Kuala lumpur: The development of the Kedah Rubber City (KRC) industrial area is expected to bring broad economic benefits to local residents in the Padang Terap district, says Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid. He noted that residents had previously raised several matters, particularly concerning the opportunities that would become available once KRC became operational.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the main concerns highlighted by residents were employment prospects and improvements to basic infrastructure in line with the area's growth. Mahdzir explained that one of the key needs raised was the upgrading of the road linking Pokok Sena town to KRC into a four-lane route to support the growth of the rubber-based industry in the area. Residents are also seeking better job opportunities and improved living standards arising from the operation of KRC.

Mahdzir further stated that besides employment opportunities, the development of KRC is expected to spur improvements in public amenities. These include road upgrades, the construction of mosques and toilets, as well as community economic activities such as night markets, in line with the increasing number of workers in the area. He shared these details after attending a briefing on the progress of the project alongside Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan.

In addition, Mahdzir mentioned that KEDA and NCIA had agreed to establish a coordinating team to strengthen human capital development for KRC. He indicated that the development of KRC was expected to expand in stages, with the number of workers increasing over time. He cited Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kulim as a reference, which grew from about 500 workers in its early phase to over 45,000 workers after 30 years of operation.