Tahap tepu bina rendah beri ruang N Sembilan rancang pembangunan lebih strategik

The current physical built-up area in Negeri Sembilan accounts for around 12.55%, providing ample space for the state government to plan future development more strategically. This significant land availability is seen as an advantage to accommodate industrial expansion, construction of new towns, and attract both domestic and foreign investments in the future.

However, the minister emphasizes that this available land space must be utilized thoughtfully to ensure the physical growth of the state aligns with environmental interests, citizens' welfare, and the needs of future generations. The Negeri Sembilan 2040 Structural Design Plan serves as the fundamental document outlining the comprehensive physical development pattern of the state.

It encompasses not only physical planning but also serves as a strategic guide touching on economic, social, environmental, infrastructure, transportation, housing, and citizens' welfare aspects, along with necessary actions to be taken. The minister clarifies that development planning can no longer be carried out conventionally but rather must move towards smarter, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development to keep Negeri Sembilan competitive and capable of meeting the needs of future generations.

The strategic location of the state in the central region is also seen as an advantage for the state to develop as a magnet for investments, industries, education, tourism, and quality community development. The implementation of high-impact projects, particularly in the Seremban Economic Development Zone (ZED) and Port Dickson in the Malaysia Vision 2020 (MVV 2.0) corridor, is expected to drive industrial, investment, and land use growth.

The minister states that the economic growth target requires more effective land-use planning to ensure industrial, commercial, and new town development can take place without compromising sensitive environmental areas. To ensure balanced development, he mentions that Tampin, Jempol, Rembau, and Kuala Pilah will continue to be strengthened as agricultural activity hubs, while Jelebu will focus on tourism and ecotourism sectors.

In terms of technology, he adds, digitalization and application of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, will be applied in development management and government communication systems to improve efficiency in service delivery to the public. As a newly appointed minister for slightly over a month, he mentions three main pillars for development direction: stability, progress, and happiness, with a comprehensive strategy to attract more than RM30 billion in investments and create more than 50,000 job opportunities within five years.

In addition to focusing on strategic areas like MVV, the state government also strengthens the education and technical-vocational training (TVET) sector, aiming to train 20,000 local workers to meet industry needs. In the housing and infrastructure sector, the state aims to provide 25,000 new residential units, along with guaranteeing no increase in stamp duty for five years.

The development agenda also needs to be accompanied by efforts to ensure continued public welfare, including maintaining a strong poverty-free status and strengthening the social security network through initiatives like ‘1DUN 1 Ambulance’ and emergency medical assistance provision. Furthermore, the special package for the poor under the ‘Salam Syariah’ scheme is introduced, covering newborn financial assistance, scholarships for higher education up to RM1,500, RM5,000 graduation awards for graduates, and RM1,000 marriage incentives for youths.

These measures reflect the state government's ongoing commitment to ensuring economic development is pursued while preserving cultural heritage, conserving the environment, and strengthening social welfare for all segments of society.