PKNP - Lifeline to The 21st Century

IN RETROSPECT

Pahang's industrial history goes back as far as twenty years ago, when the Bumiputra Economic Congress was held in Malice in 1965. As a result, the Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Pahang ( PKNP ) or Pahang State Development Corporation was born, commencing its functions and duties under the vested interests of the Enakmen Lembaga Kemajuan Negeri Pahang ( Pahang State Development Enactment ). It began operations two years later, concentrating on important objectives to increase, encourage and render services, which, in turn, would accelerate the development of Pahang's rural socio-economy.

OBJECTIVES & FUNCTIONS -
PAST AND PRESENT pknp

Among the more crucial objectives was the improvement of the State's infrastructure in the quest to heighten Pahang's stature as an industrial success story. Another aspect was the tourism sector, which the State Government recognised  as a billion dollar industry. As such, PKNP was given the important task of supporting, co-ordinating and vitalising the tourism infrastructure.

    Pahang's aspiration to become an economic top gun did not cease here. Measures were also taken to enhance and promote other related activities. In 1988, bold steps were taken to form two subsidiaries ; Pasdec Corporation Sdn.Bhd. ( currently known as Pasdec Holdings Bhd. ) and Pascorp Holdings Sdn.Bhd. ( now known as Pasdec Resources ). Each possessed different strategies, but shared identical goals - to raise the living standards and heighten economic progress for Pahang's populace.
       
    Upon taking on responsibilities and duties as promoter for investments - especially in the industrial sector - PKNP set in motion procedures to create a conducive investment environment which would meet the needs of potential business endeavours seeking to set up in Pahang. To do this, measures were undertaken, and these involved dissemination of information via promotional materials, investment missions, exhibitions and trade fairs. In addition, PKNP spearheaded various small, medium and large projects in order to ensure the inflow of currency assigned for the State's development. This was disseminated via federal government funds or investments.

    In an effort to reach out to investors speedily, trade and investment missions have been conducted in East Asian and European countries. Some of the countries visited were Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Germany, United Kingdom and Finland. This has led to land developments, land sales and job creations in Pahang. By the end of 1996, more than 1,808 hectares of land had been developed and almost 37,000 jobs had been created. For example, Amoco Chemical (M) Sdn.Bhd. invested RM. 1.2billion in a chemical plant on a six hectare site. Already boasting of 380 locals under its wing, it now plans to spend RM 40 million for training and skill development, mostly for its local employees.

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    To ensure an educated and skillful pool of manpower - one of the more important aspects attracting foreign investors to Pahang State is the setting up of the Pahang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) which provides pre-employment training, re-training, manpower information and technology awareness. Training programmes range from technical to managerial levels, keeping in line with its aim to fully tap all inherent potential in each worker.
MAKING A STAND - THE OSA

The main reason for transforming itself into a One Stop Agency (OSA) was to attract foreign and local investors to look at Pahang as an ideal location for all their business needs. PKNP then created strategies to transform Pahang into a vibrant and dynamic investment center. From hereon, its responsibilities fell into four crucial areas; namely as promoter of investments, facilitator for investors' applications, co-ordinator of construction works and advisor to investors.

For instance, it manages all applications, co-ordinating with various State and Federal Authorities to obtain the relevant approvals for investors. It also receives the application of land/factory sites, whereby it analyses the suitability and relevant infrastructure requirements.

ACHIEVEMENTS

With over twenty years of experience and commitment to its field of service. PKNP has done its fair share and more to ensure the betterment of Pahang. This was evident when it successfully launched more than 10,000 units of residential and shop houses in areas such as Sg. Marong, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan, Temerloh, Mentakab, Pekan, Maran, Kuala Pahang and Sri Rompin - all of which totalled some RM54.9 million by the end of the Fifth Malaysian Plan. Out of 10,843 units of housing and shop houses, 4,644 were low cost government houses and 1,018 low cost PKNP houses. Shop houses numbered 657 units. In addition, PKNP controls and maintains the pricing of these properties as a safeguard against speculators.

    Another gratifying achievement for the Corporation is that it successfully increased Bumputra participation in business. Employing a pragmatic approach, the state body has (and still is) effectively conducted training schemes, workshops, seminars, motivational courses as well as provided professional guidance to develop and upgrade Bumputra entrepreneurs. To date, PKNP has trained more than a 3,000 Bumiputras.

    PKNP's subsidiaries have shone in similar capacities, helping to implement PKNP's socio-economic programmes effectively. For instance, Pasdec Holdings Bhd. concentrated its efforts in the areas of property, tourism and industrial sectors. Read this as numerous building projects, landed property, mining and trading. One of the earliest and more notable projects is the development of Bandar Indera Mahkota, twin city to Kuantan. The new township was established as the gateway to the East Coast. From the very beginning, every effort was made to make Indera Mahkota a fully integrated town, fitted out with wholesome infrastructure facilities, residential areas, shoplots, industrial estates, educational institutions, recreational centres and public amenities. Apart from this Pasdec Holdings also seeks opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and the hotel industry.

For all its efforts, Pasdec Holdings attained public listing on the KLSE's main board, spurring it further into corporate dimensions which are favorable to Pahang's economic climate and growth.

PKNP is serious in turning the Peninsula's largest state into the country's biggest tourism draw. The State's long term plan, is showing good results, as it has recorded ever increasing returns over the years. Approximately, RM1.52 billion has been earned from tourism spending until 1996. Second subsidiary, Pasdec Resources Sdn. Bhd. is also actively involved in the tourism industry as well as the manufacturing industry. Pasdec Resources concentrates on encouraging joint venture projects to spur manufacturing activities in Pahang. For instance, it recently went into a joint venture with Sitt Tatt (M) Sdn. Bhd. to provide supply industrial gases to the State.pasdec1

INTO THE FUTURE

PKNP will continue to plan and implement development programmes for the benefit of Pahang. An underwater cable system in Cherating is being built by Telekom Malaysia. Once operational, links between Telekom Malaysia, Asia Pacific Cable Network and the Earth Satellite Station in Beserah. This, in turn, will launch the State out into areas of information technology, financial and health services.

The incentive to create greater employment opportunities remains PKNP's main agenda. Now is also the time to contemplate other issues such as correcting the Forex imbalances via import substitution, progress towards a more export oriented environment, increase value-added quality to local products and to adopt a multiplier effect on local economy.

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