Gov't urged to build more affordable business premises in Pengerang

ISKANDAR PUTRI: The state government has been urged to build more affordable business premises in Pengerang, near Kota Tinggi, to enable the local community to benefit from the mega projects being developed in the area.
Tanjung assemblyman Datuk Syed Sis Abd Rahman said the existing business premises imposed high rental rates, which was a burden to smaller businesses.
"I have found shop houses around Pengerang charging rental rates of up to RM6,000 or RM7,000. Therefore, I urge the government agencies to build premises which are affordable to purchase or rent to avoid these traders from being left behind," he said at the Johor State Assembly in Kota Iskandar here, today.
He said the Johor Petroleum Development Corporation (JPDC) and Petronas had already held meetings with the community around Pengerang, to be prepared for post-development opportunities.
"The meeting was held in March, and among issues discussed were for local communities to seize opportunities as contractors, suppliers and others," he said.
According to Syed Sis, Pengerang was currently undergoing rapid development due to the mega development project — Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) in the area which was now about 60% completed.
He said Saudi Arabian petroleum investment company Saudi Aramco's investment in the RAPID project had also put Pengerang on the map as a strategic investment location.
Meanwhile, Syed Sis also urged the authorities to maintain the roads leading to Pengerang, as the main route to the area was not deemed suitable.
He said this included the Senai-Desaru Highway involving the stretch from the bridge to the Bandar Penawar crossroad. — Bernama