KANGAR: The first phase of the Perlis Inland Port (PIP) is expected to be completed by the end of next year and operational in early 2024, says Datuk Seri Azlan Man.

       The Mentri Besar said the project would be able to boost economic development to benefit all stakeholders, including the people of Perlis.

       “The project is expected to create about 3,000 job opportunities with the presence of factories and the port by those who showed their interest to invest in Perlis.

       “I am putting a very conservative figure, as according to the developer (Mutiara Perlis Sdn Bhd), it expects as many as 5,000 jobs to be created.

       “In the long run, it is expected that 12,000 job opportunities will be created by 2030,” he told reporters at the PIP Development and Operation Cooperation agreement signing ceremony between Mutiara Perlis and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) yesterday.

       Azlan also said the project would create a wide range of opportunities for the people from the economic spillover.

       “If the economic spillover is effective, it will result in thousands of job opportunities in the forestry, retail, housing and construction sectors taking place in Padang Besar,” he said. — Bernama