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Ayer Keroh, 25 Jun: The achievement of Melaka State Government to attract 61 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies and 6 multi-national companies with Multimedia super Corridor (MSC) status to invest and operates in Cyber Centre MSC Malaysia signifies their confident in the infrastructures’ quality and services that has been offered, said Datuk Seri Utama Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Datuk Seri Utama said that this is also a sign of awareness and assurance in the global stage regarding the MSC Malaysia brand that is synonymous with the height of excellence with a sensible price.
He said, The Government will continuously support the effort of the Melaka State Government to promote the MITC Cyber Centre globally. He said this is in line with the plans contained in the Ninth Malaysia Plan, where the Federal Government will take appropriate steps to ensure that Malaysia remains a chosen destination in the ICT sector. “This clearly shows the global community’s confidence in the MSC Malaysia brand name, which has become well-known for high quality at a very affordable price,” he said when officiating the MSC Malaysia Cybercentre @ MITC Melaka today.
Also present were Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam; Minister of Science, Teachnolgy and Innovation, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Datuk Wira Mo’min Abdul Aziz; State Secretary, Datuk Wira Ismail Saleh, Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDec) Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, Secretary-General of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut, State Exco members and others. Apart from that, some 1,000 computers trainees comprising housewives, pensioners and students were also among those present at the ceremony. They were there to showcase their knowledge and expertise in the ICT field to the Prime Minister.
The awarding of the MSC Cybercentre status to Melaka reflects the Federal Government’s acknowledgement for the efforts carried out by the State Government to develop the ICT sector for the benefits of the public. Melaka is the third State after Penang and Kedah to have its own ICT facilities with MSC status. Prior to this, the development of MSC Malaysia Cybercities were contracted in Penang Cybercity One and Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
Abdullah said, with 163 international companies operating in Melaka, there is an endless opportunity for these companies to venture, and thus contributing to the State’s economic development. “With this CyberCentre, out-sourcing companies, especially those operating in neighbouring countries can be attracted to invest or utilize the facilities at the MITC Cyber Centre,” he added. The Prime Minister said by expanding the MSC Malaysia areas to more places in Malaysia, it will help shrink the digital divide among societies. “I am confident that the expansion of the MSC Malaysia areas will provide a strong foundation to develop the country’s economy apart from giving rise to a knowledgeable society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said the second phase of the MSC development, which will be concentrated in Taman Tasik Utama, will commence next year. He said the State Government had spent about RM28.5 million to develop the infrastructure in the MITC area, and had attracted investment totaling RM42.4 million. Apart from that, Mohd Ali also invited ICT companies to take up office spaces in the Media House, which is currently under construction. He said once it begins operation, the MITC area will become the State and the southern region’s premier IT hub. “As such, I hope that all investors will grab this opportunity in order to assist the State Government achieve it aspiration in making Melaka a developed state by 2010,” he added. |
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