportunities will be created and would benefit the locals.

"However, I think it will not happen instantaneously as Proton would need 1,500 staff in the initial stages and other companies have yet to state the total number of jobs.

"I ask these companies to prepare training programmes to ensure locals are hired. Geely agreed to bring 300 locals to China for specialisation training," he said.